East Coast Wetsuit Guide: Mid-Atlantic

The Atlantic Ocean along the East Coast is home to an array of seasons and waves to chase throughout the year. Amazing swells are produced by massive storms that the local surfer tracks all year long. But with chasing those hurricane swells in the late summer into the frigid Nor-Easters of the winter come many changes in water and air temperature. Two surfers who are surfing the same storm swell could be wearing completely different gear. If you plan to surf year-round, you’ll want to get set up with the right wetsuit quiver in order to stay comfortable on the East Coast.

We’ve created a three-part East Coast Wetsuit guide based on each region and season to help narrow down the best quiver for your surf year. If you’re curious about what gear you need for the other regions of the East Coast, check out the following links.

East Coast Wetsuit Guide: New England

East Coast Wetsuit Guide: Southeast Coast

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 you narrow down what gear will work best for you before paddling out. The temperatures referenced in this guide are in Fahrenheit.

The Mid-Atlantic East Coast includes the following states: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.

*This guide is based on temperature estimates & personal experiences*

What does the Mid-Atlantic Surfer Need?

The Mid-Atlantic Coast has the most temperature fluctuations of the East Coast. In the summertime, when the water temperatures range from 65-75 degrees F, you could go all the way down to your bathing suit. Throughout the winter, the water temperatures can range from 30-45 degrees F, paired with wind chill, which will put you in some thicker neoprene.

So, you’ll have to be prepared for anything if you want to surf all year round. Buying a ton of gear at once can be overwhelming, but this guide will help you narrow down exactly what you can get by with each new season.

East Coast: Mid-Atlantic Wetsuit Recommendations 

Spring: March - May

Spring in the Central East Coast begins around late March and lasts until early May. A 3/2mm is an excellent wettie to have in your surf capsule for the season. The waters will still be chilly going into the summertime, so it’s a good choice to last you until you’re able to just go down to your bathing suit. This type of wetsuit is perfect for surfing during a change of season and specifically for water temperatures ranging from 60 - 65 degrees F.

A 3/2mm full suit is a versatile piece of gear to own because it provides warmth without the resistance of thicker neoprene. The 3/2mm wetsuit is easy to find, and there are plenty of options in a range of prices to fit any budget.

We highly recommend the O’Neill 3/2+ Hyperfreak, made in both a women’s and men’s design. The Hyperfreak series uses incredibly flexible neoprene called TechnoButter and an extra 0.5mm of neoprene to keep you warm, but extremely mobile. This is that piece of equipment that you’ll be stoked to pull out for an incoming storm swell.

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Summer: June - August

Summer temperatures on the Mid-Atlantic East Coast begin in late May and usually last until the end of September. The Central East Coast can get pretty hot and humid during the summer, with air temperatures consistently between 70 - 80 degrees F and water temperatures ranging between 70 - 75 degrees F. Swells are usually on the smaller side, so it’s a great time of year to bring out the log or learn how to surf.

With warm water and air, you’ll be good to go just in a bathing suit. However, sun protection is important, so investing in a 1mm neoprene jacket, hooded rashie, or 1-2mm spring suit would be worth your while. A hooded rash guard is a great accessory that’s easy to throw in your surf bag and will keep you safe from the sun.

On the other hand, a proper spring suit is nice to have on hand if you get chilled easily or if you want to dawn patrol the cool summer mornings. Save yourself from sunburn and head out to the lineup with the gear listed below.

“Only Surf in the Summer” Mid-Atlantic Wetsuit Recommendations

For someone surfing along the Mid-Atlantic Coast who wants to enjoy the sunny, warm months, here is what we suggest:

If you’re on a budget, choose a suit for the spring/summer season that best fits your body's needs. Do you run cold? Do you run warm? We can also help you narrow down the right suit, so don’t hesitate to contact our support team for product information.

Fall: September - October

Every year, starting late August until early November, the local eastern surfer obsessively tracks potential hurricanes forming off the coast. With these dangerous storms comes the potential swell of the year, hence the transition into a full wetsuit.

For early hurricane season (September - early October), your 3/2mm full suit from the spring season will provide a nice layer to keep you warm and wind-protected in the lineup. If you’re chasing swell more North, or later in the year in late October a 4/3mm full suit will be the best option. When the air and water temperatures drop and the wind picks up, you’ll appreciate having the thicker 4/3mm for warmth. If your 4/3mm doesn't have a hood, it’s a great idea to purchase that accessory for the extra windy days.

Around this time of year, you should start thinking about investing in some boots and gloves as well. A set of 3mm boots is the perfect pair to get you through the late hurricane season and even carry you into winter. From personal experience, I found that they aren’t always necessary. Likewise, once those water temperatures flip, I did not hesitate to get them on my feet.

