Seasonal ranking

Coldest sea temperature in South Africa in May

Where the sea is coolest across South Africa during May, ranked by long-term monthly average water temperature. Clifton 2nd Beach (Western Cape, South Africa) is the coolest at around 16°C. Open any spot for today's live water temperature and a 7-day swim forecast.

  1. 1
    Clifton 2nd Beach
    Western Cape · South Africa · Atlantic Ocean
    Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
    16°C
    May average
  2. 2
    Boulders Beach
    Western Cape · South Africa · Atlantic Ocean
    Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
    21°C
    May average
  3. 3
    Robberg Beach
    Garden Route · South Africa · Indian Ocean
    Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
    21°C
    May average
  4. 4
    Addington Beach
    KwaZulu-Natal · South Africa · Indian Ocean
    Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
    21°C
    May average
  5. 5
    Muizenberg Beach
    Western Cape · South Africa · Indian Ocean
    Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
    22°C
    May average
  6. 6
    Umhlanga Beach
    KwaZulu-Natal · South Africa · Indian Ocean
    Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
    22°C
    May average
  7. 7
    Coffee Bay Beach
    Eastern Cape · South Africa · Indian Ocean
    Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
    22°C
    May average
  8. 8
    Jeffreys Bay
    Eastern Cape · South Africa · Indian Ocean
    Pleasant — swimmable without a wetsuit
    22°C
    May average

Coldest sea in May elsewhere

South Africa in May — frequently asked questions

Where is the sea coldest in South Africa in May?
Clifton 2nd Beach in South Africa has the coldest sea in South Africa in May, averaging about 16.0 °C. Boulders Beach (21.0 °C) and Robberg Beach are the next coolest.
How many beaches in South Africa are warm enough to swim in May?
4 of the top 8 ranked beaches in South Africa average 22 °C or more in May, which most swimmers find comfortable without a wetsuit.
How are these May sea temperatures calculated?
Each figure is a long-term monthly average sea surface temperature for that location, so it reflects a typical May rather than today's reading. Open a beach page for the live water temperature and 7-day forecast.

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