Ripps Reef Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Warm in and out of the water temperature at Ripps Reef today, but forecast to be overcast. With sea temperatures of 24 °C and a wind chill of 24 °C, most surfers will choose a shorty or a summer suit or just board shorts.

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 Ripps Reef. 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.

Ripps Reef sea temperatures peak in the range 26 to 28°C (79 to 82°F) on around the 15th of September and are at their coldest on about the 14th of February, in the range 23 to 25°C (73 to 77°F). Year round warm sea temperatures at Ripps Reef climb to their highest in mid September. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. Ripps Reef sea temperatures are always warm but dip to their coldest in mid February. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy.

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