Heading to the beach when there’s a chill in the air can still be enjoyable with the right preparation. The key is wearing layers that will keep you warm in the conditions while allowing versatility as the temperature changes throughout the day.
Should You Go to the Beach When It’s Cold Out?
Beach days don’t have to end when summer does if you plan accordingly. The off-season can offer some ideal beach conditions without intense heat or crowded shores. That said, safety should still come first whenever you head out into cooler coastal temperatures.
Some factors to consider before planning a cold weather beach trip:
Wind Chill
Wind chill refers to how cold the air feels on your exposed skin owing to the combination of air temperature and wind speed. When wind picks up, it draws heat away from your body more quickly which drives down the felt temperature.
Pay attention to local wind conditions before heading out and prepare adequately for expected wind chill. Particularly cold, high wind can make what would’ve otherwise been bearable temps feel untenably cold.
Surf Temperature
While air temps get the most focus, remember that the water can be considerably colder. Surf ranges between 50-70°F (10-21°C) in northern California during winter, for example. Frigid water quickly saps body heat and risks hypothermia with prolonged exposure.
Check current water temperatures before going in over your head without a wetsuit. Even strong swimmers may find dangerously cold water tap them of energy within minutes. Know your limits and dress accordingly.
Cloud Cover
Sunshine plays an integral role in keeping you warm. Cloud cover doesn’t make for an automatic cancellation but the lack of solar radiation will likely necessitate additional clothing layers.
Much depends on the weight of the clouds and if they’re likely to part at any point. But assume it’ll be about 10-15 degrees colder under full winter cloud cover at the beach.
Rain/Wind Chill
Precipitation introduces perhaps the greatest hazard on cold beach days. Aside from personal discomfort, rain significantly amplifies wind chill and saps body heat far quicker than dry conditions.
While a brief sun-shower may not deter seasoned beach-goers, take appropriate cover in heavier rains. Packing extra layers and towels is advisable anytime scattered showers are in the forecast.
In general, exercising caution with proper attire allows for safe, revitalizing trips even on cold, windswept shores. But also recognize your own tolerance levels.
What to Wear Swimming in Cold Water Beach
Just because you’ll be on land part of the time doesn’t negate the need to prepare for frigid waters. Hypothermia can manifest rapidly when inadequately protected – even for strong swimmers in top condition.
Many seasoned ocean swimmers insist upon wearing wetsuits in water below 70°F (21°C). Neoprene wetsuits provide excellent insulation while allowing freedom of movement. Reputable surf brands like O’Neill, Rip Curl, and Billabong wear carry various styles to match needs and budgets.
Wetsuit Thickness
- 2-3mm suits work in the 60s°F so long as you won’t be submerged for extended periods
- 4-5mm provide sufficient insulation for most to withstand temps as low as the mid 50s°F
- 6mm+ suits keep torsos and limbs sufficiently insulated for frigid (sub-50°F) waters
Neoprene thickness (as well as sealed Stitchways and ankle/wrist cuffs) prevent rapid heat loss while swimming or surfing.
For added warmth, booties, hoods and gloves paired with your wetsuit defend against extremities losing heat. Protect hands/feet to avoid debilitating loss of dexterity from cold while out in the waves.
Note: Wetsuits work by trapping warmed water between skin and neoprene. That means you lose much of the benefit by repeatedly exiting the water which flushes away warm water and requires reheating.
Getting Out and Warming Back Up
Speaking of heating back up, profoundly chilling water makes re-warming critical once you exit. Bring towels, jackets, beanies, and sweatpants to immediately bundle up in. This prevents cooled blood from your extremities from lowering core body temperature.
Dressing in layers allows easy addition or removal of insulation as needed. Fleece shirts, pullover hoodies and windbreakers help retain heat when exiting the water.
Brisk activity post-swim also helps replenish depleted body warmth. Jogging, beach football and vigorous towel-drying keeps blood flowing to acclimate your skin back to air temperature.
What to Wear at the Beach for Cold Weather Land Activities
Beyond the water, wearing for land fun depends greatly on the anticipated weather conditions discussed earlier. With sun, light winds, and moderate air temperatures, wearing light layers and accessories may suffice. But harsher elements call for wearing bulkier outerwear and cold weather attire even on the sand.
Here’s a breakdown of what to wear for assorted cold beach scenarios:
Cool and Sunny
- T-shirt, sweatshirt/long sleeve tee
- Light sweater or hoodie
- Stretch beach pants
- Lightweight windbreaker
- Sandals, sneakers or water shoes
- Baseball cap or beanie
- Sunglasses
The goal is versatile layers that block any ocean breeze while allowing flexibility as the day progresses. Breathable fabrics help regulate body temperature during activity.
