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 15.27°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.

59.5

°F

May 17, 12:28

Trend:

increasing

Yesterday:

58.9°F

Tomorrow:

59.9°F

Sunrise:

07:33

Sunset:

17:52

Day Length:

10 h. 19 min.

Cape Town in May

Minimum:

58.2°F

Average:

61.1°F

Maximum:

66.0°F

Sea water temperature in Cape Town today

As of now, in Cape Town, the water temperature is 59.5°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 3.2°F higher than the average recorded on this particular day in recent years. Since yesterday, there was a slight increase in temperature. This indicates a warming trend over the past day. According to the forecast, we expect the temperature to rise a bit.

Recent sea temperature and forecast

Today's water temperature is notably higher than the average recorded over the past two weeks, indicating a significant warming trend. It is also close to the historical maximum temperature for this date. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 59.6°F on 2018, while the historical minimum was 51.4°F on 2023.

latest data

last year

Over the last two weeks, the water temperature has stayed slightly above than historical averages for those days. The forecast for the upcoming week suggests a gradual increase. The average temperature is expected to rise up to 60.1°F, with minimum temperature starting at 59.9°F, while the maximum might reach 60.5°F.

Daily water temperature in Cape Town

Date	Current Year actual* / forecast**	last year	10 years average
May 3	58.3°F	54.4°F	57.0°F
May 4	58.1°F	54.2°F	56.8°F
May 5	57.8°F	53.3°F	56.8°F
May 6	58.5°F	53.8°F	57.2°F
May 7	58.8°F	54.2°F	57.2°F
May 8	58.3°F	54.9°F	57.1°F
May 9	59.2°F	54.8°F	57.2°F
May 10	59.2°F	54.5°F	56.9°F
May 11	58.4°F	54.8°F	57.1°F
May 12	58.1°F	54.4°F	56.8°F
May 13	58.2°F	55.2°F	56.6°F
May 14	57.6°F	55.4°F	56.5°F
May 15	59.0°F	55.7°F	56.7°F
May 16	58.9°F	57.0°F	56.7°F
May 17	59.5°F	57.2°F	56.3°F
May 18	59.9°F	57.2°F	56.7°F
May 19	60.0°F	58.2°F	56.8°F
May 20	60.2°F	57.7°F	57.0°F
May 21	60.5°F	57.5°F	57.3°F
May 22	59.9°F	56.8°F	56.7°F
May 23	60.3°F	57.9°F	57.1°F
May 24	60.1°F	56.4°F	56.9°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, 57.6°F in Summer, and 57.5°F in Autumn.