West Coast Wetsuit Guide: Central California

We suggest using the National Centers for Environmental Information to keep up to date with your region's air and water temperatures. Following those recommendations will help narrow down what gear will work best for you before paddling out.

What Does the Central California Surfer Need?

As you head south down HWY 101 and cross over the Golden Gate Bridge, the towering Redwoods of northern California become scarcer, and palm trees begin to scatter the ocean’s front. Central California is relatively small by area but holds a diverse smorgasbord of surf. It also happens to be the birthplace of the modern wetsuit. Santa Cruz Legend, Jack O’Neill, opened one of the first Surf Shops in San Francisco in the early 1950’s and began manufacturing wetsuits in Santa Cruz shortly thereafter. The innovative breakthrough of the wetsuit allowed the surfing boom of the 1960’s to spread beyond the warm sandy beaches of Southern California and create iconic surf communities up and down the California coast and beyond.

As mentioned above, this blog covers the Central Coast of California from Santa Cruz to Point Conception north of Santa Barbara. The year-round ocean temperature fluctuates from a minimum of around 52°F to a maximum of around 60°F. For the most part, the ocean temperature sits in the mid-50’s°F. This means that a solid 4/3mm full suit with 3mm booties is the call most of the year. 

Unlike Southern California, the water in Central CA rarely reaches above 60°F due to the “L” shape bend of California at Point Conception. This unique geography prevents the warm water pushed from southern hemisphere storms from filling any of the beaches north of Point Conception. Furthermore, this can be a windy part of the coast, where upwelling caused by northerly winds can rapidly drop ocean temperatures in a matter of days, so knowing the weather conditions can help you be prepared with the right suit and gear.

West Coast: Central California Wetsuit Recommendations 

Spring: March - May

The cold crisp mornings of winter are in the rearview mirror, but that doesn’t mean it’s time for surfers to ditch their thicker full suits and boots just yet. Springtime on the Central Coast of CA is accompanied by strong winds that keep the ocean cold (low to mid 50’s°F) and sometimes even colder than the winter months.

In fact, April and May, on average, have the coldest minimum temperatures of the year, even though they may not be sustained for as many days as in the winter. For example, during this time of the year, don’t be surprised to see the ocean temperature drop to 50°F in Santa Cruz. A hooded 4/3mm should do the trick in the southern part of the region, while those further north or those more susceptible to the cold should plan on keeping their winter 5/4mm in the car. A pair of 3mm boots and 1.5mm gloves are recommended as well to help ward off that chilly bite.

Summer: June - August

Although June technically marks the start of summer, you may not know it in this part of California. “June Gloom” is a phrase synonymous with the Central California coastline, which has no shortage of foggy and overcast days. June, in particular, still has plenty of chilly days similar to spring, so checking the forecast and water temperature is highly recommended, as you may need some of your thicker gear in early June. 

However, as July and August come around, the water and air warm up significantly. The water temperature throughout this region will be in the upper 50’s°F, with some days creeping into the low 60’s°F. A 4/3mm steamer should do the trick, and 3mm boots are optional based on the surfer's tolerance to the cold.

"Only Surf in the Summer" Central California Wetsuit Recommendations

For the fair-weather surfers who simply want to enjoy those warmer months of surf in Central CA, here is what we suggest:

• 4/3mm Full Suits: Men’s, Women’s, and Youth
• 3mm Wetsuit Boots: Men’s, Women’s, and Youth

Fall: September - October

The Fall season along the Central Coast of California is a surfer’s dream. The Northern Hemisphere storm cycle is waking up and fun surf is abundant if you know where to look. September and October are two of the warmest months in regards to ocean temperature. On average, the water temperature is in the upper 50’s°F and does not dip below 57°F. A 4/3mm steamer will be plenty of rubber for these two months and booties are optional. 

November will see the air temperature drop slightly, especially the further north you go. However, the ocean will still be in the mid 50’s°F, so the only difference would be recommending 3mm boots on most days and perhaps a hood on those chilly or windy days.

