East Pier Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The water temperature (22 °C) at East Pier is warm and the air temperature should feel similar (windchill forecast 17 °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 East Pier. 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.

East Pier water temperatures peak in the range 23 to 25°C (73 to 77°F) on around the 4th of February and are at their minimum on about the 5th of September, in the range 18 to 21°C (64 to 70°F). East Pier water temperatures are always warm reach their maximum in early February. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy. The minimum East Pier water temperatures at the beginning of September require something like a 3/2mm fully sealed wetsuit.

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