Rutaki Passage 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 (27 °C / 81 °F) very warm too. Staying comfortable in the water at Rutaki Passage won't be a problem, but wear at least a rash-vest to keep the UV off.

Map of current Cook Islands Surface Water Temperatures based on measurements from oceanographic satellites

Map of current Cook Islands 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 Rutaki Passage. 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.

Rutaki Passage sea water temperatures peak in the range 27 to 29°C (81 to 84°F) on around the 29th of February and are at their minimum on about the 1st of September, in the range 22 to 24°C (72 to 75°F). Year round warm sea water temperatures at Rutaki Passage climb to their highest in late February. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. Rutaki Passage sea water temperatures are always warm but dip to their minimum at the beginning of September. 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 Rutaki Passage 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 Rutaki Passage. 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.