Clifton 2nd Beach Water Temperature & Swim Forecast
Chic wind-protected cove.
Cool water with a big swell and a moderate breeze — tough conditions for unprotected swimming.
Current model estimate · updated 0 min ago · modelled, not a buoy measurement. How accurate is this?
Location
Clifton 2nd Beach on the map, with nearby beaches and live sea temperatures.
7-day forecast
Water, air, waves, wind and UV outlook for the week ahead.
5/4mm fullsuit + boots & gloves
At 12.5°C you need a 5/4mm fullsuit with boots, gloves and ideally a hood.
- + 5mm boots
- + 3mm gloves
- + Hood for extended sessions
Recommendation tuned for Clifton 2nd Beach's current water temperature. Individual tolerance, wind chill, and session length all matter — when in doubt, size up.
Clifton 2nd Beach swimming conditions summary
- Water temperature
- 12.5°C
- Water feels
- Bracing
- Swimmable today
- Only with thermal protection
- Swim conditions score
- 24/100 · Poor
- Wetsuit needed
- 5/4mm fullsuit + boots & gloves
- Air temperature
- 23.2°C
- Waves
- 2.3 m · big swell
- Wind
- 26 km/h · moderate breeze
- UV index
- 9 · very high
- Average sea temperature (November)
- 17.0 °C
- Warmest months to swim
- July, August, September
At 12.5°C you need a 5/4mm fullsuit with boots, gloves and ideally a hood. Current model estimate · updated 0 min ago. Water, wave, wind and UV values are Open-Meteo marine/weather model estimates, refreshed hourly — not buoy measurements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I swim at Clifton 2nd Beach right now?
The sea at Clifton 2nd Beach is currently 12.5°C — cold swimming conditions. Most swimmers will find the water comfortable when it's above 22°C; below 18°C feels fresh and a wetsuit is recommended.
What will the sea temperature be at Clifton 2nd Beach next week?
Based on long-term November averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Clifton 2nd Beach to sit close to 17.0°C over the next 7 days. Check the live 7-day chart above for the exact daily outlook.
When is the best month to swim at Clifton 2nd Beach?
July – August – September are typically the warmest months to swim at Clifton 2nd Beach, with sea temperatures at their seasonal peak.
Do I need a wetsuit at Clifton 2nd Beach?
With water currently at 12.5°C: above 22°C no wetsuit needed; 18–22°C a shorty is comfortable for long swims; 14–18°C a 3/2mm full suit; below 14°C a 4/3mm or thicker.
Can I swim at Clifton 2nd Beach today?
The sea is currently 12.5°C — poor swimming conditions. Acclimatised swimmers will be most comfortable.
- • Located in Western Cape, South Africa (Atlantic Ocean).
- • Family friendly with calm, accessible water.
- • Live data refreshed hourly from Open-Meteo Marine.
Monthly sea temperature averages
Tap any month to see what to expect — based on regional climatology.
Best time to swim in Clifton 2nd Beach
The sea in Clifton 2nd Beach peaks in August, when the water averages around 21°C.
The main swimming season runs from July – September, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 3 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Shoulder months like June and October are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 14°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically January at around 14°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Clifton 2nd Beach sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Clifton 2nd Beach shows an annual mean sea temperature of 17°C, ranging from 14°C in winter to 21°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 7°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Clifton 2nd Beach, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Clifton 2nd Beach sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Clifton 2nd Beach?
August is the warmest month in Clifton 2nd Beach, when the sea averages about 21°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Clifton 2nd Beach?
The coldest month in Clifton 2nd Beach is typically January, when the water averages around 14°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Clifton 2nd Beach without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Clifton 2nd Beach runs from July – September — about 3 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Clifton 2nd Beach?
Outside peak summer the water in Clifton 2nd Beach drops toward 14°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Clifton 2nd Beach?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Clifton 2nd Beach is about 17°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Clifton 2nd Beach?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Clifton 2nd Beach, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Year-round sea temperature
Best swim months: Jul – Aug – Sep
| Month | Sea | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 14°C | Bracing |
| Feb | 14°C | Bracing |
| Mar | 14°C | Bracing |
| Apr | 15°C | Bracing |
| May | 16°C | Bracing |
| Jun | 18°C | Pleasant |
| Jul | 20°C | Pleasant |
| Aug ⭐ | 21°C | Pleasant |
| Sep | 21°C | Pleasant |
| Oct | 19°C | Pleasant |
| Nov | 17°C | Bracing |
| Dec | 15°C | Bracing |
Nearby beaches
The closest coastline, with live water temperatures.