Rapid Bay Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with very warm air temperatures, feeling like 27 °C / 81 °F once we account for air movement. In contrast the sea remains relatively cold (19 °C / 67 °F). Surfers should wear a spring or summer wetsuit though no doubt some would wear less neoprene on such a warm day, no matter what temperature the sea is.

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 Rapid 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.

Rapid Bay sea water temperatures peak in the range 18 to 21°C (64 to 70°F) on around the 29th of February and are at their lowest on about the 1st of September, in the range 13 to 15°C (55 to 59°F). The maximum Rapid Bay sea water temperatures in late February require something like a 3/2mm fully sealed wetsuit. The lowest sea water temperatures at Rapid Bay at the beginning of September 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 Rapid 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 Rapid 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.