Salmon Holes Reef Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The water temperature (19 °C) at Salmon Holes Reef is relatively warm. If the sun does come out as forecast, it should feel warm enough to surf in a summer wetsuit. Effective air temperature of 14 °C

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 Salmon Holes Reef. 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.

Salmon Holes Reef sea temperatures peak in the range 19 to 20°C (66 to 68°F) on around the 29th of February and are at their lowest on about the 9th of September, in the range 15 to 17°C (59 to 63°F). The warmest Salmon Holes Reef sea temperatures in late February require something like a 3/2mm fully sealed wetsuit. The lowest seasonal sea temperatures at Salmon Holes Reef in early to mid September lend themselves to a 4/3mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit and 3mm neoprene boots.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Salmon Holes Reef 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 Salmon Holes Reef. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.