Surfing in South Africa
SurfScanners covers 6 surf spots in South Africa, including spots in Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape. Of those, 1 suits beginners, 4 suit intermediates, and 5 suit advanced surfers. Across them, the water averages ~17°C in July and ~20°C in February.
Surf spots in South Africa
Jeffreys Bay (Supertubes)
Eastern Cape
- Level:
- advanced
- Best months:
- Advanced surfers: Apr–Oct
- Water in October:
- ~18°C
Ballito (Willard Beach)
KwaZulu-Natal
- Level:
- intermediate–advanced
- Best months:
- Intermediates: May–Jul, Nov–Feb · Advanced surfers: Feb–Apr, Jul–Oct
- Water in October:
- ~22°C
St Francis Bay (Hullets)
Eastern Cape
- Level:
- intermediate–advanced
- Best months:
- Intermediates: Oct–Apr · Advanced surfers: Apr–Oct
- Water in October:
- ~17°C
Cape St Francis (Seal Point)
Eastern Cape
- Level:
- advanced
- Best months:
- Advanced surfers: Apr–Oct
- Water in October:
- ~17°C
Cape Town (Muizenberg)
Western Cape
- Level:
- beginner–intermediate
- Best months:
- Beginners: Oct–Apr · Intermediates: May–Sep, Nov–Dec
- Water in October:
- ~16°C
Kommetjie (Long Beach)
Western Cape
- Level:
- intermediate–advanced
- Best months:
- Intermediates: Oct–Apr · Advanced surfers: Apr–Sep, Nov
- Water in October:
- ~15°C
South Africa water temperature by month
Average across the spots above, with the coldest and warmest spot's in brackets.
January
~20°C (15–25°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
February
~20°C (15–25°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
March
~19°C (15–25°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
April
~18°C (14–24°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
May
~18°C (15–24°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
June
~17°C (14–22°C): a 3/2mm full suit, boots optional
July
~17°C (14–22°C): a 3/2mm full suit, boots optional
August
~17°C (14–21°C): a 3/2mm full suit, boots optional
September
~17°C (15–21°C): a 3/2mm full suit, boots optional
October
~17°C (15–22°C): a 3/2mm full suit, boots optional
November
~18°C (15–23°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
December
~20°C (16–24°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
Surfing in South Africa: FAQ
When is the best time to surf in South Africa?
For beginners: Oct–Apr. For intermediates: Oct–Jul. For advanced surfers: Apr–Oct. Across the country, waves are biggest in July, averaging 8.4 ft (2.6 m), and smallest in January, at 5.9 ft (1.8 m).
What is the water temperature in South Africa?
Averaged across our 6 spots, it ranges from ~17°C in July to ~20°C in February. The spots differ: Kommetjie (Long Beach) drops to ~14°C in July, while Ballito (Willard Beach) reaches ~25°C in February.
What wetsuit do I need to surf in South Africa?
It depends on the spot: in July, Kommetjie (Long Beach) (~14°C) calls for a 4/3mm full suit, boots recommended, while in February, Ballito (Willard Beach) (~25°C) needs boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed.
Is South Africa good for beginner surfers?
Yes. Cape Town (Muizenberg) suits beginners, and the best months for it are Oct–Apr.
Where are the best surf spots in South Africa?
We cover 6 spots in South Africa. Beginner-friendly: Cape Town (Muizenberg). Intermediate and up: Ballito (Willard Beach), St Francis Bay (Hullets), and Kommetjie (Long Beach). Advanced only: Jeffreys Bay (Supertubes) and Cape St Francis (Seal Point).