Winter: November - February

The Central East Coast winter begins around November and lasts until mid-March. Cold fronts bring air temperatures ranging from the high 40s F to the low 30s F, plus wind chill. The water in early winter will start to drop into the low 50s, and then it will continue to drop into the low 40s F or high 30s F in the dead of winter. If you’re looking to continue chasing swell through the harsh winter months, get the gear that will keep you warm in the lineup.

A 4/3mm suit that has a thick liner and welded seams, along with thick boots and gloves, can get you by at the beginning of winter. The Rip Curl Dawn Patrol series is a popular choice among surfers who want a thick 4/3mm wetsuit for the colder months. On the contrary, investing in a 5/4mm hooded suit will give you the freedom to stay in the lineup even longer. We also recommend investing in 5mm boots and 3mm gloves.

New 5/4mm suits are more flexible and comfortable than ever, so why not have extra neoprene to protect you in all winter conditions? Feel free to chat with our team to learn more about our favorite 5/4 cold-water wetsuits.

Mid-Atlantic Season Wetsuit Guide Recommendations

So, you’re the year-round Mid-Atlantic East Coast Surfer. That’s impressive, and it also means you’ll need an impressive assortment of gear to get you through the many different weather conditions. Here is our list of what the “year-round” Mid-Atlantic East Coast Surfer might need in their wetsuit quiver.

Mid-Atlantic Wetsuit FAQ

What wetsuit thickness do I need for surfing the Mid-Atlantic in winter?

For winter surfing (November to March), you’ll typically need a 5/4mm hooded wetsuit, 5mm boots, and 3mm gloves. Water temps can drop into the 30s–40s °F, especially in Delaware and Maryland.

Can I surf in just a rashguard during summer in the Mid-Atlantic?

Yes! In summer (June to September), water temps often hit 70–75°F. A rashguard, 1mm top, or spring suit is usually enough—just don’t forget sunscreen or a hooded rashie for UV protection.

Is a 3/2mm wetsuit enough for spring and fall?

A 3/2mm full suit is perfect for late spring and early fall, when water temps range from 60–65°F. For later fall or early spring sessions (especially in the northern Mid-Atlantic), a 4/3mm might be more comfortable.

Do I need a hooded wetsuit in the Mid-Atlantic?

If you plan to surf through winter or into early spring, yes—a hooded 5/4mm wetsuit is strongly recommended to protect against cold water and wind chill. For the shoulder seasons, a separate hood is a great add-on.

What’s the best wetsuit for hurricane season?

During hurricane season (August to October), a 3/2mm or 4/3mm full suit is your best bet, depending on the water temp and wind. Many surfers use this time to chase the biggest swells of the year, so staying warm and flexible matters.

How many wetsuits do I need to surf year-round in the Mid-Atlantic?

Ideally, you’ll have at least three wetsuits:

• 3/2mm full suit for spring and fall

• 1mm top or rashguard for summer

• 5/4mm hooded suit for winter
  Add boots, gloves, and a hood to complete your year-round kit.

More Blog Recommendations

Looking for some more wetsuit and surf gear recommendations for surfing in the Mid-Atlantic? Check out some of the blogs listed below for everything from affordable to high-end hooded wetsuits, boots, and gloves.

• Best Wetsuit Surf Gloves
• Best Surf Boots
• Best Affordable Hooded Wetsuits
• Best Mid-Range Hooded Wetsuits
• Best High-End Hooded Wetsuits
• Best Women's Affordable Hooded Wetsuits
• Best Women's Mid-Range Hooded Wetsuits
• Best Women's High-End Hooded Wetsuits

Final Thoughts

The Mid-Atlantic area of the East Coast is home to punchy beach breaks, busy summertime boardwalks, and some really fun surfing. Hurricanes and winter storms will generate swell that the local surfer won’t want to miss, while summer is the perfect time to nose ride and catch a tan. We want you to feel as prepared as possible for any conditions throughout the entire year. Whether you’re a surfer on a budget or someone looking to expand their wetsuit collection, this guide will help narrow down the best options for you.

If you've got any questions about the ideal setup for you, don’t hesitate to call our support team at 888-546-6176, drop a comment below, or email us at support@cleanlinesurf.com.

Still on the fence about what to get? Shop our full selection of wetsuits.

Sarah

Originally from the rolling hills of New Hampshire, Sarah now calls Oregon home. She started at Cleanline Surf in 2019 and, since then, has grown into the role of the Customer Service and Blog Manager. When she’s not at work helping dial in customers with surf gear, Sarah is happiest out adventuring. From mellow summer surf sessions to winter splitboard missions to ripping down her favorite mountain bike line, Sarah is always ready to go at the drop of a hat.