J-Bay Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

(Eastern Cape (South), South Africa)

Today's J-Bay sea temperature is 18.4 °C

(Which is 2.7°C colder than average for this time of year)

Mean: 21.1 °C
Range: 19.8 °C to 23.2 °C
Statistics for 05 May (1981–2005)

    Today, many surfers would wear a summer wetsuit.

    The J-Bay water temperature is reasonably warm (18 °C) and the air temperature will similar (windchill forecast 15 °C). A good quality summer wetsuit would be ideal.

    South Africa Sea Water Temperature

    Map of current South Africa
    Surface Water Temperatures
    based on measurements from oceanographic satellites
    South Africa Water Temperature Anomaly

    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 J-Bay. 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.

    J-Bay 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.

    J-Bay sea water temperatures peak in the range 22 to 25°C (72 to 77°F) on around the 2nd of February and are at their minimum on about the 6th of August, in the range 18 to 20°C (64 to 68°F). J-Bay sea water temperatures are always warm reach their warmest in early February. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy. The minimum J-Bay sea water temperatures in the first week of August require something like a 3/2mm fully sealed wetsuit.

    Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at J-Bay 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 J-Bay. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.

     

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