Bonza Bay Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The water temperature (23 °C) at Bonza Bay is warm and the air temperature should feel similar (windchill forecast 18 °C). If the sun does come out as forecast, it should feel warm enough to surf in a shorty or a summer wetsuit.

Map of current South Africa Surface Water Temperatures based on measurements from oceanographic satellites

Map of current South Africa Sea Water Temperature Anomalies (compared with long term averages at this time of year)

(click thumbnails to expand)

Below is a graph of Historical Sea Surface Temperature for Bonza Bay. This has been derived from analysis of two decades of oceanographic satellite measurements of nearby open water. We have calculated the average water temperature variation around the year as well as the extremes that have been observed on each date.

All of the graphs for the surf breaks presented on Surf-Forecast.com are on the same scale to enable comparison between locations around the world.

Bonza Bay water temperatures peak in the range 23 to 26°C (73 to 79°F) on around the 3rd of February and are at their minimum on about the 4th of September, in the range 19 to 21°C (66 to 70°F). Bonza Bay water temperatures are always warm reach their maximum at the start of February. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy. The minimum Bonza Bay water temperatures in early September require something like a 3/2mm fully sealed wetsuit.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Bonza Bay can vary by several degrees compared with these open water averages. This is especially true after heavy rain, close to river mouths or after long periods of strong offshore winds. Offshore winds cause colder deep water to replace surface water that has been warmed by the sun. Air temperature, wind-chill and sunshine should also be considered before deciding on the kind of wetsuit needed to stay warm when surfing at Bonza Bay. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.