Whites Reef Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with pleasantly warm air temperatures (feeling like 24 °C / 75 °F once we account for wind), yet at 17 °C / 64 °F the sea remains several degrees colder than the air at Whites Reef. 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 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 Whites 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.

Whites Reef sea water temperatures peak in the range 16 to 18°C (61 to 64°F) on around the 16th of February and are at their lowest on about the 11th of September, in the range 13 to 15°C (55 to 59°F). The warmest seasonal sea water temperatures at Whites Reef in the middle of February lend themselves to a 4/3mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit and 3mm neoprene boots. The lowest sea water temperatures at Whites Reef in the second week of September are ideally suited to a 4/3mm wetsuit + 3mm boots, although a 5/3mm wetsuit may be preferable for longer sessions and cold windy days.

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