Birling Gap sea temperature
Sea-surface temperature for Birling Gap, United Kingdom, with the 7-day outlook and what to wear.
What is the sea temperature at Birling Gap today? (19 Oct)
The sea at Birling Gap is 17.2 °C today. A summer full suit is the standard choice at this temperature. The sea is about 5 °C warmer than the air, so it will feel mild going in.
Birling Gap sea temperature — next 7 days
Sea temperature is cooling across the week, by about 1.4 °C from start to end.
| Date | Sea temp | Range | Suggested wetsuit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 19 Octtoday | 17.3 °C17.2–17.4 °C | 17.2–17.4 °C | 3/2 mm full suit |
| Tue 20 Oct | 17.1 °C17.1–17.2 °C | 17.1–17.2 °C | 3/2 mm full suit |
| Wed 21 Oct | 17.1 °C16.9–17.2 °C | 16.9–17.2 °C | 3/2 mm full suit |
| Thu 22 Oct | 16.9 °C16.7–17.0 °C | 16.7–17.0 °C | 4/3 mm full suit |
| Fri 23 Oct | 17.0 °C16.7–17.1 °C | 16.7–17.1 °C | 4/3 mm full suit |
| Sat 24 Oct | 16.4 °C16.2–16.7 °C | 16.2–16.7 °C | 4/3 mm full suit |
| Sun 25 Oct | 15.9 °C15.8–16.2 °C | 15.8–16.2 °C | 4/3 mm full suit |
Figures are modelled sea-surface temperature, not readings from a buoy or a thermometer in the shallows — expect a degree either way, and more in a shallow bay on a hot afternoon. Wetsuit suggestions are general guidance: cold tolerance varies a lot between people, and wind, session length and air temperature matter as much as the water does.
What wetsuit for what sea temperature?
| Sea temperature | Wetsuit | Extras |
|---|---|---|
| 24 °C and above | Boardshorts or swimsuit | — |
| 22–24 °C | Rash vest or 1 mm top | — |
| 19–22 °C | 2 mm shorty or spring suit | — |
| 17–19 °CBirling Gap today | 3/2 mm full suit | — |
| 14–17 °C | 4/3 mm full suitboots on longer sessions | boots on longer sessions |
| 11–14 °C | 5/4 mm full suitboots and gloves | boots and gloves |
| 7–11 °C | 5/4/3 mm hooded full suitboots and gloves | boots and gloves |
| Below 7 °C | 6/5 mm hooded full suitthick boots and gloves | thick boots and gloves |
Conditions at Birling Gap
Water temperature is one input. For wave height, wind and a 0–100 score per sport and ability level, see the full forecast.
Sea temperature near Birling Gap
Frequently asked questions.
What is the sea temperature at Birling Gap today?
The sea at Birling Gap, United Kingdom is 17.2 °C today. This is modelled sea-surface temperature rather than a buoy reading, so allow a degree either way.
What wetsuit do I need at Birling Gap?
At 17.2 °C, 3/2 mm full suit is the usual choice at Birling Gap. A summer full suit is the standard choice at this temperature. Cold tolerance varies, and wind and session length matter as much as the water temperature.
Is the sea warm enough to swim at Birling Gap?
At 17.2 °C the sea at Birling Gap is swimmable but brisk — fine for a short swim, and most people want a wetsuit for longer.
How much does the sea temperature at Birling Gap change over a week?
Over the next 7 days the sea at Birling Gap stays between 15.8 °C and 17.4 °C. Open water changes temperature slowly, so it rarely moves much inside a week — seasonal change is what matters.
