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The water temperature (16 °C) at Brak River is quite cool. If the sun shines as we have forecast, it should feel warm enough to surf in a good spring wetsuit. Effective windchill factor of (19 °C) will make the air and water feel about the same temperature.
Map of current South Africa
Surface Water Temperatures based on measurements from oceanographic satellites
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Map of current South Africa
Sea Water Temperature Anomalies
(compared with long term averages at this time of year)
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(click thumbnails to expand)
Below is a graph of Historical Sea Surface Temperature for Brak River. 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.
Brak River sea water temperatures peak in the range 20 to 24°C (68 to 75°F) on around the 29th of January and are at their minimum on about the 5th of August, in the range 15 to 18°C (59 to 64°F). Brak River sea water temperatures are warmest in late January. Surfers should use a 2mm long sleeve shorty or a 3/2mm spring wetsuit if the wind is up. The minimum seasonal sea water temperatures at Brak River at the beginning of August lend themselves to a 4/3mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit and 3mm neoprene boots.
Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Brak River 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 Brak River. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.
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