Shorty wetsuit, full wetsuit, or nothing at all? It's the perennial summer dilemma. And the answer depends on where you surf, not the calendar. Because in Spain, you can find 17°C water in Galicia in August or 26°C in the Mediterranean, and what you need in each case is completely different.
In this guide, we explain how to choose the right summer surf wetsuit based on the actual water temperature, so you don't have to improvise at the beach or end your session feeling cold or unnecessarily hot.
Water temperature dictates, not the month
The most common mistake is to think of summer and assume the water is already warm. In Spain, that depends heavily on where you're surfing.
A quick guide for reference:
| Area | Summer water temp. | What to use |
|---|---|---|
| Galicia / Cantabrian Sea | 16–19°C | 3/2mm full wetsuit |
| Basque Country | 18–21°C | 3/2mm or 2mm full wetsuit |
| Catalonia / Valencia | 23–26°C | 2mm shorty or rash guard |
| Andalusia Atlantic (Cadiz) | 19–22°C | 2mm full or shorty |
| Andalusia Mediterranean | 24–27°C | Rash guard or 2mm shorty |
| Canary Islands | 21–24°C | 2mm full or shorty |
| Portugal (northern coast) | 16–18°C | 3/2mm full wetsuit |
| Portugal (Algarve) | 20–23°C | 2mm full or shorty |
If you're not sure about the temperature at your beach, check Windguru or Surfline before your session. Five minutes of searching can save you an hour of being cold.
The three types you need to know
3/2mm full wetsuit
The most versatile. It covers the entire body with 3mm on the torso and 2mm on the arms and legs. This is what most surfers in northern Spain and Portugal wear year-round, including summer. If you surf in Galicia, the Cantabrian Sea, or northern Portugal, this is your wetsuit. We have the Deeply Explorer III 3/2 men's and the Deeply Explorer III 3/2 women's, both starting from €249.
2mm full wetsuit
For warmer waters where a 3/2mm is too hot but you still want full protection. A perfect option for the Basque Country in August, the Canary Islands, Cadiz, or southern Portugal. It offers more freedom of movement than a 3/2mm and dries faster. The Deeply Explorer III 2/2 men's and the Deeply Crystal Capsule 2/2 women's are the models for this temperature range.
2mm shorty wetsuit
Long torso, short arms and legs. For waters above 23°C where the body appreciates ventilation but elbows and knees still need some protection when falling. Ideal for the Mediterranean in summer or southern Andalusia in the hottest months. If you're looking for maximum freedom of movement, the men's 2mm wetsuit shirt is the lightest option in the catalog.
And without a wetsuit?
With water above 25–26°C, a thermal rash guard or nothing at all is sufficient. But beware: even in warm water, a thin wetsuit protects against chafing from the board, prolonged sun exposure, and jellyfish. It's not just about temperature.
3/2mm full wetsuit
For northern Spain and Portugal
2mm full wetsuit
For warm waters with full protection
2mm shorty wetsuit
For the Mediterranean and water above 23°C
What no one tells you about buying a wetsuit
Fit matters more than brand. A wetsuit that's too big loses all its effectiveness: water gets in, it moves around, and you end up colder than without it. It needs to fit snugly at the neck, wrists, and ankles without cutting off circulation.
Seams make a difference. Entry-level wetsuits have classic external seams. Mid-to-high-end ones have blind-stitched or glued seams on the inside, which filter much less water. For surfing in cold waters, it's worth the investment.
Wetsuits degrade. If you've been using the same one for more than 3 seasons, it probably doesn't insulate as well anymore. Neoprene compresses with use and loses effective thickness. If you notice you're colder than usual with the same suit, it might be time to replace it.
Flysurf wetsuits
We work with Deeply wetsuits, a brand specifically selected for progressing surfers: good value for money, precise sizing, and the right thickness for the waters where most of our customers surf. We have models for men and women, with specific cuts for each.
If you're not sure which model best suits your area and skill level, message us on WhatsApp and we'll tell you exactly which one to get, no fuss.
The wetsuit is just one part of the equipment
A good wetsuit keeps you in the water longer and more comfortably. But what most influences your progress is still the board.
If you're still learning or have been stuck for a while, check out our beginner boards or evolutionary boards: designed to make every session count more, with Flex-Fiber® technology and free shipping throughout Europe.
And if you want to progress out of the water between sessions, the Surf Progression Training Level 1 from Fly Surf Academy gives you the complete plan with Olympic surfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wetsuit should I use in the Cantabrian Sea in August?
A 3/2mm full wetsuit is still the safest option. The Cantabrian Sea rarely exceeds 20°C on the surface, and with waves and wind, the perceived temperature drops further. A 2mm full wetsuit might work on very hot, calm days, but in normal conditions, a 3/2mm is more comfortable.
Can I use the same wetsuit all year?
If you surf in northern Spain or Portugal, a good 3/2mm will cover you from May to October. For winter, you'll need a 4/3mm or 5/4mm. In the Mediterranean, a 2mm shorty practically covers you for the entire summer.
How long should a wetsuit last?
With good maintenance (rinsed with fresh water after each session, dried in the shade, not folded at the waist), between 3 and 5 seasons. Deterioration is noticeable when it starts to leak water through seams or when you feel colder than normal.
What size should I choose if I'm between two?
Always the snugger fit. A wetsuit that leaks water because it's too big won't keep you warm. If you have an athletic build with broad shoulders, pay special attention to the manufacturer's shoulder and torso measurements.
