Sandy Bay
Nude beach in Western Cape, South Africa
Sandy Bay is a former clothing-optional beach where nudity is now prohibited in Western Cape, South Africa. The sea is warmest in January at about 19°C (65°F) and coolest in August (15°C (59°F)). Average air temperatures peak in February at 20°C (69°F).
Weather and water temperature at Sandy Bay
Tap a month. Averages: air 2001–2025 (NASA POWER), sea 1991–2020 (NOAA OISST).
| Month | Air | Sea | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C | 19°C | 14 mm |
| February | 20°C | 19°C | 9 mm |
| March | 19°C | 18°C | 17 mm |
| April | 18°C | 16°C | 37 mm |
| May | 17°C | 16°C | 51 mm |
| June | 15°C | 16°C | 91 mm |
| July | 14°C | 15°C | 81 mm |
| August | 14°C | 15°C | 76 mm |
| September | 15°C | 15°C | 40 mm |
| October | 16°C | 16°C | 31 mm |
| November | 17°C | 17°C | 30 mm |
| December | 19°C | 18°C | 12 mm |
Not sure what the numbers mean? Here is how warm is warm enough to swim.
Visiting
- Coordinates: -34.02343, 18.33118 · 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 Sandy Bay clothing optional?
Sandy Bay is listed as "nudity prohibited" according to Eyewitness News: Is Sandy Bay still a nudist beach? New signs spark debate. 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.
How warm is the water at Sandy Bay?
Long-term sea surface temperatures (NOAA OISST, 1991–2020) range from 15°C (59°F) to 19°C (65°F) in January. Water at the shore can be a few degrees different.
Sources
Status checked on 2026-10-31 against Eyewitness News: Is Sandy Bay still a nudist beach? New signs spark debate (news report); see how we verify. Data updated 2026-10-31. Wikipedia · Wikidata Q7417149 · All data sources and licenses. © OpenStreetMap contributors.