Surf Forecast Surf Report

Back Strands Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

(Sligo, Ireland)

Today's Back Strands sea temperature is 49 °F

(Which is normal for this time of year)

Mean: 49 °F
Range: 47 °F to 50 °F
Statistics for 05 Apr (1981–2005)
  • neoprene wetsuit hood for warmth and a watertight seal in cold sea temperatures
  • neoprene gloves for warmth, grip, and protection in cold temperatures
  • wetsuit boots for warmth, grip, and protection in cold temperatures

Today, many surfers would wear a winter wetsuit, a neoprene hood, gloves and boots.

The water temperature (48 °F) at Back Strands is very cold. Despite the sun, surfers will need plenty of neoprene. Wear a quality winter wetsuit, a neoprene hood, gloves and boots. A windchill factor of (46 °F).

Ireland Sea Water Temperature

Map of current Ireland
Surface Water Temperatures
based on measurements from oceanographic satellites
Ireland Water Temperature Anomaly

Map of current Ireland
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 Back Strands. 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.

Back Strands 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.

Back Strands water temperatures peak in the range 13 to 18°C (55 to 64°F) on around the 13th of August and are at their coldest on about the 2nd of March, in the range 8 to 10°C (46 to 50°F). The highest water temperatures at Back Strands in the third week of August 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. The coldest water temperatures at Back Strands 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 in early March.

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

 

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