Golden Bay Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with very warm air temperatures, feeling like 26 °C / 79 °F once we account for any wind. Sea temperatures (24 °C / 75 °F) warm too. Staying warm in the water won't be a problem in board-shorts, but wear at least a rash-vest to keep the UV off.

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 Golden 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.

Golden Bay water temperatures peak in the range 21 to 23°C (70 to 73°F) on around the 29th of February and are at their coldest on about the 8th of September, in the range 17 to 20°C (63 to 68°F). Golden Bay water temperatures are always warm reach their highest in late February. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy. The coldest Golden Bay water temperatures in early to mid September require something like a 3/2mm fully sealed wetsuit.

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

Latest surface water temperature for the entire globe. Click the image to view a larger version.