Eisbach Water Temperature Today (Munich Surf Conditions)
Check the current water temperature, flow and surf conditions for the Eisbach river wave. Use this guide to decide if it’s worth going out and what wetsuit you need today.
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Air
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Flow
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Source: GKD Bayern & Open-Meteo
What This Means For Your Session
Raw numbers don't tell the whole story. Here's what these measurements actually mean for Eisbach surfing.
Understanding Water Temperature
The Eisbach is fed by water from the Isar river system and alpine groundwater, which keeps temperatures much colder than lakes around Munich.
Typical water temperatures:
- Winter: 3–6 °C
- Spring: 6–10 °C
- Summer: 10–16 °C
- Autumn: 8–12 °C
Even in summer the water remains significantly colder than lakes.
Yearly Water Temperature
Average monthly temperatures at the Eisbach (2016-2026)
Historical averages from GKD Bayern (2016-2026)
Why the Eisbach Feels So Cold
The Eisbach isn’t like ocean surfing — and that affects how cold it feels.
Alpine Water Source
Fed by snowmelt and groundwater, the water stays cold year-round — even in summer.
No Paddling = Less Warmth
You’re not constantly moving like in the ocean, so your body generates less heat.
Long Wait Times
With limited waves and rotation, you may wait 15–30 minutes between rides — increasing cold exposure.
Concrete Surroundings
Concrete banks and urban wind chill make the environment feel colder than a sandy beach.
Choosing the Right Wetsuit
3/2 mm (Summer): Best when water is above 15 °C. Flexible and comfortable for long sessions.
4/3 mm (Spring / Autumn): The most versatile option. Works for most of the year and keeps you warm in 10–15 °C water.
5/4 or 6/5 mm (Winter): Needed when water drops below 8 °C. Hooded suits add warmth but reduce mobility slightly.
Boots
Boots help with warmth and protection from concrete edges and rocks.
- 5 mm boots: October–April
- 3 mm boots: Spring and autumn
Cold Water Safety
Cold water can affect your body faster than expected.
Important tips:
- Always warm up before entering the water
- Start with short sessions in winter
- Use gloves and booties when temperatures drop below 8 °C
- Never surf alone in winter conditions
Listen to your body and exit the water if you feel numb or exhausted.
Best Surf Fins for the Eisbach Wave
River waves like the Eisbach require durable fins that handle shallow water and powerful standing waves. Many local surfers prefer smaller or more flexible fins for better control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Eisbach water temperature and conditions.
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The Eisbach water temperature ranges from 3-8°C in winter to 15-20°C in summer. Even in peak summer, it rarely exceeds 20°C due to its alpine water source. The average annual temperature is around 10-12°C, which requires a wetsuit year-round.
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The warmest months are typically July and August, when water temperatures reach 15-20°C. However, the Eisbach never gets truly "warm" due to its alpine source. Even at peak warmth, a wetsuit (at minimum 3/2mm) is essential for comfortable sessions.
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Yes, absolutely! Even in peak summer when water reaches 18-20°C, the combination of cold water, long wait times between waves, and no paddling to generate warmth means a wetsuit is essential. The minimum would be a 3/2mm in summer, with 4/3mm to 6/5mm needed for colder months.
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Several factors make the Eisbach feel colder:
1. No paddling: In ocean surfing, you're constantly paddling and generating body heat. At Eisbach, you're mostly standing still or sitting.
2. Long wait times: The rotation system means 15-30 minutes between waves, maximizing cold exposure.
3. Alpine source: The water comes from snowmelt and cold underground sources, giving it a more penetrating cold.
4. Concrete environment: The urban setting with concrete banks conducts cold better than natural environments and offers no shelter from wind. -
Winter surfing at Eisbach (water below 8°C) should only be attempted by experienced cold-water surfers who understand the risks of hypothermia and have proper equipment:
• 5/4mm or 6/5mm wetsuit with sealed seams
• Boots, gloves, and hood
• Limit sessions to 20-30 minutes maximum
• Never surf alone
• Have warm clothes and hot drinks ready for afterward
If you're new to cold-water surfing, wait for spring when water temperatures rise above 10°C. -
The data comes from the Bavarian Water Management Service (GKD Bayern), which operates official measuring stations on Bavarian waters. The measuring station is located near the Eisbach and provides real-time measurements of water temperature, discharge, and water level.
The measurements are updated regularly and represent actual conditions. We add local interpretation and context based on years of Eisbach surfing experience to help you understand what the numbers mean for your session. -
The official monitoring station provides highly accurate measurements (±0.1°C for temperature). However, conditions can vary slightly along different sections of the Eisbach. The main wave area typically matches the official readings closely, while the Flachwelle may be slightly warmer in summer due to shallower, sun-exposed water.
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For beginners (Flachwelle):
• Water temperature: Above 12°C
• Flow rate: Normal to low (8-12 m³/s)
• Time: Early mornings on weekdays for smaller crowds
For experienced surfers (Main wave):
• Water temperature: Above 8°C (unless you're experienced with cold water)
• Flow rate: Normal (10-15 m³/s) for clean, powerful waves
• Water level: Stable conditions
Avoid extremely high flow rates (above 20 m³/s) unless you're very experienced, as the wave becomes significantly more powerful and dangerous. -
The water level indicates how high the water currently stands in the river. Higher water levels typically mean stronger current and more powerful waves. For beginners, normal to slightly lower water levels are often better suited. Very high levels can make the wave unpredictable or dangerous.