3/2 or 4/3? Boots or no boots? A month-by-month guide to what wetsuit you need to surf in Sagres and the Algarve, with approximate water temperatures for each month.
Portugal looks warm on the map, and the Algarve is known for its sunshine. The Atlantic is a different matter. Even in August the water on the west coast is cooler than many visitors expect, and in winter you will want a proper suit.
This guide is written for Sagres and the western Algarve, where we teach, guide and rent equipment. Further north the water is a little colder, so add a millimetre or a pair of boots if you are heading to Lisbon or beyond in winter.
How wetsuit thickness works
Wetsuits are described by two numbers, such as 3/2 or 4/3. The first is the thickness in millimetres of the neoprene on the body, where warmth matters most. The second is the thickness on the arms and legs, where you need flexibility for paddling.
Thicker means warmer but stiffer. The aim is the thinnest suit that keeps you warm for a full session, because a suit that is too thick tires your shoulders, and one that is too thin cuts the session short.
Other things that change how warm you feel
Water temperature is only part of it. Wind chill when you are sitting on the board, air temperature, how long you stay in and how much you move all make a difference. Beginners spend a lot of time standing in the shallows and often feel colder than experienced surfers who are paddling constantly. Fit matters too: a snug suit with no gaps at the neck, wrists or ankles beats a thicker suit that flushes with water.
Month-by-month wetsuit guide for Sagres and the Algarve
The temperatures below are typical ranges for the sea around Sagres. They vary from year to year and from one beach to the next, so treat them as a guide rather than a forecast.
| Month | Approx. water temp | Wetsuit | Boots / hood |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15-16°C | 4/3mm full suit (5/4mm if you feel the cold) | Boots worth having, hood on windy days |
| February | 15-16°C | 4/3mm full suit (5/4mm if you feel the cold) | Boots worth having, hood on windy days |
| March | 15-16°C | 4/3mm full suit | Boots optional |
| April | 16-17°C | 4/3mm, or 3/2mm on warm days | Not usually needed |
| May | 17-18°C | 3/2mm full suit | No |
| June | 18-20°C | 3/2mm full suit | No |
| July | 18-21°C | 3/2mm full suit, shorty on hot days | No |
| August | 18-21°C | 3/2mm full suit, shorty on hot days | No |
| September | 19-21°C | 3/2mm full suit, shorty early in the month | No |
| October | 18-20°C | 3/2mm full suit | No |
| November | 17-18°C | 3/2mm early in the month, 4/3mm later | Not usually needed |
| December | 16-17°C | 4/3mm full suit | Boots optional |
Summer: why a 3/2 is still the default
In July and August the air is often above 30°C, and people are surprised that they still need a full suit. The reason is upwelling. The summer north wind pushes the warm surface water offshore along the Costa Vicentina, and colder water rises in its place, which keeps the west-coast beaches cooler than the calendar suggests.
A 3/2mm full suit is the safe choice for most of the summer. On the warmest days, especially on the south coast, a shorty or even a rash vest works for a short session. If you are booked on a two-and-a-half-hour lesson, stick with the full suit.
Autumn: the warmest water of the year
Water temperature peaks late here. September is usually the warmest month of the year, and October is close behind, because the summer upwelling eases off. A 3/2mm suit is comfortable through both months. Our autumn swell guide explains why this is many locals' favourite time to surf.
November is the changeover month. Early on, a 3/2 is fine. By the end of the month most people have moved to a 4/3, particularly for early sessions.
Winter and early spring: 4/3 and boots
From December to March the sea around Sagres sits at roughly 15-16°C at its coldest. A good 4/3mm full suit is what most people wear. Boots make a real difference to how long you can stay in on cold mornings, and a hood is worth packing for windy days. If you get cold easily or plan long sessions, a 5/4mm suit is a sensible choice in January and February.
Winter is also when the biggest swells arrive, so a warm suit is about safety as much as comfort: a cold surfer tires faster. Our winter surfing guide covers the conditions in more detail.
Spring
The water warms slowly. April can still feel wintry, especially on the west coast, so many surfers keep the 4/3 until May. By May a 3/2mm full suit is usually enough.
Should you bring your own wetsuit or rent one?
If you already own a suit that fits well and suits the season, bring it. A familiar suit is always more comfortable. If you are travelling light, or your summer suit is too thin for a winter trip, renting makes more sense than buying for one week.
Our rental shop has wetsuits in all sizes at the surf centre in Sagres, and from June to November at the Cordoama Beach Hut as well. Board and wetsuit together start from 45€ per person for three hours, depending on the board. If you are taking surf lessons or booking surf guiding, the wetsuit is included and we will give you the right thickness for the day.
For the rest of your bag, our packing list for Sagres covers sun protection, changing robes and what you can leave at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Portugal?
In Sagres and the Algarve, a 3/2mm full suit covers roughly May to early November. From late November to April most surfers wear a 4/3mm, with boots on the coldest days. Further north, add a little extra warmth in winter.
Do I need a wetsuit in the Algarve in summer?
Usually, yes. Upwelling keeps the west coast cooler than the air temperature suggests, often around 18-21°C in July and August. A 3/2mm full suit is the default, with a shorty on the warmest days.
Do I need boots to surf in Sagres in winter?
They are not essential, but many surfers wear them from December to March when the water is around 15-16°C. They make longer sessions on cold mornings much more comfortable.
Can I rent a wetsuit in Sagres?
Yes. FreeRide rents wetsuits in all sizes at the surf centre in Sagres and, from June to November, at the Cordoama Beach Hut. Wetsuits are included in our lessons and guided sessions.
