Hickory Bay Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The water temperature (14 °C / 58 °F) at Hickory Bay 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 (13 °C / 55 °F) 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 Hickory 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.

Hickory Bay sea water temperatures peak in the range 14 to 17°C (57 to 63°F) on around the 12th of February and are at their minimum on about the 10th of August, in the range 8 to 10°C (46 to 50°F). The maximum seasonal sea water temperatures at Hickory Bay in the second week of February lend themselves to a 4/3mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit and 3mm neoprene boots. The minimum sea water temperatures at Hickory Bay mean that you will need a flexible 6/5/4mm wetsuit or a well fitting 5/4mm wetsuit with gloves and 5mm neoprene booties and a hood to surf here in early to mid August.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Hickory 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 Hickory 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.