Sunset Beach Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with pleasantly warm air temperatures (feeling like 20 °C / 68 °F once we account for wind), yet at 18 °C / 65 °F the sea remains several degrees colder than the air at Sunset Beach. The majority of surfers will need a spring wetsuit though a summer suit or even a shorty may suffice for a short session.

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 Sunset Beach. 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.

Sunset Beach water temperatures peak in the range 19 to 22°C (66 to 72°F) on around the 29th of January and are at their minimum on about the 13th of July, in the range 14 to 16°C (57 to 61°F). Sunset Beach water temperatures are warmest in late January. Surfers should use a 2mm long sleeve shorty or a 3/2mm spring wetsuit if the wind is up. The minimum seasonal water temperatures at Sunset Beach in the third week of July 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 Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach. 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.