Best Wetsuits for San Diego: Surfing & Ocean Swimming Year-Round

San Diego Beach Review
Oct 1
5 min read

surfing with wetsuit in fall in san diego

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Why You Need a Wetsuit in San Diego

San Diego is known for sunny weather, but the Pacific Ocean is colder than many visitors expect. Average water temperatures range from 58–65°F in winter to 68–75°F in late summer, which means most surfers and ocean swimmers wear wetsuits for comfort and safety.

A good wetsuit:

Keeps you warm in chilly water.
Provides buoyancy and protection from scrapes and stings.
Extends your surf or swim sessions.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best wetsuits for San Diego for men, women, and kids. Whether you’re surfing winter swells, snorkeling in La Jolla, or just taking an early morning swim, we’ll help you choose the right wetsuit thickness and style for every season.

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What Wetsuit Thickness Do You Need in San Diego?

Season	Avg Water Temp	Recommended Wetsuit Thickness
Winter (Dec–Mar)	58–62°F	4/3mm full suit
Spring (Apr–May)	60–64°F	3/2mm full suit
Summer (Jun–Aug)	66–75°F	2mm spring suit, rash guard, or none
Fall (Sep–Nov)	64–70°F	3/2mm full suit or 2mm spring suit, rash guard, or none

Best Wetsuits for San Diego Surfing & Swimming

Here are the top wetsuit picks for men, women, and kids—perfect for surfing, bodyboarding, snorkeling, or casual ocean swims.

Men’s Wetsuits & Jackets

For San Diego’s year-round surf, most men stick with either a 3/2mm full suit (spring–fall) or a 4/3mm suit (winter).

O’Neill Men’s 4/3 Back Zip Full Wetsuit – Best for December through March, when the Pacific feels chilly. Provides excellent warmth without sacrificing flexibility.
O’Neill Men’s 3/2 Back Zip Full Wetsuit – A versatile option for most of the year. Great balance of warmth and comfort for San Diego’s mild water temps.
O’Neill Men’s 2mm Short Sleeve Spring Suit – Comfortable for warm summer waters, bodyboarding, or casual ocean swims.
O’Neill Men’s 1.5mm Front Zip Jacket – Great for summer surfing and open-water swims.
O’Neill Men’s Rash Guard – Keeps skin safe from sun and board rash on hot days.

Quick tip: If you only buy one wetsuit for San Diego, go with the 3/2mm. Add a 4/3mm if you plan to surf year-round.

Women’s Wetsuits & Jackets

Women have a similar range of options, with both 3/2mm and 4/3mm suits recommended depending on the season.

O’Neill Women’s 3/2 Back Zip Full Wetsuit – Ideal for spring, fall, and even cooler summer mornings.
O’Neill Women’s 4/3 Back Zip Full Wetsuit – Extra warmth for winter and early spring ocean sessions.
Billabong Women’s 1mm Wetsuit Jacket – Lightweight layer for summer paddling, snorkeling, or SUP.
O’Neill Women’s Rash Guard – Perfect for hot summer days when you just need sun and skin protection.

Youth Wetsuits (Boys & Girls)

Kids need warmth and mobility while learning to surf or swim. A 3/2mm suit is usually the best match for San Diego’s water temps.

O’Neill Boys’ 3/2 Back Zip Wetsuit – Flexible and beginner-friendly.
O’Neill Girls’ 3/2 Back Zip Wetsuit – Same warmth and comfort, with a fit designed for young girls.

Parents: If your child surfs year-round, consider sizing up and getting the 4/3mm version for winter.

Lightweight Options (Jackets, Spring Suits & Rash Guards)

Not everyone needs a full wetsuit — especially in summer. Jackets, spring suits, and rash guards provide lighter coverage. These are all great options for sun protection or for an extra barrier between you and your board.

O’Neill Men’s 1.5mm Front Zip Jacket – A slim, flexible layer that adds just enough warmth for summer surfing sessions and long ocean swims.
O’Neill Men’s 2mm Short Sleeve Spring Suit – Ideal for warmer San Diego waters, this spring suit is easy to paddle in and perfect for bodyboarding or casual beach days.
O’Neill Men’s Rash Guard – Provides UV protection and comfort, while preventing chafing from your surfboard during sunny summer sessions.
Billabong Women’s 1mm Wetsuit Jacket – A light neoprene jacket that’s perfect for water sports when you need a touch of insulation.
O’Neill Women’s Rash Guard – Designed for sunny beach days, this rash guard offers reliable skin protection without overheating in warm water.

surfer in springsuit in the summer in san diego

Wetsuit Comparison Chart

Category	Best Pick	Thickness	Best Season	Link
Men’s Winter	O’Neill 4/3 Back Zip	4/3mm	Winter	Buy Here
Men’s All-Around	O’Neill 3/2 Back Zip	3/2mm	Spring/Fall	Buy Here
Women’s All-Around	O’Neill 3/2 Back Zip	3/2mm	Spring/Fall	Buy Here
Women’s Winter	O’Neill 4/3 Back Zip	4/3mm	Winter	Buy Here
Youth Boys	O’Neill 3/2	3/2mm	Spring/Fall	Buy Here
Youth Girls	O’Neill 3/2	3/2mm	Spring/Fall	Buy Here
Summer Jacket Men’s	O’Neill 1.5mm	1.5mm	Summer	Buy Here
Summer Jacket Women’s	Billabong 1mm	1mm	Summer	Buy Here
Men’s Spring Suit	O’Neill 2mm Short Sleeve	2mm	Summer	Buy Here
Rash Guard Men’s	O’Neill	N/A	Summer	Buy Here
Rash Guard Women’s	O’Neill	N/A	Summer	Buy Here

FAQ: Wetsuits in San Diego

Do you need a wetsuit year-round in San Diego?

Yes. Even though San Diego has warm, sunny weather, the Pacific Ocean stays cool. Summer temps are usually in the high-60s°F, and winter water can dip into the 50s°F. A wetsuit is recommended most of the year, especially for surfing, snorkeling, or long ocean swims.

What thickness wetsuit is best for San Diego?

Summer & Early Fall: 2mm–3/2mm full suit or spring suit (depending on tolerance, might not need one at all)
Spring & Late Fall: 3/2mm full suit
Winter (Dec–Mar): 4/3mm full suit

Can you swim in San Diego without a wetsuit?

You can, especially in summer, but most swimmers and surfers prefer at least a rash guard or thin wetsuit jacket for warmth and sun protection. For longer swims, a 2mm–3/2mm wetsuit is much more comfortable.

What wetsuit is best for beginners in San Diego?

A 3/2mm full wetsuit is the best all-around choice for new surfers and swimmers. It works for most of the year and keeps you warm without being too thick or restrictive.

What’s the warmest month to swim in San Diego?

Ocean temperatures peak in August–September, reaching the upper 60s°F to low 70s°F. You;ll see many locals and visitors in the water with and without a spring suit or rash guard for added comfort.

Are kids’ wetsuits necessary in San Diego?

Yes. Kids get cold faster, so a 3/2mm wetsuit helps them stay comfortable.

surfer in the winter with a wetsuit in san diego

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Conclusion

Choosing the right wetsuit for San Diego surfing and swimming ensures you’ll stay comfortable year-round. From 4/3mm wetsuits for winter to light rash guards for summer, the right gear keeps you in the water longer and makes every beach session better.

For surfing San Diego’s famous breaks or enjoying a casual swim, invest in a quality wetsuit like O’Neill’s 4/3 Back Zip or a versatile 3/2mm suit to enjoy California’s coastline in every season.

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