Virginia Beach Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Warm in and out of the water temperature at Virginia Beach today, but forecast to be overcast. With sea temperatures of 20 °C and a wind chill of 22 °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 Virginia 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.

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.

Virginia Beach water temperatures peak in the range 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F) on around the 22nd of July and are at their minimum on about the 1st of March, in the range 7 to 13°C (45 to 55°F). Year round warm water temperatures at Virginia Beach climb to their highest in the second half of July. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. At its minimum at the beginning of March, low water temperatures at Virginia Beach are suited to a 5/4mm or 5/3mm good quality wetsuit with neoprene gloves and 3mm boots. You will need a hood if it's windy or the air is cold.

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