East Coast Wetsuit Guide: Southeast Coast
Wondering what wetsuit you need to surf in Florida, the Carolinas, or Georgia? Whether you're chasing hurricane swell, sneaking in dawn patrols on a chilly March morning, or paddling out for balmy summer waves, this Southeast Coast wetsuit guide will help you choose the right gear to stay comfortable in the lineup all year long.
The East Coast of the United States is different from many other regions when it comes to surfing, so we created a year-round wetsuit guide based on each region to keep you out in the lineup. South swells will bring warmer weather, and North swells will bring chillier conditions. You won’t want to miss out on epic barrels or perfect ankle biters any time of year. If you plan to surf throughout the year, you’ll want to get set up with the best wetsuit gear for any incoming swell.
We’ve created a three-part guide based on the region and season of the East Coast to help narrow down the best quiver for your surf year. Follow the links to learn about the right surf gear for surfing in New England or along the Mid-Atlantic.
East Coast Wetsuit Guide: New England
East Coast Wetsuit Guide: Mid-Atlantic
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 narrow down what gear will work best for you before paddling out. The temperatures referenced in this guide are based on Fahrenheit.
The Southeast Coast includes the following states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
This guide is based on temperature estimates & personal experiences
What Wetsuit Gear Does a Southeast Coast Surfer Need?
The Southeast Atlantic coast is known for warmer waters, high humidity, and storm-based swell. Sandbars shift throughout the year, creating punchy beach breaks in later months and soft waves during the summer. Surfers down south will need to be prepared for the hurricane season, but they won’t need as much gear on hand as surfers in New England.
Air temperatures stay mild year-round. Water temperatures can be in the upper 80s F in the heat of summer and won’t be much colder than 50 degrees F in the winter. Check out our suggestions below to get your gear dialed in for the upcoming season.
Southeast Coast Wetsuit Recommendations by Season
Spring: March - May
Spring on the Southeastern Seaboard generally begins earlier than its Northern counterparts. You’ll start experiencing warmer air in mid-March, but cold fronts from up North are known to make an appearance every so often. Water temperatures in the Spring will fluctuate between 55-65 degrees F, depending on how far North you are surfing.
For those surfing in the more southern states, such as South Carolina and Florida, a 2mm spring suit is the perfect option. We highly recommend a 2mm suit with either long sleeves or full-length legs. While the air temperature is warming up, the water will take longer to reach a comfortable temperature.
Summer: June - August
The muggy summer heat starts around May and continues until early October. A surfer will experience water temperatures in the 80s and air temperatures as high as 95 degrees F, combined with humidity.
Generally, Florida, the Carolinas, and Georgia surfers enjoy surfing in their boardies or bikinis. However, sun and chafe protection are key to enjoying the small summer waves down south. Snagging a rash guard for summertime fun is a highly recommended idea.
You could even look at 1-2mm neoprene jackets or a light layer for the dawn patrol sessions. An extra layer, especially for a surfer in the NC area, will go a long way in your surf career.
Fall: September - October
Fall in the Southeast is a beautiful time of year. The humidity dies down, water temperatures begin to drop into the 70s, and surfers are on the hunt for clean hurricane swell. Technically, hurricane season starts in July and lasts until November, but most of the best swell will arrive towards the end of August. This time of year has the potential for “swell of the year,” so read further for the right gear to get out there.
At the beginning of Fall, that spring suit you purchased will get you by for the swell out of the south. As time goes on and temperatures drop, a 3/2mm full suit will be your best mate. In more southern states, you’ll be able to use that 3/2mm almost through the entire winter. Otherwise, late Fall is an excellent time to invest in a 4/3mm full suit.
Winter: November - February
Winter in the Southeast typically begins right after hurricane season ends, usually around November, and lasts until March. Nasty Nor'easters stir up winds, colder temperatures, and fun swell during that time. Water temperatures will fluctuate between 50 and 60 degrees F, so it would be a good time to whip out the 4/3mm and boots.
A 4/3mm full suit is great for surfers farther south because it will provide the warmth you need without the weight of a 5/4mm hooded wetsuit. Since water temperatures won’t be too low, you’ll be plenty comfortable in the 4/3mm. A popular suit for the Southeast surfer is the Hyperfreak Series by O’Neill. This wetsuit offers the most mobility of any 4/3mm by using the highly flexible Technobutter neoprene through the legs and torso and Technobutter 3x in the paddling zone.
