What to Wear for Cold Water Swimming This Autumn
Autumn is when open water swimming changes character. The water that felt refreshing in August starts to bite, the light fades earlier and the crowds thin out. With the right cold water swimming kit, it can be the best season of the year. This guide is part of our open water and triathlon guides.
How cold does open water get in autumn?
It falls steadily from September onwards, and lakes and rivers cool faster than the sea. The RNLI classes water at 15°C or below as cold, the point where cold water shock becomes a real risk, and most UK open water is below that for much of the autumn. Check the water temperature before every swim if your venue posts it.
Autumn Kit as the Water Cools
| Stage | What to wear | Add |
|---|---|---|
| Early autumn | Swimming wetsuit, bright cap, tow float | Changing robe for afterwards |
| Mid autumn | Wetsuit plus neoprene socks and a second cap or hood | Warm drink on the bank |
| Late autumn | Wetsuit, hood, gloves and socks | Shorter swims, layers laid out in order |
Do you need a wetsuit in autumn?
For most swimmers, yes. A swimming wetsuit keeps you warmer and adds buoyancy, and the RNLI notes that a wetsuit reduces the chance of cold water shock. Fit matters even more in cold water: a loose suit lets cold water flush through. Our swimming wetsuits are cut for swimming, not surfing.
Which neoprene accessories help most?
Hands, feet and head get cold first, and they're usually what cuts an autumn swim short. Neoprene socks keep feet warmer and grip slippery entry points; gloves keep your hands working; a hood or a second cap keeps your head and ears warmer. Our neoprene accessories include socks, gloves and hoods.
The mistake: Swimming the same distance in October as you did in August.
What happens: As the water cools, the same swim takes far more out of you. Swimmers get colder than they expect, and the risk of struggling rises.
How to avoid it: Shorten your swims as the water cools, swim with others and add neoprene accessories. Get out before you feel very cold, not after.
How do you stay visible as the light fades?
Lower light and fewer people around make visibility even more important. Wear a bright cap and tow a float; our post on tow floats explains why. Cold water also makes goggles fog faster, so read our tips on stopping goggles fogging.
What should you wear after an autumn swim?
Get warm quickly. A changing robe gives you shelter on the bank, and layers, a hat and a hot drink help you recover. Lay your kit out in order before you get in, because cold fingers struggle with zips and buttons. Our women's and men's changing robes are a favourite autumn upgrade.
THREE AUTUMN RULES
THREE AUTUMN RULESShorter swims
Shorter swimsCut your distance as the water cools. Warmth beats mileage.
Never alone
Never aloneSwim with others or at a supervised venue.
Warm up gently
Warm up gentlyLayers, a hat and a warm drink straight after.
The RNLI's water safety advice is worth reading before your first cold swim. When winter arrives, our open water and triathlon guides are the next step. Our swimwear experts are always happy to help you plan your cold water kit.
Why Buy Cold Water Kit From Allens Swimwear
We've been kitting out swimmers for every season of the year for 50 years.
Written by a swimwear specialist at Allens Swimwear, 50 years of expert fitting. Updated 8 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear for cold water swimming?
A swimming wetsuit, neoprene socks, gloves and a hood or second cap, plus a bright cap and tow float. Have warm layers and a changing robe ready for afterwards.
What temperature is cold water swimming?
The RNLI classes water at 15°C or below as cold, where cold water shock becomes a real risk.
Do neoprene gloves make a difference?
Yes. Cold hands are often the first thing to end a cold water swim, and gloves keep your fingers working for longer, which also makes getting changed easier.
How long should you swim in cold water?
There's no set rule, and it depends on experience and acclimatisation. Shorten your swims as the water cools and get out before you feel very cold.
Should I wear two swim caps in cold water?
Many swimmers do. A second cap or a neoprene hood helps keep your head and ears warmer as the water cools.