We tell you what to wear, not when to go
rubber.surf does not provide surf reports, forecasts, or guiding on when to visit a spot. Knowing when and where to go is part of the craft — that knowledge is earned, not served. Respect the local lineup culture and the unwritten rules of your sport. These rules can differ between spots, regions, and disciplines. And remember: hot girls don't geotag. Secret spots should stay secret.
Kaikoura
Canterbury, New Zealand42.4°S
Kaikoura in Canterbury, New Zealand has water temperatures ranging from 10.5°C in August to 17.9°C in February. Even at its warmest, a 3/2mm fullsuit is recommended. In August, you’ll need a 5/4mm fullsuit. Boots are recommended for 8 months of the year.
Use the discipline switcher below to see how recommendations change across different sports — a kitesurfer at Kaikoura needs different rubber than a surfer.
Discipline
Monthly conditions & gear
Based on average conditions for Surfing. Personal preferences may shift your recommendation — use the full tool for a personalized result.
| Month | Water | Air | Wind | Suit | Boots | Gloves | Hood |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17.1°C | 20.7°C | 19 km/h | 3/2mm | — | — | — |
| February | 17.9°C | 20.8°C | 17 km/h | 3/2mm | — | — | — |
| March | 17.1°C | 19.8°C | 19 km/h | 3/2mm | — | — | — |
| April | 15.3°C | 18°C | 15 km/h | 3/2mm | — | — | — |
| May | 13.7°C | 17.3°C | 14 km/h | 4/3mm | 3mm | — | — |
| June | 12.1°C | 13.5°C | 16 km/h | 5/4mm | 3mm | 3mm | Yes |
| July | 11.1°C | 13°C | 18 km/h | 5/4mm | 3mm | 3mm | Yes |
| August | 10.5°C | 12.6°C | 16 km/h | 5/4mm | 3mm | 3mm | Yes |
| September | 11.3°C | 15.9°C | 16 km/h | 5/4mm | 3mm | 3mm | Yes |
| October | 12.3°C | 17.4°C | 19 km/h | 5/4mm | 3mm | 3mm | Yes |
| November | 14°C | 17.4°C | 16 km/h | 4/3mm | 3mm | — | — |
| December | 15.6°C | 21.6°C | 17 km/h | 4/3mm | 3mm | — | — |
Recommendations based on industry-validated thresholds from 15 brands and independent sources. Read the methodology
Planning a trip to Kaikoura?
Get a personalized wetsuit recommendation based on your exact travel dates, discipline, and preferences.
Get my recommendationMore spots in New Zealand
Know a spot near Kaikourawe're missing?
Tell us about it and we'll add it to the database. Secret spots stay secret — we check every submission manually and never publish exact coordinates of spots that aren't already well-known.
Submit a spotLocal business near Kaikoura? Reach travellers planning trips here
Our guides provide general recommendations based on industry consensus and average conditions. Always check local forecasts and use your own judgment. rubber.surf is not liable for any discomfort or equipment decisions based on these suggestions. Read our full terms.