Kosi Bay Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Very warm air temperatures and very warm water(26 °C / 80 °F) too at Kosi Bay, warm enough for wearing board shorts and a rash vest in the surf. Cloudy, but feeling very pleasant in and out of the water.

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 Kosi 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.

Kosi Bay water temperatures peak in the range 26 to 28°C (79 to 82°F) on around the 4th of February and are at their minimum on about the 31st of July, in the range 21 to 23°C (70 to 73°F). Year round warm water temperatures at Kosi Bay climb to their maximum in early February. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. Kosi Bay water temperatures are always warm but dip to their minimum at the end of July. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy.

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