Flat Rock at Tangoio Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The water temperature (15 °C) at Flat Rock at Tangoio is quite cool. If the sun does come out as forecast, it should feel warm enough to surf in a good sealed spring wetsuit. Some surfers would prefer to wear gloves and boots too. Effective windchill factor of (12 °C) will make the air and water feel about the same temperature.

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

Map of current New Zealand 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 Flat Rock at Tangoio. 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.

Flat Rock at Tangoio sea water temperatures peak in the range 18 to 21°C (64 to 70°F) on around the 9th of February and are at their coldest on about the 22nd of August, in the range 12 to 14°C (54 to 57°F). The maximum Flat Rock at Tangoio sea water temperatures in early to mid February require something like a 3/2mm fully sealed wetsuit. The coldest sea water temperatures at Flat Rock at Tangoio in the second half of August are ideally suited to a 4/3mm wetsuit + 3mm boots, although a 5/3mm wetsuit may be preferable for longer sessions and cold windy days.

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