Can you swim at Kaikoura South Bay in January? — 15.0°C water
Cool — short dips or a shorty wetsuit
Average sea · January
15.0°C
Live water now
…
Recommended wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
mild
Cool. 15.0°C in January means short dips for most people. A 2 mm shorty or 3/2 mm wetsuit transforms the experience.
Monthly averages set expectations, but the specific beach today depends on wind, swell and recent weather. Check the live value at the top of this page or open the Kaikoura South Bay live page for full conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average sea temperature at Kaikoura South Bay in January?
Kaikoura South Bay averages 15.0°C in January, based on long-run climatology for the Tasman Sea.
Is the sea warm enough to swim at Kaikoura South Bay in January?
Not without thermal protection — a wetsuit is recommended at 15.0°C.
Do I need a wetsuit at Kaikoura South Bay in January?
