Is January a good time for surfing at Wilderness?
January is one of the best months for surfing at Wilderness. The best surf here comes with the swell direction and winds of its season, not with the biggest waves. Waves 0.5 m, water 22°C (shorty), air 25°C.
Plan your trip to WildernessEvery month at a glance, daily wind and waves from years of weather statistics, photos, videos and local tips.Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Waves: 0.5 m on average (daily maximum)
- Water: 22°C, shorty
- Air: 25°C by day, 17°C at night
- Weather: sun (6+ hours) on about 29 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 9; a day can have both
Wave height: average daily maximum. Figures from 5 years of weather data (Open-Meteo).
Best time to go →Other spots for surfing in January
Within 1,500 km, ranked by wave height and, a little, warm water.
Other surfing spots in South Africa in January →Where to go surfing in January →Questions
Is January a good time for surfing at Wilderness?
January is one of the best months for surfing at Wilderness. The best surf here comes with the swell direction and winds of its season, not with the biggest waves. Waves 0.5 m, water 22°C (shorty), air 25°C.
How warm is the water at Wilderness in January?
About 22°C: shorty.
How big are the waves at Wilderness in January?
About 0.5 m on average (daily maximum).
What is the weather like at Wilderness in January?
Around 25°C by day and 17°C at night; sun (6+ hours) on about 29 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 9; a day can have both.
Where else can I go surfing in January?
Within 1,500 km: Victoria Bay (2.4 m waves), Durban (1.8 m waves) & Jeffreys Bay – Supertubes (2.7 m waves).
Read more
Jeffreys Bay surf guide: Supertubes, the season and what to expect5 min read
Which wetsuit do you need? Water temperature at popular spots, month by month2 min read