What is the current water temperature in Cape Town?

Q: What is the current water temperature in Cape Town?

As of now, in Cape Town, the water temperature is 12.69°C. Swimming in water of this temperature is considered as extremely cold, and there's a substantial risk of hypothermia if exposed for more than a brief duration.

South Africa > Cape Town

Water temperature in Cape Town

Detailed information about the current water temperature in Cape Town. The trend over the last two weeks, daily averages, and precise forecast of the water temperature changes. Gain a deeper understanding of seasonal dynamics with monthly statistical analyses covering recent years.

54.8

°F

August 23, 05:41

Trend:

stable

Yesterday:

55.0°F

Tomorrow:

55.1°F

Sunrise:

07:17

Sunset:

18:22

Day Length:

11 h. 5 min.

Cape Town in August

Minimum:

53.8°F

Average:

60.6°F

Maximum:

64.0°F

Sea water temperature in Cape Town today

As of now, in Cape Town, the water temperature is 54.8°F. Swimming in water of this temperature is considered as extremely cold, and there's a substantial risk of hypothermia if exposed for more than a brief duration. Today's reading is 2.6°F lower than the average recorded on this particular day in recent years. The sea temperature remains approximately unchanged from yesterday. According to the forecast, we expect the temperature to rise a bit.

Recent sea temperature and forecast

The water temperature today is above average for the last two weeks, showing a small increase in temperature. It is also close to the historical minimum temperature for this date. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 59.3°F on 2025, while the historical minimum was 55.8°F on 2021.

latest data

last year

Observations from the last two weeks indicate that the water temperature was in proximity to the lowest values recorded on those days in the past. The forecast for the upcoming week suggests a gradual increase. The average temperature is expected to rise up to 55.2°F, with minimum temperature starting at 55.1°F, while the maximum might reach 55.3°F.

Daily water temperature in Cape Town

Date	Current Year actual* / forecast**	last year	10 years average
Aug 9	56.3°F	57.1°F	57.3°F
Aug 10	54.9°F	57.0°F	57.2°F
Aug 11	52.6°F	56.8°F	56.9°F
Aug 12	51.7°F	57.6°F	57.0°F
Aug 13	53.1°F	57.8°F	57.1°F
Aug 14	55.1°F	57.3°F	57.3°F
Aug 15	54.8°F	57.3°F	57.1°F
Aug 16	54.5°F	57.5°F	57.0°F
Aug 17	53.2°F	58.0°F	57.2°F
Aug 18	53.7°F	58.4°F	57.2°F
Aug 19	54.3°F	58.4°F	57.4°F
Aug 20	55.5°F	58.3°F	57.4°F
Aug 21	55.0°F	58.8°F	57.4°F
Aug 22	55.0°F	58.7°F	57.5°F
Aug 23	54.8°F	59.3°F	57.4°F
Aug 24	55.1°F	59.0°F	57.7°F
Aug 25	55.2°F	58.8°F	57.8°F
Aug 26	55.2°F	59.1°F	57.8°F
Aug 27	55.3°F	59.0°F	57.9°F
Aug 28	55.3°F	59.2°F	57.9°F
Aug 29	55.3°F	59.1°F	57.8°F
Aug 30	55.3°F	58.7°F	57.8°F

* actual - actual temperature values

** forecast - projected values for the next week

Real-time coastal temperatures could deviate by several degrees from the provided readings. These deviations often become evident following intense rainfall or strong winds.

Our forecasting methodology leverages a mathematical model, that uses current water and weather conditions, historical records, wind intensity and direction.

Sea water temperature in Cape Town by month

In an average year, Cape Town offers no days when the water temperature is warm enough to swim comfortably.

The warmest water in Cape Town was recorded on March 13, 2026, reaching a 67.5°F. While the coldest temperature occurred on September 24, 2024, dipping to 47.4°F. The average readings by season are 60.0°F in Winter, 58.0°F in Spring, 57.5°F in Summer, and 57.5°F in Autumn.