Best Time to Ride · Karioitahi Beach vs Piha
Karioitahi Beach vs Piha: which is better for surfing?
Karioitahi Beach or Piha? Month by month: windy days, waves and water temperature side by side, from years of weather data.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Piha has bigger waves in 12 of 12 months.
- Piha has warmer water in 3 of 12 months.
- Best months at Karioitahi Beach: July–August.
- Best months at Piha: September.
- 41 km apart.
BestJul–Aug
Karioitahi Beach
New Zealand
Intermediate and up · 14°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ AKL 32 km
Wave height per month (m, average daily max)
JFMAMJJASOND0.60.60.81.11.31.31.61.71.51.211
Water temperature per month (°C)
JFMAMJJASOND212120191716141414161819
Best time to go →
BestSep
Piha
New Zealand
Intermediate and up · 15°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ AKL 29 km
Wave height per month (m, average daily max)
JFMAMJJASOND1.51.71.81.92.122.222.42.11.71.7
Water temperature per month (°C)
JFMAMJJASOND212120191716151415161820
Best time to go →Wave height: average daily maximum. Water: average sea surface temperature.