Wild Side Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with pleasantly warm air temperatures (feeling like 21 °C / 70 °F once we account for wind), and similar sea temperatures (22 °C / 72 °F). Wear boardshorts or a shorty, or bette still a thin summer wetsuit to keep the UV off.

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 Wild Side. 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.

Wild Side sea temperatures peak in the range 22 to 25°C (72 to 77°F) on around the 3rd of February and are at their minimum on about the 25th of August, in the range 18 to 20°C (64 to 68°F). Wild Side sea temperatures are always warm reach their warmest at the start of February. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy. The minimum Wild Side sea temperatures in late August require something like a 3/2mm fully sealed wetsuit.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Wild Side 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 Wild Side. 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.