Surf Break

Lat Long: 36.90° N 121.84° W

Sunset State Beach Sea Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Issued: 4 am 12 Oct 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Today's Sunset State Beach sea temperature is
18.0°C
3.2° 

Sunset State Beach surf forecast is for near shore open water. Breaking waves will often be smaller at less exposed spots.

Today's Sunset State Beach sea temperature is 18.0 °C

(3.2° warmer than normal for this time of year)

Mean: 14.8 °C
Range: 13.5 °C to 16.3 °C
Statistics for 12 Oct (1981–2005)

    Today, many surfers would wear a summer wetsuit.

    The water temperature (18 °C) at Sunset State Beach is relatively warm. If the sun does come out as forecast, it should feel warm enough to surf in a summer wetsuit. Effective air temperature of 16 °C.

    United States Sea Water Temperature

    Map of current United States
    Surface Water Temperatures

    (based on measurements from oceanographic satellites)
    United States Water Temperature Anomaly

    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 Sunset State Beach. 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.

    Sunset State Beach Water Temperature Graph

    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.

    Sunset State Beach water temperatures peak in the range 14 to 18°C (57 to 64°F) on around the 23rd of September and are at their minimum on about the 7th of April, in the range 10 to 14°C (50 to 57°F). The maximum seasonal water temperatures at Sunset State Beach in the fourth week of September lend themselves to a 4/3mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit and 3mm neoprene boots. The minimum water temperatures at Sunset State Beach in the first part of April are ideally suited to a 4/3mm wetsuit + 3mm boots, although a 5/3mm wetsuit may be preferable for longer sessions and cold windy days.

    Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Sunset State Beach 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 Sunset State Beach. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.

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