How to Choose a Wetsuit

New Jersey waters range from 38F in February to 76F in August. This guide helps you pick the right wetsuit thickness for every season at the Jersey Shore.

38-76FNJ Water Range

12Month Chart

ExpertLocal Tips

Choosing the right wetsuit for New Jersey means understanding our unique four-season water conditions. Unlike warm-water destinations where one suit works year-round, NJ surfers often need 2-3 wetsuits to cover the full calendar. This guide breaks down exactly what you need and when.

Thickness Guide Monthly Chart Fit & Sizing Accessories Care Tips

Wetsuit Thickness Explained

Understanding the Numbers

Wetsuit thickness is shown as two numbers (e.g., 4/3mm). The first number is the torso thickness where you need the most warmth. The second is the arm and leg thickness, kept thinner for flexibility.

6/5mm or 5/4mm:Winter suits for water below 50F
4/3mm:Fall/spring for 50-62F water
3/2mm:Late spring/early fall for 62-68F
2mm:Summer for 68-72F water

NJ-Specific Considerations

New Jersey's water temperatures swing dramatically through the year. Here's what makes our waters unique:

✓Gulf Stream occasionally brings warm pockets in summer
✓Upwelling can drop temps 10+ degrees suddenly
✓Air temps often colder than water in fall/winter
✓South Jersey averages 2-3F warmer than North

Month-by-Month NJ Wetsuit Chart

Month	Avg Water Temp	Wetsuit	Accessories
January	40-42F	6/5mm or 5/4mm	Hood, 7mm boots, 5mm mitts
February	38-40F	6/5mm	Hood, 7mm boots, 5mm mitts
March	40-44F	5/4mm or 6/5mm	Hood, 5mm boots, 3mm gloves
April	48-52F	4/3mm	3mm boots, optional gloves
May	55-60F	3/2mm or 4/3mm	Optional boots
June	62-68F	3/2mm or springsuit	None
July	70-75F	Springsuit or boardshorts	None
August	72-76F	Boardshorts or rashguard	None
September	68-72F	2mm or 3/2mm	None
October	60-65F	3/2mm or 4/3mm	Optional boots
November	52-56F	4/3mm	3mm boots
December	44-48F	5/4mm	Hood, 5mm boots, 3mm gloves

Note: Temperatures are averages for central NJ. Southern beaches (Cape May) may be 2-3F warmer, while northern beaches (Sandy Hook) can be slightly cooler.

Fit and Sizing Guide

The Perfect Fit

✓Snug throughout with no air pockets
✓Slight tightness at neck, wrists, ankles
✓Full arm rotation without restriction
✓Can squat fully without pulling

Signs of Poor Fit

✗Bunching at lower back or knees
✗Loose around neck or wrists
✗Excessive pulling when raising arms
✗Pressure points causing discomfort

Sizing Tips

•Height matters more than weight
•Tall/short variants exist for most brands
•Neoprene stretches 5-10% with use
•When between sizes, go smaller

Front-Zip vs Back-Zip

Front-Zip (Chest Entry)

The modern standard for performance wetsuits. Entry is through a horizontal chest zipper.

✓Warmer - fewer water entry points
✓More flexible - no zipper down spine
✓Better paddle feel
⚠Takes practice to get in/out

Best for: Year-round NJ surfing, especially fall/winter

Back-Zip

Traditional design with a vertical zipper running down the back.

✓Easy entry and exit
✓Great for beginners
✓Generally less expensive
⚠Flushes more water when duck diving

Best for: Summer surfing, beginners, casual sessions

Cold Water Accessories

When NJ water drops below 50F (typically December through March), accessories become essential. Your hands, feet, and head lose heat quickly, and even a thick wetsuit won't help if your extremities are frozen.

Boots

3mm: 50-58F water, fall/spring
5mm: 42-50F water, early winter
7mm: Below 42F, peak winter
Tip: Split-toe boots offer better board feel than round-toe

Gloves & Mitts

2mm: 52-58F water, transitional
3mm: 45-52F water, winter
5mm mitts: Below 45F, peak cold
Tip: Mitts are warmer but reduce dexterity

Hoods

Attached: Built into wetsuit, seamless
Separate: Add to any suit, versatile
When needed: Below 48F water
Tip: Hood with attached bib stays in place better

Wetsuit Care Tips

Proper care extends wetsuit life from 1-2 years to 3-4+ years. These habits take just minutes but save hundreds on replacement costs.

After Every Session

• Rinse thoroughly with fresh water
• Turn inside out to dry
• Hang on wide hanger or rail

Weekly Care

• Soak in wetsuit cleaner
• Check seams for separation
• Inspect zipper function

Avoid These

• Direct sunlight when drying
• Folding (causes creases)
• Hot water or machine wash

Storage

• Hang or lay flat
• Cool, dark location
• Never store wet

Wetsuit Budget Guide

Entry Level

$150-250

Great for beginners and casual summer surfing. Basic seam construction and standard neoprene.

• Good for 1-2x/week summer use
• Typically back-zip only
• 2-year average lifespan

Mid-Range

$300-450

Best value for regular surfers. Quality seams, better neoprene, and improved flexibility.

• Great for year-round NJ surfing
• Front and back-zip options
• 3-4 year average lifespan

Recommended for most NJ surfers

Premium

$500+

Top-tier performance with Japanese neoprene, minimal seams, and maximum warmth for the weight.

• For dedicated cold-water surfers
• Noticeably lighter and warmer
• 4+ year lifespan with care

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Wetsuit FAQs

What wetsuit thickness do I need for New Jersey?▼

NJ water temperatures range from 38-75F throughout the year. Summer (Jun-Aug) needs 2mm or boardshorts. Fall (Sep-Nov) requires 3/2mm to 4/3mm. Winter (Dec-Mar) demands 5/4mm or 6/5mm with boots, gloves, and hood. Spring (Apr-May) typically needs 4/3mm as waters warm up.

What is the difference between 3/2mm and 4/3mm wetsuits?▼

The numbers indicate neoprene thickness in millimeters - the first number is torso thickness, the second is limbs. A 3/2mm has 3mm on the core and 2mm on arms/legs, ideal for 62-68F water. A 4/3mm has more insulation for 55-62F water. Choose based on your cold tolerance and the season you surf most.

Should I get a front-zip or back-zip wetsuit?▼

Front-zip (chest-zip) wetsuits are warmer and more flexible with fewer entry points for water, making them ideal for NJ fall and winter surfing. Back-zip suits are easier to get in and out of, better for beginners and warmer months. For year-round NJ surfing, front-zip is the better investment.

How should a wetsuit fit?▼

A wetsuit should fit snugly like a second skin with no gaps or bunching. You should be able to move your arms and legs freely. Some tightness at the neck and wrists is normal - this prevents water entry. When trying on, wear it for 10+ minutes as neoprene stretches slightly with body heat.

How long do wetsuits last with regular use?▼

With proper care, a quality wetsuit lasts 2-4 years of regular use. Always rinse with fresh water after sessions, dry inside-out away from direct sun, and hang on a wide hanger. Avoid folding which creases neoprene. Replace when seams leak, neoprene loses flexibility, or you notice persistent cold spots.

Do I need boots, gloves, and a hood for NJ winters?▼

Yes, accessories are essential when water drops below 50F (typically December through March in NJ). Start with 5mm boots and 3mm gloves. Add a hood when water hits 45F or below. Split-toe boots offer better board feel than round-toe. Mitts are warmer than gloves but reduce dexterity.