Galveston Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with very warm air temperatures, feeling like 25 °C once we account for air movement. In contrast the sea remains relatively cold (19 °C). Surfers should wear a spring or summer wetsuit though no doubt some would wear less neoprene on such a warm day, no matter what temperature the sea is.

Map of current United States Surface Water Temperatures based on measurements from oceanographic satellites

Map of current United States Sea Water Temperature Anomalies (compared with long term averages at this time of year)

(click thumbnails to expand)

Below is a graph of Historical Sea Surface Temperature for Galveston. This has been derived from analysis of two decades of oceanographic satellite measurements of nearby open water. We have calculated the average water temperature variation around the year as well as the extremes that have been observed on each date.

All of the graphs for the surf breaks presented on Surf-Forecast.com are on the same scale to enable comparison between locations around the world.

Galveston sea temperatures peak in the range 28 to 30°C (82 to 86°F) on around the 30th of July and are at their coldest on about the 7th of February, in the range 16 to 20°C (61 to 68°F). Year round warm sea temperatures at Galveston climb to their maximum at the tail of July. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. The coldest seasonal sea temperatures at Galveston in the first part of February lend themselves to a 4/3mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit and 3mm neoprene boots.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Galveston can vary by several degrees compared with these open water averages. This is especially true after heavy rain, close to river mouths or after long periods of strong offshore winds. Offshore winds cause colder deep water to replace surface water that has been warmed by the sun. Air temperature, wind-chill and sunshine should also be considered before deciding on the kind of wetsuit needed to stay warm when surfing at Galveston. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.