Wetsuit Thickness by Water Temperature
Your water temperature, matched to Rip Curl's and O'Neill's wetsuit charts.
Wetsuit thickness chart: Rip Curl
| Water | Suit | Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| 75°F+ 23.9°C+ | 0–1mm boardshorts or rashguard | None |
| 65–75°F 18.3–23.9°C | 2mm spring suit or top | None |
| 60–65°F 15.6–18.3°C | 3/2mm full suit | Booties optional |
| 55–60°F 12.8–15.6°C | 4/3mm full suit | Booties |
| 48–55°F 8.9–12.8°C | 4/3 or 5/4mm full suit | Booties, gloves |
| Below 48°F below 8.9°C | 5/4 or 6/5mm hooded | Booties, gloves, hood |
Wetsuit thickness chart: O'Neill
| Water | Adults | Kids |
|---|---|---|
| 26°C+ 79°F+ | UV shirt or Lycra | Same |
| 21–25°C 70–77°F | 1mm | Same |
| 18–20°C 64–68°F | 2mm or shorty | Same |
| 12–17°C 54–63°F | 3/2 or 4/3mm | 3/2mm |
| 8–11°C 46–52°F | 4/3 or 5/4mm | 4/3mm |
| 4–7°C 39–45°F | 5/4 or 6/5mm | Same |
| Below 3°C below 37°F | 7mm+ | Same |
Sources: Rip Curl (°F, reviewed April 2026) and O'Neill (°C). Grey figures are converted. Checked 9 October 2026.
Wetsuit FAQ
What wetsuit thickness do I need for 15°C (59°F) water?
Rip Curl says a 4/3mm full suit with booties. O'Neill says a 3/2 or 4/3mm. A 4/3 covers both.
What wetsuit do I need for 20°C (68°F) water?
A 2mm spring suit or shorty. Rip Curl and O'Neill both say 2mm at this temperature.
Should I get a 3/2 or a 4/3 wetsuit?
Rip Curl rates a 3/2 for roughly 58 to 68°F (14 to 20°C) and a 4/3 for 52 to 62°F (11 to 17°C). If you're in the overlap and run cold, stay out long or surf a windy break, get the 4/3.
When do you need wetsuit booties, gloves and a hood?
Rip Curl says booties below 60°F (15.6°C), gloves below 55°F (12.8°C) and a hood below 48°F (8.9°C).
What does 3/2 mean on a wetsuit?
3mm of neoprene on your body and 2mm on your arms and legs. Thinner limbs make paddling easier.
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