Along with your 4/3mm suit, you’ll appreciate having those 3mm boots as well. As you travel farther north this time of year, you’ll want to invest in a few accessories such as boots and a hood (if you only have a full suit). The 3mm Rip Curl Flash Bomb boots are ideal for Southeast swell chasers because they’re the most flexible and hypersensitive boots on the market. These boots have the thinnest soles on the market, making them perfect for folks not used to wearing boots most of the year.
Southeast Coast Season Wetsuit Guide Recommendations
So, you’re the Southeast Coast Surfer. You’ll want to be prepared for any swell that may come your way at any time of year. Here is our list of what the “Year-round” Southeast Coast Surfer will need in their wetsuit quiver.
| Season | Water Temp (°F) | Recommended Wetsuit | Accessories | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (June-August) | 75°F+ | Optional reef booties | Warm water, prioritize sun protection | |
| Fall (September-October) | 68-75°F |
2mm Springsuit |
Optional boots as temps drop | Transitional period — be flexible with suit choice |
| Winter (November-February | 50-60°F | 4/3mm Fullsuit or Hooded Fullsuit (Women & Men) |
3mm Boots Detachable Hood (if not built-in) |
Coldest months — maximize warmth and comfort |
| Spring (March-May) | 65-72°F | 3/2mm Fullsuit (Women & Men) | Optional boots or hood if conditions are variable | Warming up — adjust gear as conditions change |
Southeast Coast Wetsuit FAQ
What wetsuit should I wear in North Carolina during winter?
A 4/3mm full suit with 3mm boots is recommended for the colder months, especially in the Outer Banks or Wilmington area. You may not need gloves or a hood unless you're particularly cold-sensitive or surfing dawn patrol.
Is a hooded wetsuit necessary anywhere in the Southeast?
Rarely. Most Southeast surfers can get by with a detachable hood, used only a few days a year, if at all. A full hooded 5/4mm suit is overkill unless you’re in the Outer Banks in January.
What’s the water temperature like in the Southeast?
It ranges from about 50°F in winter to 85°F in peak summer. Florida stays warmer year-round, while areas like the Outer Banks in NC see more seasonal fluctuation.
Do I need a wetsuit to surf in the Southeast?
Yes, especially in winter. A 4/3mm full suit is usually sufficient for the coldest months. In spring and fall, a 3/2mm full suit or a 2mm springsuit will do. In summer, many surfers go with just a rashguard or neoprene top.
What wetsuit brands work well for the Southeast Coast?
At Cleanline Surf, we carry a wide range of wetsuit brands that perform great for Southeast Coast conditions. For warm-water flexibility and comfort during long sessions, O’Neill wetsuits—especially the Hyperfreak series—are a customer favorite thanks to their lightweight Technobutter neoprene. Rip Curl offers high-value suits like the Dawn Patrol and premium options like the Flashbomb for those cooler winter swells. If you’re looking for eco-conscious options, Billabong’s Natural Upcycler suits are an excellent pick. We also recommend Manera for surfers who want superior fit and comfort without a lot of bulk—perfect for Southeast shoulder seasons and winter sessions.
More Blog Recommendations
Looking for some more wetsuit and surf gear recommendations for surfing in the Southeast? Check out some of the blogs listed below for everything from affordable to high-end wetsuits and boots.
- Best Wetsuits for 2024 - Check out our top picks for the best wetsuits of 2025.
- Affordable Wetsuits under $350 - Looking for a great wetsuit on a budget? We’ve rounded up our favorites under $350.
- Wetsuit Care Guide - Keep your wetsuit lasting longer with these wetsuit care tips.
- Best Surf Booties - When cooler days hit, the right surf booties can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Surfing the Southeast Coast—whether you're chasing hurricane swell in the Carolinas or enjoying warm summer mornings in Florida—means being prepared for a wide range of ocean conditions. From balmy 80° water in August to brisk winter winds and chilly dawn patrols, having the right wetsuit quiver is key to staying stoked all year long.
Whether you need a lightweight spring suit for shoulder seasons, a rash guard for humid summer sessions, or a reliable 4/3mm fullsuit for winter waves, Cleanline Surf has the gear to keep you in the water. Our team is always here to help you find the perfect wetsuit based on your local conditions, surf style, and budget.
If you're still unsure what wetsuit is right for your region or upcoming trip, reach out to our crew—we’re surfers too and happy to help. Give us a call at 888-546-6176, drop a comment below, or email support@cleanlinesurf.com.
Ready to gear up? Shop our full selection of wetsuits and stay surf-ready all year long.
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