Makara Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The water temperature (16 °C / 62 °F) at Makara is quite cool. If the sun shines as we have forecast, it should feel warm enough to surf in a good spring wetsuit. Effective windchill factor of (19 °C / 66 °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 Makara. 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.

Makara sea temperatures peak in the range 16 to 19°C (61 to 66°F) on around the 7th of February and are at their minimum on about the 26th of August, in the range 11 to 13°C (52 to 55°F). The warmest seasonal sea temperatures at Makara in the first part of February lend themselves to a 4/3mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit and 3mm neoprene boots. At its minimum in the fourth week of August, low sea temperatures at Makara are suited to a 5/4mm or 5/3mm good quality wetsuit with neoprene gloves and 3mm boots. You will need a hood if it's windy or the air is cold.

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