Swimming in South Africa in august 2025 Sea temperature by city in august

In august in South Africa swimming conditions vary by city. Details below:

As for Durban, Margate, Richards Bay, Ballito (Dolphin Coast), iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Santa Lucia, Sodwana Bay, The Wild Coast and Port Shepstone, swimming is pleasant in august. The sea water is 71°F on average (min: 68°F/max: 73°F) so you can easily spend time in the water.

Swimming in august in Port Elizabeth (South Africa), Coffee Bay, East London, Kenton-on-Sea, Port St Johns, St Francis Bay, Jeffrey's Bay and Port Alfred is possible but the sea is generally cool. So though the sea temperature may sometimes reach 68°F, it can also go as low as 63°F. Note that the average is 66°F.

Swimming in august in Cape Town, George, Cape of Good Hope, Gansbaai, Groot-Jongensfontein, Hermanus, Knysna, Pearly Beach, Still Bay, Wilderness, Witsand, Mossel Bay, Plettenberg Bay and Saldanha is possible... with a wetsuit! Indeed, the water is cold at this time of year with an average temperature of 60°F (min: 57°F/max: 62°F).

Forget about swimming in Port Nolloth, Agulhas National Park, Arniston, Cape Agulhas, Hondeklip Bay, Kleinsee and Lepelsfontein in august! The water temperature is freezing, reaching as low as 55°F (and only 59°F at the best of times). Our advice: plan on sightseeing, and don't bring your beach towel!