Surf Forecast Surf Report

Thurso Reef Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

(Scotland – North Coast, UK)

Today's Thurso Reef sea temperature is 49 °F

(Which is slightly warmer than usual)

Mean: 47 °F
Range: 46 °F to 49 °F
Statistics for 05 May (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.

Very cold water temperature (48 °F) at Thurso Reef. Despite the sunshine, even with a thick winter wetsuit, neoprene hood, gloves and boots it will be difficult to stay comfortable in the sea for long today.

United Kingdom Sea Water Temperature

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

Map of current United Kingdom
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 Thurso 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.

Thurso Reef 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.

Thurso Reef water temperatures peak in the range 12 to 15°C (54 to 59°F) on around the 13th of August and are at their coldest on about the 8th of March, in the range 6 to 8°C (43 to 46°F). The warmest water temperatures at Thurso Reef 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 Thurso Reef 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 to mid March.

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

 

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