Nicks Point Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The water temperature (13 °C) at Nicks Point is fairly cool. Despite the sun, a windchill factor of (7 °C) means that surfers will need a good quality spring wetsuit, a neoprene hood. Some surfers would wear gloves and boots.

Map of current New Zealand Surface Water Temperatures based on measurements from oceanographic satellites

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 Nicks Point. 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.

Nicks Point sea water temperatures peak in the range 12 to 15°C (54 to 59°F) on around the 8th of February and are at their lowest on about the 30th of August, in the range 8 to 12°C (46 to 54°F). The warmest sea water temperatures at Nicks Point 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 lowest at the tail of August, low sea water temperatures at Nicks Point 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 Nicks Point 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 Nicks Point. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.