Umhlanga Beach — Sea temperature now
Lighthouse promenade Durban-area beach.
Mild water with a light chop and a light breeze — comfortable conditions for most swimmers.
Location
Umhlanga 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.
Monthly sea temperature averages
Typical year-round water temperature, based on regional climatology.
Best time to swim in Umhlanga Beach
The sea in Umhlanga Beach peaks in February, when the water averages around 25°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically July at around 20°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Umhlanga Beach sits in the Southern Hemisphere, so the warmest sea coincides with the December–February summer and the coolest with July–August.
Umhlanga Beach sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Umhlanga Beach shows an annual mean sea temperature of 22°C, ranging from 20°C in winter to 25°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 5°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 Umhlanga 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.
Umhlanga Beach sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Umhlanga Beach?
February is the warmest month in Umhlanga Beach, when the sea averages about 25°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Umhlanga Beach?
The coldest month in Umhlanga Beach is typically July, when the water averages around 20°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Umhlanga Beach without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Umhlanga Beach runs from January – December — about 12 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 Umhlanga Beach?
Outside peak summer the water in Umhlanga Beach drops toward 20°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 Umhlanga Beach?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Umhlanga Beach is about 22°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Umhlanga Beach?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Umhlanga 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: Jan – Feb – Mar – Apr – May – Jun – Jul – Aug – Sep – Oct – Nov – Dec
| Month | Sea | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24°C | Warm |
| Feb ⭐ | 25°C | Warm |
| Mar | 24°C | Warm |
| Apr | 23°C | Warm |
| May | 22°C | Warm |
| Jun | 21°C | Pleasant |
| Jul | 20°C | Pleasant |
| Aug | 20°C | Pleasant |
| Sep | 21°C | Pleasant |
| Oct | 22°C | Warm |
| Nov | 23°C | Warm |
| Dec | 24°C | Warm |