Capitola Rivermouth Water Temperature (Sea) and Wetsuit Guide (CAL (2024)

Statistics for 12 Jun (1981–2005) – mean: 12.5 °C, range: 11.2 °C to 14.3 °C

The water temperature (13 °C) at Capitola Rivermouth is quite cool. If the sun does come out as forecast, it should feel warm enough to surf in a good sealed spring wetsuit. Some surfers would prefer to wear gloves and boots too. Effective windchill factor of (12 °C) will make the air and water feel about the same temperature.

Map of current United States Surface Water Temperatures based on measurements from oceanographic satellites

Map of current United States 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 Capitola Rivermouth. 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.

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.

Capitola Rivermouth water temperatures peak in the range 14 to 18°C (57 to 64°F) on around the 24th of September and are at their coldest on about the 7th of April, in the range 10 to 14°C (50 to 57°F). The highest seasonal water temperatures at Capitola Rivermouth in the fourth week of September lend themselves to a 4/3mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit and 3mm neoprene boots. At its coldest in the first part of April, low water temperatures at Capitola Rivermouth are suited to a 5/4mm or 5/3mm good quality wetsuit with neoprene gloves and 3mm boots. You will need a hood if it's windy or the air is cold.

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