Crackneck Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The water temperature (19 °C) at Crackneck is relatively warm. If the sun does come out as forecast, it should feel warm enough to surf in a summer wetsuit. Effective air temperature of 18 °C.

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

Map of current Australia 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 Crackneck. 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.

Crackneck water temperatures peak in the range 22 to 25°C (72 to 77°F) on around the 5th of February and are at their lowest on about the 20th of August, in the range 17 to 20°C (63 to 68°F). Crackneck water temperatures are always warm reach their maximum at the beginning of February. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy. The lowest Crackneck water temperatures in mid to late August require something like a 3/2mm fully sealed wetsuit.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Crackneck 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 Crackneck. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.