Surf wax temperature chart

New Zealand water ranges from around 9–10°C in a South Island winter to about 21°C in Northland in late summer. For most of the year in the North Island, Cool wax (15–20°C) is your go-to. From January to April up north, switch to Warm wax (20–24°C). Wellington, the South Island and North Island west-coast winters call for Cold wax (below 15°C). Tropical wax (24°C and up) is for trips to warmer water. Sticky Johnson makes all four grades, so you can match your wax to the season and region. See our surf wax temperature chart for every region, month by month.

The difference is hardness. Cold wax (below 15°C) is the softest and stickiest, so it stays tacky in cold water. Cool (15–20°C) and Warm (20–24°C) get progressively firmer. Tropical wax (24°C and up) is the hardest, so it won't melt in warm water. Using the wrong temperature wax means either a melted mess or a slippery board. Match the wax to your water temperature for the best grip.

A basecoat is highly recommended. Basecoat is a harder wax applied first to create a layer of textured bumps that your temperature-specific top coat grips onto. Without it, your top coat can slide around and wear off faster. Apply Sticky Johnson Basecoat in a crosshatch pattern first, then layer your Cool or Cold wax on top for maximum grip.

You can, but it will be too hard to grip properly in cold conditions. Warm wax is formulated for higher temperatures and won't soften enough to be tacky in cold water. Always match your wax temperature rating to the actual water temperature.

It's best to stick with one topcoat temperature at a time. Mixing can result in uneven grip. If switching seasons, do a full strip-and-rewax with the new temperature rather than layering warm over cold.

Cold water wax is the softest formulation and will melt quickly in a hot car, creating a messy, uneven surface. Always store your board in shade or use a reflective board bag. If it melts, strip and re-wax.

It depends on where and when you surf. On the Gold Coast the water averages 22–27°C, so use Tropical wax (24°C and up) from November to May and Warm wax (20–24°C) from June to October. In Sydney, Warm wax covers most of the year, with Tropical in February and March and Cool wax (15–20°C) from July to October. Victoria's surf coast (Bells Beach, Torquay) is colder: Cool wax from November to May and Cold wax (below 15°C) from June to October. In Margaret River, use Warm wax from December to June and Cool wax from July to November.

Cold wax. The water at Torquay and Bells Beach averages 13–14°C from June to October, below the 15°C cut-off for Cool wax. From November to May it warms to 16–18°C, which is Cool wax territory.

Yes. We ship anywhere in Australia at a flat rate, and prices are shown in Australian dollars. The shipping cost is shown at checkout.

You can order online and have it shipped anywhere in Australia. Our Australian distributor is listed on our stockists page.

In Southern California (San Diego), the water averages 59–66°F (15–19°C) from October to June, so use Cool wax then, and Warm wax (68–75°F) from July to September. Northern California (Santa Cruz) is colder, at 54–57°F (12–14°C) for most of the year, so use Cold wax (below 59°F), switching to Cool wax around September.

Tropical wax. The water on Oahu's North Shore averages 75–81°F (24–27°C) all year, so Tropical wax (75°F and up) is the right grade every month.

Most East Coast spots swing through every grade. In New Jersey the water drops as low as 39°F (4°C) in winter and stays below 59°F (15°C) from November to May (Cold wax), then warms to 70–73°F (21–23°C) from July to September (Warm wax). The Outer Banks follow a similar pattern: Cold wax from December to April, and Warm to Tropical wax from June to October. In Florida (Cocoa Beach), use Warm wax from December to April and Tropical wax from May to November.

Cold wax is for water below 59°F, Cool wax for 59–68°F, Warm wax for 68–75°F, and Tropical wax for 75°F and up. In Celsius that's below 15°C, 15–20°C, 20–24°C, and 24°C and up.

Yes. We ship anywhere in the USA at a flat rate, and prices are shown in US dollars. The shipping cost is shown at checkout.