Long Reef Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with pleasantly warm air temperatures (feeling like 22 °C once we account for wind), yet at 18 °C the sea remains several degrees colder than the air at Long 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 Long 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.

Long Reef sea water temperatures peak in the range 22 to 25°C (72 to 77°F) on around the 29th of January and are at their minimum on about the 18th of July, in the range 16 to 20°C (61 to 68°F). Long Reef sea water temperatures are always warm reach their maximum in late January. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy. The minimum seasonal sea water temperatures at Long Reef in the third week of July lend themselves to a 4/3mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit and 3mm neoprene boots.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Long 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 Long Reef. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.