5mm wetsuit in 85 - 88 degree water

[RXTdiver]

If I wore a 5mm wetsuit in 85 degree water, would I overheat?

 

[tursiops]

If I wore a 5mm wetsuit in 85 degree water, would I overheat?

I would. YMMV. People are different.

 

[davehicks]

I would suggest a 3mm suit. Get a beanie cap and a Lavacore vest if you want to layer up for colder water.

 

[Centrals]

If I wore a 5mm wetsuit in 85 degree water, would I overheat?

It is a wet suit not a dry suit.
You can always let in water through the neck to cool down yourself.

 

[k4kafka]

Depends entirely on your tolerance for cold. I myself just did 32 dives in Cozumel. The water temperature was 83-84. I have little to no body fat left at my age and I felt quite comfortable in my 5m.

 

[broncobowsher]

Probably not. Don't know your personal tolerance. I would probably be doing some neck flushes to pump some fresh water through the suit. I can transition between a bathing suit and a 5mm.

5mm isn't my first choice, 3mm would be better. But if it is your only choice, doable.
It would be difficult to be cold in a correctly fitting 5mm.

 

[Nemrod]

Some years ago, a cold January day, the Y pool heater got stuck on and the water was 88 to 90 degrees. It was so steamy and warm and being so cold and icy outside I could hardly wait to jump in and get my mile done with. I got maybe 6 laps before I so nauseated I was about to throw up. And I get cold easy.

Where do you find 88 degree water? Not only might the coral be bleached, you might be steamed. As said, you can vent the suit but still, you might get a tad warm.

 

[TMHeimer]

My cold tolerance has weakened significantly since moving from the sub-Arctic 20 years ago. Nevertheless, in any water approaching 80 F I would wear only a body suit for protection from stings, etc.

 

[tridacna]

Where do you find 88 degree water? Not only might the coral be bleached, you might be steamed. As said, you can vent the suit but still, you might get a tad warm.

I’ve dived Bermuda in summer. Temps have been 87/88/89. No wetsuit necessary.

 

[Nemrod]

I’ve dived Bermuda in summer. Temps have been 87/88/89. No wetsuit necessary.

Sounds like the Keys in summer, no wet suit needed, 5mm of rubber, I will pass.