Wetsuit Temperature Guide
Wetsuit Thickness & Temperature Guide
No one likes being unsure on what the correct thing to buy is, particularly when there is so many options and variations. Wetsuits can be particularly difficult to decide what is best for the conditions, and being weather dependant makes it even worse, inclement weather, seasons, how many wetsuits do you really need? Well that going to come down to how often and how far into seasons you plan on wanting to keep surfing/wakeboarding/skiing/jetskiing or all of the above.
So we want to make it easier for you, with an outline of what temperatures will suit best to certain wetsuit designs and thicknesses, though keep in mind that there are other variables to factor in, such as: Sir Temperature, Wind Speed, Your personal ability to handle colder temperatures and the amount of movement that your activity will generate
Water Temp ( °C) | Wetsuit Type | Wetsuit Thickness | Seal Type |
22º or Greater | Rashie | N/A | N/A |
21º - 23º | Steamer Top/ Boardshorts | 1mm or 2mm | N/A |
18º - 21º | Springsuit | Short John/Jane | 2mm | Flatlock |
17º - 20º | Full Suit | John/Jane & Jacket | Springsuit | 2mm - 3/2mm | Flatlock |
13º - 18º | Full Suit + Boots | 2mm - 3/2mm | Sealed (GB) |
11º - 14º | Full Suit + Boots + Gloves | 4/3mm | Sealed (GB) and Taped |
9º - 13º | Full Suit + Boots + Gloves + Hood/Neoprene Overcoat(Optional) | 4/3mm | Sealed (GB) and Taped |
8º - 12º | Full Suit + Boots + Gloves + Hood/Neoprene Overcoat | 5/4mm - 5/3mm | Sealed (GB) and Taped |
8º or Below | Full Suit + Boots + Gloves + Hood/Neoprene Overcoat | 6/5mm+ | Sealed (GB) and Taped |
Please note: This is only a guide. For extra factors (cold air temperatures, more wind, an activity with less movement or if you get cold easily), consider a thicker wetsuit. These are also general temperature guidelines. Brands themselves may provide their own temperature recommendations for their suits that may differ slightly from the ones listed above.