The Reef Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Very warm air temperatures and very warm water(26 °C / 79 °F) too at The Reef, warm enough for wearing board shorts and a rash vest in the surf. Cloudy, but feeling very pleasant in and out of the water.

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 The 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.

The Reef sea water temperatures peak in the range 26 to 28°C (79 to 82°F) on around the 5th of February and are at their coldest on about the 15th of August, in the range 20 to 22°C (68 to 72°F). Year round warm sea water temperatures at The Reef climb to their highest at the beginning of February. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. The Reef sea water temperatures are coldest in mid August. 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 The 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 The Reef. 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.