(Texas, USA)
Statistics for 11 Apr (1981–2005) – mean: 22.1 °C, range: 19.8 °C to 23.7 °C
Sunny with pleasantly warm air temperatures (feeling like 24 °C once we account for wind), and similar sea temperatures (24 °C). Wear boardshorts or a shorty, or better still a thin summer wetsuit to keep the UV off.
 Map of current United States |  Map of current United States |
(click thumbnails to expand)
Below is a graph of Historical Sea Surface Temperature for South Padre Island. This has been derived from analysis of two decades of oceanographic satellite measurements of nearby open water. We have calculated the average water temperature variation around the year as well as the extremes that have been observed on each date.
All of the graphs for the surf breaks presented on Surf-Forecast.com are on the same scale to enable comparison between locations around the world.
South Padre Island sea water temperatures peak in the range 28 to 30°C (82 to 86°F) on around the 23rd of August and are at their lowest on about the 5th of February, in the range 17 to 21°C (63 to 70°F). Year round warm sea water temperatures at South Padre Island climb to their maximum in the fourth week of August. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. The lowest South Padre Island sea water temperatures at the beginning of February require something like a 3/2mm fully sealed wetsuit.
Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at South Padre Island can vary by several degrees compared with these open water averages. This is especially true after heavy rain, close to river mouths or after long periods of strong offshore winds. Offshore winds cause colder deep water to replace surface water that has been warmed by the sun. Air temperature, wind-chill and sunshine should also be considered before deciding on the kind of wetsuit needed to stay warm when surfing at South Padre Island. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.
