Wetsuit Thickness Guide for Every Season
Wearing the right wetsuit can be the difference between stoke and shivers. Whether you’re surfing summer peelers or winter slabs, knowing what wetsuit thickness to choose — and when — keeps you warm, flexible, and safe in the water.
This seasonal wetsuit guide breaks down everything you need to know about wetsuit thickness, materials, and what to wear depending on water temps and conditions.
How Wetsuit Thickness Works
Wetsuit thickness is measured in millimeters and usually written in a format like 4/3 or 3/2. The first number refers to the thickness in the torso (for warmth), while the second refers to the arms and legs (for flexibility).
The colder the water, the thicker the suit — but too thick and you lose movement. It’s all about balancing insulation and mobility for your specific conditions.
Wetsuit Thickness by Water Temperature
Here’s a breakdown of wetsuit thickness by temperature range — and what that looks like seasonally in many parts of the world.
| Water Temp (°C/°F) | Recommended Thickness | Seasonal Use |
|---|---|---|
| 24°C+ / 75°F+ | 1mm top or no wetsuit | Summer in tropical regions |
| 20–23°C / 68–74°F | 2mm springsuit or shorty | Late spring to early fall |
| 16–19°C / 61–67°F | 3/2 full suit | Spring and autumn in temperate zones |
| 12–15°C / 54–60°F | 4/3 full suit + boots | Late autumn to early spring |
| 8–11°C / 46–53°F | 5/4 or 5/3 + boots, hood, gloves | Winter surfing |
| <8°C / <46°F | 6/5/4 or drysuit | Cold water regions year-round |
Real-Life Tip
If you’re unsure between two thicknesses, base your decision on how often you surf and how much you feel the cold. If you surf daily in the early morning or windy afternoons, go thicker. If you’re more occasional and move a lot, a lighter suit may be enough.
Also: wetsuit fit matters as much as thickness. A snug, well-fitted 3/2 often beats a loose 4/3 in warmth.
Expert’s Advice
Pro surfers and coaches often keep a quiver of wetsuits just like boards — a 2mm shorty for warm days, a 3/2 for most sessions, and a thicker winter suit when needed.
Also, take care of your wetsuit: rinse in fresh water after every use, dry it in the shade, and don’t leave it crumpled in the trunk. It’ll stay warmer and last way longer.
Additional Tips for Wetsuit Comfort
Beyond choosing the right thickness, these extra comfort tips can help you stay warmer, more flexible, and happier in the lineup:
- Always warm up on land before paddling out to activate circulation.
- Pair your wetsuit with the right accessories — boots, gloves, hood — for cold conditions.
- Apply anti-chafe balm to neck, armpits, and inner thighs to avoid rashes.
- Flip your wetsuit inside out after rinsing to dry the interior faster.
- Store wetsuits hanging at the waist (not shoulders) to avoid stretching.
- Zip up your suit fully and flush it with warm water on cold days before paddling out.
- Choose a wetsuit with smooth skin panels for wind protection in breezy conditions.
- Try layering a thermal rash guard under your suit for extra insulation in frigid water.
Takeaway
The right wetsuit thickness keeps you comfortable, safe, and stoked in any season. Use this guide to match your suit to the water temps where you surf, and don’t be afraid to adjust over time. A little planning goes a long way toward longer, better sessions — all year long.
