Outside Shoals Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with pleasantly warm air temperatures (feeling like 21 °C once we account for wind), yet at 19 °C the sea remains several degrees colder than the air at Outside Shoals. The majority of surfers will need a spring wetsuit though a summer suit or even a shorty may suffice for a short session.

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 Outside Shoals. 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.

Outside Shoals water temperatures peak in the range 23 to 26°C (73 to 79°F) on around the 9th of August and are at their minimum on about the 1st of March, in the range 3 to 7°C (37 to 45°F). Outside Shoals water temperatures are always warm reach their highest in early to mid August. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy. The minimum water temperatures at Outside Shoals mean that you will need a flexible 6/5/4mm wetsuit or a well fitting 5/4mm wetsuit with gloves and 5mm neoprene booties and a hood to surf here at the beginning of March.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Outside Shoals 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 Outside Shoals. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.