La Roche Percee (Bonhomme de Bourail) Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with very warm air temperatures, feeling like 28 °C once we account for any wind. Sea temperatures (27 °C) very warm too. Staying comfortable in the water at La Roche Percee (Bonhomme de Bourail) won't be a problem, but wear at least a rash-vest to keep the UV off.

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

Map of current New Caledonia 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 La Roche Percee (Bonhomme de Bourail). 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.

Roche Percee sea temperatures peak in the range 26 to 29°C (79 to 84°F) on around the 10th of February and are at their coldest on about the 18th of August, in the range 22 to 24°C (72 to 75°F). Year round warm sea temperatures at Roche Percee climb to their maximum in early to mid February. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. Roche Percee sea temperatures are always warm but dip to their coldest in the third week of August. You'll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it's windy.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at La Roche Percee (Bonhomme de Bourail) 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 La Roche Percee (Bonhomme de Bourail). Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.