Depending on where you’ll be diving, water temperature plays a big part in how thick your diving wetsuit needs to be to keep you warm. If your scuba diving wetsuit is too thin, you won’t last very long, and your underwater exploration will end quicker than you want! On the other hand, a diving wetsuit that is too thick will make you feel uncomfortably warm, resulting in a similar outcome. Wearing the right gear on a dive is crucial to feel comfortable and for safety reasons.
Our diving wetsuit thickness guide will help you make the right decision when it comes to choosing your dive suit so you can enjoy your underwater diving experience.
CAN YOU DIVE IN A SURFING WETSUIT?
In general, your diving wetsuit should be thicker than your surfing or other water sports wetsuit, as you’re going to be submerged in deep water - and the deeper you go, the cooler the water temperature.
If you’re not a regular diver, then diving in a surfing wetsuit will be fine, as long as it’s thick enough. But if you dive regularly, we recommend getting yourself a specialised diving wetsuit, as they’re made to be thicker and are designed slightly differently to keep you well insulated and resist compression and pressure at depths, unlike surfing suits.
CAN YOU SCUBA DIVE WITHOUT A WETSUIT?
Yes, it is possible to scuba dive without wearing a neoprene wetsuit. If it’s warm enough, you could get away with wearing a swim costume and a rash vest. But not wearing a diving suit can come with consequences.
Although you may feel warm on the water's surface, the temperature 20 metres below sea level is much cooler. You also lose your body heat around 25% faster in the water than on the surface - even more reason to wear a wetsuit!
A diving wetsuit also protects you from the elements, such as sharp coral or sea creatures like jellyfish and stingrays. Wearing a wetsuit protects your skin from being exposed to anything that may irritate or harm you.
WHAT WETSUIT THICKNESS DO I NEED FOR DIVING?
As we mentioned, water temperature plays the most important factor when considering the thickness of your diving wetsuit. The other factor is personal preference, as some people feel the cold more than others.
Here’s a general guideline to follow when deciding on a dive suit's thickness, give or take depending on your cold threshold.
| WATER TEMPERATURE (°C) | WETSUIT THICKNESS (MM) |
| 28°C | SWIM COSTUME/1.5MM |
| 25-27°C | 2MM |
| 22-24°C | 3-4MM |
| 17-12°C | 5MM |
| 10-16°C | 7-8MM |
| 5-10°C | 7-8MM DRYSUIT |
| 5°C AND UNDER | DRYSUIT |
A BREAKDOWN OF DIVING WETSUIT THICKNESSES
Let’s break down the different wetsuit thicknesses available and the conditions they’re suitable for.
3MM AND BELOW DIVING WETSUITS
Generally speaking, 3mm diving wetsuits (and below) are ideal if you’re diving in the tropics, such as Maldives, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Hawaii, and more. Depending on how prone you are to feeling the cold, you can either opt for a shorty wetsuit or a full-length one if you’re planning on going on a long dive. Something like the Cressi Morea Monopiece 3mm Wetsuit is perfect for scuba diving in warm waters!
4MM TO 5MM DIVING WETSUITS
The most popular range of diving wetsuits, especially for UK waters, are the 4mm and 5mm diving suits. These wetsuits offer excellent insulation against cooler waters while ensuring flexibility and ease of movement, striking the perfect balance between warmth and mobility! They’re ideal for temperate seas, such as our Atlantic sea and freshwater lakes. The Cressi Lampuga 2-Piece Spearfishing 5mm Wetsuit offers durability, warmth, and flexibility.
6MM TO 7MM DIVING WETSUITS
In colder waters, 6mm to 7mm diving wetsuits are your reliable companions. These thicker suits offer superior insulation, keeping you comfortable and warm even in chilly depths. Designed to withstand harsher conditions, they provide excellent protection against the cold while ensuring flexibility for unhindered movement. Whether exploring icy lakes or diving in frigid ocean depths, the Cressi Tracina 7mm Wetsuit Dive Jacket paired with the Cressi Tracina 7mm Wetsuit Dive Trousers are the ideal choice.
8MM DIVING WETSUITS
Let’s dive a little deeper into the coldest of waters! When exploring the even colder waters with very low water temperatures, 8mm diving wetsuits are your ultimate best friend against the harsh chill. These heavy-duty suits offer maximum insulation, keeping you snug and warm even in freezing conditions. Engineered for extreme cold, they still provide the flexibility you need for effortless manoeuvrability. Why not consider the Cressi Facile 8mm Monopiece Dive Wetsuit for extreme insulation, flexibility, and comfort?
Now that you know what diving wetsuit thickness you need - it’s time to kit yourself out with some must-have diving accessories to make your underwater adventures even better! Follow our previous guide below for more information.
