Riet River Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with very warm air temperatures, feeling like 25 °C / 77 °F once we account for any wind. Sea temperatures (25 °C / 78 °F) very warm too. Staying comfortable in the water at Riet River won't be a problem, but wear at least a rash-vest to keep the UV off.

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 Riet River. 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.

Riet River sea temperatures peak in the range 23 to 25°C (73 to 77°F) on around the 3rd of February and are at their lowest on about the 1st of September, in the range 18 to 21°C (64 to 70°F). Riet River sea temperatures are always warm reach their warmest at the start of February. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy. The lowest Riet River sea temperatures at the beginning of September require something like a 3/2mm fully sealed wetsuit.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Riet River 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 Riet River. 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.