Winter: November - February

Winter in California’s Central Coast is definitely mild compared to other parts of the country. That being said, there are plenty of cold mornings, and once December hits, the water temperature dips into the low to mid 50’s°F. Meanwhile, the average air temperature is regularly in the 40’s°F, so a wetsuit with an attached hood is recommended for the colder winter months. A solid hooded 4/3mm should do the trick most days, while those up in Santa Cruz may opt for a 5/4mm hooded suit on the coldest days. 

In the San Luis Obispo area, the water is slightly warmer on average (by 2°F), although it is common for the air temperature in this area to get colder than in regions to the north. To stay warm, in addition to a full suit, a good pair of 3mm or 5mm surf booties is a must and will keep you surfing throughout the chilly months.

Lastly, for those who dare venture out on a winter dawn patrol or paddle out when the air temps are low, a pair of 1.5mm gloves provide that extra bit of warmth to help extend your session when the waves are good.

Year Round Central California Surfer Wetsuit Recommendations

Are you the surfer who embodies the lifestyle and surfs throughout the year, no matter what? We respect the dedication and also understand the need for a decent amount of wetsuit gear and accessories. Since the water temperature doesn’t fluctuate dramatically as it does on the Atlantic Coast, you can typically get away with less gear compared to other areas. That said, here is our list of what the “year-round” Central CA surfer needs in their wetsuit quiver.

• 5/4mm Hooded Wetsuits: Men’s, Women’s, and Youth
• 4/3mm Full Suits: Men’s, Women’s, and Youth
• 3mm Wetsuit Boots: Men’s, Women’s, and Youth
• 1.5mm Wetsuit Gloves: Men’s and Women’s
• Wetsuit Hoods: Men's and Women's

We highly recommend the O’Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuit, which is available in men's, women's, and youth models. It’s been a bestseller for years here in the PNW. An insanely flexible and lightweight neoprene and a quality liner make it the perfect blend of performance and comfort for year-round surfing along the Central CA coast.

With so many surf boots to choose from, the options are endless. However, you can’t go wrong with the Xcel Drylock booties. Available in both split toe and round toe, these booties have gained a reputation for being some of the best of the best. If you’re looking for something slightly more affordable, check out the O’Neill Heat, which holds up so well over time that we use them in our rental fleet.

Blog Recommendations

Looking for more wetsuit and surf gear recommendations for surfing in Central California? Check out some of the blogs listed below for everything from spring suits, boots, and gloves.

• 7 Best Wetsuit Surf Gloves for 2024
• 7 Best Surf Boots for 2024
• Surf Wetsuit Hood Guide
• Best Affordable 4/3 Wetsuits of 2024
• Best Mid-Range 4/3 Wetsuits of 2024
• Best High-End 4/3 Wetsuits of 2024
• Best Women's Affordable Hooded Wetsuits for 2024
• Best Women's Mid-Range Hooded Wetsuits for 2024
• Best Women's High-End Hooded Wetsuits for 2024

Final Thoughts

Surfing the Central California coast means being ready for anything, as the region’s ever-shifting conditions demand the right wetsuit gear year-round. With water temps ranging from 52°F to 60°F, a trusty 4/3mm full suit is your go-to for most of the year, paired with booties, gloves, and a hood when those chilly offshore winds and upwelling currents kick in. Spring brings gusty conditions that can drop the water temp fast, while fall delivers some of the best swells of the year. Whether you’re paddling out at Steamer Lane or down the coast at Rincon, having the right gear dialed is key to staying warm and maximizing your sessions. For more stoke on gear picks and staying prepped, check out the other guides and recommendations linked throughout the blog.

Based in Seaside, Oregon, Cleanline Surf has been the go-to surf shop in the PNW for over 4 decades. We use the gear we sell and are happy to offer surf gear recommendations for Southern California. Don’t hesitate to call our support team at 888-546-6176, drop a comment below, or email us at support@clealinesurf.com.

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