Palm Beach
Nude beach in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa · also known as Mpenjati Nature Reserve
Palm Beach is a former clothing-optional beach where nudity is now prohibited in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The sea is warmest in February at about 26°C (79°F) and coolest in August (22°C (71°F)). Average air temperatures peak in February at 22°C (72°F), and the best time to visit is January to March.
Weather and water temperature at Palm Beach
Tap a month. Averages: air 2001–2025 (NASA POWER), sea 1991–2020 (NOAA OISST).
| Month | Air | Sea | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January (best) | 22°C | 26°C | 161 mm |
| February (best) | 22°C | 26°C | 121 mm |
| March (best) | 21°C | 26°C | 127 mm |
| April | 19°C | 25°C | 88 mm |
| May | 17°C | 24°C | 45 mm |
| June | 15°C | 23°C | 31 mm |
| July | 15°C | 22°C | 50 mm |
| August | 16°C | 22°C | 46 mm |
| September | 17°C | 22°C | 88 mm |
| October | 18°C | 22°C | 145 mm |
| November | 19°C | 23°C | 175 mm |
| December | 21°C | 24°C | 159 mm |
Not sure what the numbers mean? Here is how warm is warm enough to swim.
Visiting
- Coordinates: -30.98800, 30.27200 · OpenStreetMap
- Local law: is public nudity legal in South Africa?
- Before you go, read our nude beach etiquette guide.
- First time? Read our guide to your first time at a nude beach.
Frequently asked questions
Is Palm Beach clothing optional?
Palm Beach is listed as "nudity prohibited" according to Daily Dispatch: Public protector rules on nudist beach. Rules can change, and clothing-optional zones are often only part of a beach, so look for signs on arrival and follow local rules. You can check what applies in South Africa before you go.
When is the best time to visit Palm Beach?
Based on 2001–2025 climate averages (NASA POWER), the most comfortable months are January to March. July averages 15°C (58°F) and January 22°C (72°F).
How warm is the water at Palm Beach?
Long-term sea surface temperatures (NOAA OISST, 1991–2020) range from 22°C (71°F) to 26°C (79°F) in February. Water at the shore can be a few degrees different.
Sources
Status checked on 2026-10-31 against Daily Dispatch: Public protector rules on nudist beach (news report); see how we verify. Data updated 2026-10-31. Wikipedia · Wikidata Q18377808 · All data sources and licenses. © OpenStreetMap contributors.