How Upwelling Affects Water Temperature and Paddling Comfort in San Diego
If you’ve paddled San Diego’s coast, you’ve felt it: that shocking cold water that hits in late spring and lingers through summer. It’s not random. The Pacific’s upwelling process—a seasonal oceanographic event—drives water temperature swings that directly affect your paddling comfort, gear choices, and session planning.
What Is Upwelling?
Upwelling occurs when offshore winds push warm surface water away from the coast, allowing cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean to rise and replace it. In San Diego, this process intensifies from May through September, peaking around July and August. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography, located right here in La Jolla, has documented this pattern for decades.
This isn’t a minor temperature shift. Upwelling can drop water temperatures from the low 60s°F down to the mid-50s°F—sometimes even colder at exposed breaks. For paddlers accustomed to spring warmth, the change is jarring.
San Diego’s Seasonal Pattern
Spring (March–April): Before upwelling kicks in, water temps climb into the low 60s. This is prime paddling season for minimal wetsuit users. Breaks like Tourmaline in Pacific Beach and Windansea see crowds of warm-water enthusiasts.
Early Summer (May–June): Upwelling begins. Water temperature drops 3–5 degrees in just a few weeks. You’ll notice the difference immediately. Spots like Sunset Cliffs and Ocean Beach start requiring thicker wetsuits.
Mid to Late Summer (July–September): Peak upwelling. Water temps hit their annual lows—often 54–58°F. This is when many San Diego paddlers shift to 4/3mm or 5/4mm winter suits, even in summer heat. The contrast between 85°F air and 55°F water creates real discomfort and injury risk.
Fall and Winter (October–February): Upwelling weakens as winds shift. Water temps gradually warm back into the 60s by late fall. By winter, temps stabilize around 58–62°F—actually warmer than peak summer due to reduced upwelling and accumulated solar heating.
Why This Matters for Your Paddling
Cold water isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. Prolonged exposure increases hypothermia risk, even in summer when you’re not expecting it. San Diego paddlers caught off-guard by upwelling-driven cold water without proper gear have experienced muscle cramps, loss of dexterity, and reduced performance.
Breaks like Blacks Beach in La Jolla and Windansea, which face northwest swells, sit directly in upwelling corridors. Water temps there can be 2–3 degrees colder than sheltered spots like Mission Beach or Ocean Beach.
Cold water also affects your board choice. Thinner boards respond better in summer swells, but thicker, wider boards provide more flotation when you’re wearing a heavy wetsuit and moving less efficiently in cold water.
Gear Strategy for San Diego Paddlers
Spring (March–May): 3/2mm wetsuit or spring suit. Many paddlers go topless or in board shorts on the warmest days.
Early Summer (May–June): 4/3mm full suit. This is the transition zone—bring layers or check Element’s water temp forecast before heading out.
Mid to Late Summer (July–September): 5/4mm winter suit or 4/3mm + hood. Boots and gloves optional but increasingly common by August. Don’t skip the suit even if the air temp is 80°F.
Fall and Winter (October–February): 4/3mm to 5/4mm. A hood protects your ears and head in longer sessions. By February, water temps start climbing again.
Local Knowledge: Spot-Specific Variations
Sheltered bays warm faster than open coast. Mission Bay and False Point stay 1–2 degrees warmer than exposed breaks. If upwelling hits hard and you’re not ready for 55°F water, consider paddling the bay instead of ocean-facing spots.
Torrey Pines and Blacks Beach experience the most aggressive upwelling due to their northwesterly exposure and lack of natural protection. Plan accordingly.
Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach, and Pacific Beach sit in the middle—cold but slightly more buffered than northern breaks.
Timing Your Sessions
Check water temperature daily. A 5°F swing can mean the difference between comfort and distraction. Upwelling typically peaks in early mornings when offshore winds are strongest, then weakens slightly by afternoon as onshore breezes develop. If possible, paddle afternoon sessions during peak upwelling months.
Cloudy days often see stronger upwelling as offshore winds persist. Clear, warm days may bring brief warm-water windows—take advantage of them.
Plan Ahead With Element
Understanding upwelling patterns takes the guesswork out of gear selection and session planning. Use Element to track San Diego’s water temperature trends, check daily forecasts for your favorite breaks, and never get caught underdressed again.