Surfers Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

A hot and sunny day, feeling like 31 °C / 88 °F even after we account for wind, and very warm water temperature (26 °C / 80 °F) too at Surfers. Surfers may need a thin summer wetsuit or at least a rash vest to block the UV.

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 Surfers. 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.

Surfers sea water temperatures peak in the range 25 to 27°C (77 to 81°F) on around the 4th of February and are at their coldest on about the 31st of July, in the range 20 to 22°C (68 to 72°F). Year round warm sea water temperatures at Surfers climb to their highest in early February. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. Surfers sea water temperatures are coldest at the end of July. Surfers should use a 2mm long sleeve shorty or a 3/2mm spring wetsuit if the wind is up.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Surfers 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 Surfers. 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.