Sea temperatures have soared by 4 degrees in two weeks in Devon and Cornwall! Read on for the low down.
Surfers in Cornwall and Devon are feeling the mercury rising. A huge increase in ocean temperature is worrying, a bit scary and at the same time a bit of a treat after a long, cold winter. Strange times in the south west surf scene.
“Even early surfs before work have been noticeably warmer and most of us are in our thinner wetsuits much earlier, the water temperature feels more like July than May” said Women and Waves lead instructor Elaine Uff.
It’s official, boffins at the Met Office and National Oceanography Centre confirm that temperatures have risen between 2 and 4 degrees, all along the west coast of the UK and up as far as Scotland.
Why are sea temperatures around the south west of England happening?
We have had a very mild spring, with higher than average temperatures (also worrying!) and this has allowed the surface water to increase in temperature. The warmer than average wind has also assisted this.
This spike in temperature isn’t just a one-off. Scientists point to a combination of global warming, unusual ocean currents, and persistent high-pressure weather systems trapping warmth near the surface. The result? Local sea life is in for a shake-up, and so are we! It is a hot topic of conversation amongst surfers in line ups along the south west coast, no pun intended.
Our May coaching weekend in Cornwall had a stiff northerly breeze but even after 3+ hours in the water most of our guests hadn’t felt the cold.
What are the ecological changes?
The most intense marine heat wave on record is bound to cause changes to those that call the ocean home. There is confusion in the eco system and we are seeing ocean life that generally hasn’t been experienced in our waters. Only last week, a Leatherback Turtle was spotted off the coast of Cornwall and while the novelty of this is undeniable, the implications are worrying.
Incredible Marine Visitors: What’s Been Spotted
As well as the turtle, there has been a host of further changes in the eco system.
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Higher than average numbers of Barrel Jellyfish – The Gentle Giant.
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More sightings of Risso’s Dolphin – Playful and Curious
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Higher numbers in the Octopus population – The Master of Disguise
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The first recorded Leatherback Turtle – The Ocean Nomad
What Does This Mean for Surfers and Sea Lovers?
We all need to be aware of what to expect if these conditions continue. Our Women and Waves staff team share daily tales of changes that they have experienced during their daily surf sessions.
Warmer paddling: No complaints here – early wetsuit-free sessions could be on the cards and we are already seeing people in the line up in shortie wetsuits in May, this is almost unheard of.
Wildlife encounters: Nothing massively to worry about, we know what you are thinking, are there sharks in our waters? And the answer to that is no. But remember, all ocean creatures need space and respect. Enjoy them from a distance – and never touch or disturb marine life.
Environmental responsibility: Marine heatwaves are a symptom of bigger environmental challenges. Every choice counts – from reducing plastic use to supporting ocean-friendly businesses. We’re all for this and it’s a huge reminder of each of our responsibility to act with the environment in mind.
Global warming is real – and it’s happening right on our doorstep. This heatwave is another urgent reminder that our actions matter. We donate on a monthly basis to our chosen environmental support organisation Mossy Earth to help rewild and protect habitats. What more can each of us do to help this environmental emergency.
What else can we expect from these changes?
- From a surfers point of view, there will be less neoprene required. Thinner wetsuits and even shorter wetsuits earlier in the season (not just the warmest months).
- For ‘dipper’s the early morning sea swim will be considerably less bracing.
- More jelly fish sightings and harmful Algae blooms (keep dogs away from strange coloured froth on the fore shore)
Will it end or is it here forever?
It’s usually a 2 -3 week affair, but this one has occurred steadily over 2 months so it is a bit of a phenomenon. Women and Waves are watching it closely as we have such a range of coaching weekends and events in Devon and Cornwall each year. Plus we love the mother ocean. An expert from the Met office Dr Ségolène Berthou “it is super intense at the moment it has really soared this week”. We can confidently say that it has had no effect on the waves at all. It’s been a great 2025 with an incredible winter of waves followed by a fun, consistent spring.
Stay Tuned & Surf Responsibly
For now, the outcome is that the sea is warmer, in the short term this makes surfing more pleasant. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this developing situation, global warming is real folks, another reminder that we all need to do what we can for the environment – watch our socials for updates and don’t let this stop you enjoying the ocean and having a brilliant summer in the water.
Please watch our social media for future updates. If you want to join a coaching weekend with us this summer (and experience the warmer than average water) book your place here.
We’re all about giving back to the ocean that gives us so much. That’s why we support Mossy Earth and Marine Conservation Society UK – both doing awesome work to protect our seas and the wild places we love. If you’re keen to make a difference too, check them out, get involved, or chip in with a donation. Every little helps, and together we can keep our oceans thriving for years to come.
