Pulpit Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

(Durban/KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, South Africa)

Today's Pulpit sea temperature is 24.8 °C

(Which is normal for this time of year)

Mean: 24.7 °C
Range: 23.6 °C to 25.8 °C
Statistics for 19 Apr (1981–2005)

    Today, many surfers would wear a rashvest wetsuit.

    Sunny with very warm air temperatures, feeling like 28 °C once we account for any wind. Sea temperatures (24 °C) warm too. Staying warm in the water won't be a problem in board-shorts, but wear at least a rash-vest to keep the UV off.

    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 Pulpit. 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.

    Pulpit 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.

    Pulpit sea water temperatures peak in the range 25 to 27°C (77 to 81°F) on around the 2nd of February and are at their minimum on about the 1st of August, in the range 20 to 22°C (68 to 72°F). Year round warm sea water temperatures at Pulpit climb to their maximum in early February. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. Pulpit sea water temperatures are minimum at the beginning of August. Surfers should use a 2mm long sleeve shorty or a 3/2mm spring wetsuit if the wind is up.

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

     

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