Tolaga Bay Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with pleasantly warm air temperatures (feeling like 22 °C once we account for wind), yet at 19 °C the sea remains several degrees colder than the air at Tolaga Bay. 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 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 Tolaga 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.

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.

Tolaga Bay sea temperatures peak in the range 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F) on around the 7th of February and are at their lowest on about the 24th of August, in the range 13 to 15°C (55 to 59°F). Tolaga Bay sea temperatures are warmest in the first part of February. Surfers should use a 2mm long sleeve shorty or a 3/2mm spring wetsuit if the wind is up. The lowest sea temperatures at Tolaga Bay in the fourth week of August 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.

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