Best Time to Ride · Surfing · New Zealand · Otago

Surfing in Otago

2 surfing spots in Otago, New Zealand. The colours show each month: the stronger, the better for surfing.

Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026

In short

Best waves in Otago: May–September (waves 1.8–2 m, water 10–13°C, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves).
Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: January–March (waves 1.3–1.4 m, water 15–16°C, 5/4 wetsuit and boots).
Top picks: Dunedin – St Clair & Aramoana.

BestMay–Jul, Sep–Oct

St Clair

Dunedin · New Zealand

Intermediate and up · 11°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ DUD 23 km

BestJun–Sep

Aramoana

New Zealand

Intermediate and up · 11°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ DUD 43 km

Wave height: average daily maximum.

Month by month in Otago

Month	Waves	Water	Wetsuit	Air
JanuaryJan	1.3 m	15°C	5/4 wetsuit and boots	18°C
FebruaryFeb	1.3 m	16°C	4/3 wetsuit	19°C
MarchMar	1.4 m	15°C	5/4 wetsuit and boots	17°C
AprilApr	1.6 m	14°C	5/4 wetsuit and boots	16°C
MayMay	1.8 m	13°C	5/4 wetsuit and boots	13°C
JuneJun	1.9 m	11°C	5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves	11°C
JulyJul	2 m	11°C	5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves	11°C
AugustAug	1.9 m	10°C	5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves	12°C
SeptemberSep	1.9 m	11°C	5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves	13°C
OctoberOct	1.8 m	11°C	5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves	15°C
NovemberNov	1.5 m	12°C	5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves	16°C
DecemberDec	1.3 m	14°C	5/4 wetsuit and boots	17°C

Averages of the 2 spots on this page. Best months highlighted. Air: average daytime high.

Questions

When is the best time for surfing in Otago?

Best waves in Otago: May–September (waves 1.8–2 m, water 10–13°C, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves). Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: January–March (waves 1.3–1.4 m, water 15–16°C, 5/4 wetsuit and boots).