All data are in degrees Fahrenheit

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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.
Sea temperature in Cape Town now

54.6

°F

May 11, 03:00

Trend:

stable

Yesterday:

54.2°F

Tomorrow:

54.3°F

Sunrise:

07:28

Sunset:

17:57

Day Length:

10 h. 29 min.

Cape Town in May

Minimum:

58.7°F

Average:

61.5°F

Maximum:

66.0°F

Sea water temperature in Cape Town today

As of now, in Cape Town, the water temperature is 54.6°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 2.4°F lower 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 fall a bit.

Recent sea temperature and forecast

Today's reading indicates a minor change compared to the average water temperature of the last two weeks, but the overall trend remains steady. It is also close to the historical minimum temperature for this date. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 59.5°F on 2023, while the historical minimum was 52.9°F on 2022.

Over the last two weeks, the water temperature has stayed slightly lower than historical averages for those days. The forecast for the upcoming week shows a gradual cooling trend. The average temperature is expected to be 54.1°F, the minimum temperature may reach 53.8°F, and the maximum might stay at 54.3°F.

Daily water temperature in Cape Town

Date Current Year

actual* / forecast**

last year 10 years average
Apr 27 54.1°F 51.8°F 56.4°F
Apr 28 55.6°F 52.5°F 56.4°F
Apr 29 55.4°F 51.5°F 56.6°F
Apr 30 55.4°F 53.2°F 56.6°F
May 1 54.6°F 54.3°F 56.5°F
May 2 54.5°F 53.7°F 56.4°F
May 3 54.4°F 55.8°F 56.9°F
May 4 54.2°F 56.0°F 56.9°F
May 5 53.3°F 56.0°F 56.8°F
May 6 53.8°F 56.6°F 57.1°F
May 7 54.2°F 55.9°F 57.1°F
May 8 54.9°F 55.9°F 56.9°F
May 9 54.8°F 56.2°F 57.2°F
May 10 54.2°F 55.7°F 56.7°F
May 11 54.6°F 56.1°F 57.0°F
May 12 54.3°F 55.8°F 56.8°F
May 13 54.3°F 55.8°F 56.7°F
May 14 54.2°F 55.7°F 56.6°F
May 15 54.1°F 57.5°F 56.5°F
May 16 54.0°F 56.4°F 56.5°F
May 17 53.8°F 55.5°F 56.3°F
May 18 54.2°F 57.0°F 56.7°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 February 1, 2016, reaching a 67.4°F. While the coldest temperature occurred on September 24, 2024, dipping to 47.4°F. The average readings by season are 60.6°F in Winter, 57.9°F in Spring, 57.4°F in Summer, and 57.8°F in Autumn.