Catlins River Mouth Surf Break

Lat Long: 46.48° S 169.72° E

Catlins River Mouth Sea Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Issued: 5 am 06 Aug 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Today's Catlins River Mouth sea temperature is
11.0° C
1.9° 

Catlins River Mouth surf forecast is for near shore open water. Breaking waves will often be smaller at less exposed spots.

Today's Catlins River Mouth sea temperature is 11.0 °C

(1.9° warmer than normal for this time of year)

Mean: 9.1 °C
Range: 7.7 °C to 10.2 °C
Statistics for 06 Aug (1981–2005)
  • neoprene wetsuit hood for warmth and a watertight seal in cold sea temperatures
  • neoprene gloves for warmth, grip, and protection in cold temperatures
  • wetsuit boots for warmth, grip, and protection in cold temperatures

Today, many surfers would wear a winter wetsuit, a neoprene hood, gloves and boots.

Cold Catlins River Mouth water temperature (11 °C) today. Despite the sunshine, we suggest wearing a thick winter wetsuit, and ideally a neoprene hood, gloves and boots too because of the windchill will make air temperatures feel close to freezing.

New Zealand Sea Water Temperature

Map of current New Zealand
Surface Water Temperatures

(based on measurements from oceanographic satellites)
New Zealand Water Temperature Anomaly

Map of current New Zealand
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 Catlins River Mouth. 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.

Catlins River Mouth Water Temperature Graph

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.

Catlins River Mouth sea water temperatures peak in the range 12 to 14°C (54 to 57°F) on around the 8th of February and are at their minimum on about the 30th of July, in the range 8 to 10°C (46 to 50°F). The highest sea water temperatures at Catlins River Mouth in early to mid February 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. At its minimum at the tail of July, low sea water temperatures at Catlins River Mouth are suited to a 5/4mm or 5/3mm good quality wetsuit with neoprene gloves and 3mm boots. You will need a hood if it's windy or the air is cold.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Catlins River Mouth 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 Catlins River Mouth. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.

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