Overcast and Cool
- Sweatshirt and/or pullover fleece
- Windproof outer layer
- Warm beach/yoga pants
- Closed-toe shoes/boots
- Ear warmers or winter hat
- Scarf
With limited solar warmth, bulkier layers insulate while protecting from biting winds. Remember to guard extremities vulnerable to cold like ears and neck in addition to your core.
Cold and Windy
- Insulated hooded jacket
- Sweatpants, thermals
- Waterproof boots
- 2+ upper body layers
- Winter gloves
- Scarf, ski mask/balaclava
Bundling up is imperative with heavy winds, unobstructed by sunlight. Seek Multiple loose layers that provide ventilation to avoid overheating while shielding from the piercing cold. Give special attention to hands, head and feet.
Tip: Wool-based fabrics naturally repel moisture while retaining insulating warmth, even when wet. Investing in merino wool thermals, sweaters and socks helps buffer wind chill.
Recommended Fabrics and Materials
Certain materials endured for their insulating properties and cold weather performance:
Wool
Wool keeps you warm in wet or dry conditions. The natural fibers trap air while repelling moisture. Merino wool baselayers especially help moderate body temperature during aerobic cold-weather activity.
Fleece
Polyester fleece sweaters, pullovers, jackets and more provide lightweight warmth by trapping body heat in hollow fibers. Stays insulating when wet as well.
Neoprene
The wetsuit material allows skin exposure to water while preventing heat loss. Varying fabric thickness defeats cold permeation based on expected conditions.
Down Insulation
Lofted down blocks airflow and retains substantial warmth relative to weight. Water-resistant down jackets insulate even amid precipitation. Avoid direct water exposure though.
PrimaLoft
Similar to down but maintains warming properties when wet. Popular synthetic insulator for winter jackets to perform amid rain, sleet and snow.
Each material fills a niche depending on the intended context and weight considerations. Layer them when possible to reinforce insulation should any one item fall short in extreme cold.
Table summarizing common cold weather fabrics/materials:
| Material | Key Properties | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Wool | Moisture-wickingInsulatingBreathable | BaselayersHatsGloves |
| Fleece | LightweightBreathableInsulating | ShirtsPulloversPants |
| Neoprene | Extreme insulationImpermeable | WetsuitsGlovesBoots |
| Down | Very high warmth-to-weight ratioCompressibleLofts well | JacketsVests |
| PrimaLoft | Maintains warmth when wet Similar warmth as down | Outer LayersGlovesHats |
Conclusion
Heading to the beach in colder months can still make for an enjoyable and refreshing experience when properly prepared. The keys are monitoring weather conditions, wearing adequate insulation from both air and water temperatures, wearing covering extremities like hands and ears susceptible to wind chill, and wearing packing extra layers for versatility.
With diligent planning and packing, wearing the off-season beach can provide temperature regulation, sparse crowds, ideal surf, and stunning scenery devoid of punishing mid-summer sun. Just be sure to observe safety precautions like checking in with lifeguards, keeping gear close at hand, and recognizing personal tolerances for cold exposure before committing to frigid dips. Proper precautions instill confidence to indulge in all the atmosphere has to offer.
The options abound from brief briny plunges to bundled-up beachcombing adventures. Reimagine the winter shoreline by layering up and facing the surf conditions head-on. Just never prioritize enjoyment over health – guard yourself as vigorously as the waves guard their secrets.
FAQs
What do you wear under a wetsuit?
Most often, you’ll want to minimize or avoid cotton, which stays wet and promotes chilling, underneath your wetsuit. Form-fitting wool or synthetic base layers that wick moisture are recommended to retain warmth without compromising range of motion.
Should you wear shoes on the beach in winter?
Closed-toe shoes of some kind are highly advisable as they protect against the cold ground, particularly with wet feet which drop body temperature quickly. Waterproof winter or hiking boots provide insulation when the surf or rain mists the shoreline.
Is it OK to swim in 50-degree water?
While concerning, a short plunge in 50-degree water is survivable for most people so long as you get out promptly and actively rewarm. Have towels, jackets and warm layers at the ready before entering. Exposure beyond several minutes risks hypothermia.
Can wetsuits keep you warm in any water temperature?
Most recreational wetsuits provide ample warmth to about 60 degrees Fahrenheit and remain tolerable into the mid 50s. Extreme cold below that generally requires professional-grade gear to withstand safely. Know the expected water temp and use appropriately protective equipment.
What is the best way to stay warm at the beach in cold weather?
The best strategy is layering loose, wind-blocking, water-resistant pieces to trap heat while allowing versatility. Materials like wool, fleece and down insulate well. Maintain coverage of extremities prone to fast heat loss like hands and head/neck as well. Finally, stay active with beach sports, jogs or vigorous towel drying.