South Africa’s tides are about to change – and the moon is to blame
· The South African
The new moon is often celebrated as the best time for stargazing, thanks to its darker skies.
But while the moon may seem to disappear from view, its influence on Earth is anything but gone.
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In fact, the new moon can have a particularly noticeable effect on the ocean, helping create higher high tides and lower low tides along South Africa’s coastline.
And with the new moon occurring this Friday, 11 September, beachgoers, anglers and coastal explorers could see some of the more dramatic tidal differences of the month over the coming days.
Why does the new moon affect the tides?
The moon’s gravitational pull is one of the biggest forces behind Earth’s tides.
During most of the month, the gravitational effects of the moon and sun don’t line up perfectly. But during a new moon, the Sun, moon and Earth are positioned more closely in alignment.
This means the gravitational pull of the sun and moon works together, producing what are known as spring tides.
Despite the name, spring tides have nothing to do with the season.
Instead, they refer to tides that have a greater range, meaning high tides can be higher and low tides can be lower than usual.
The same thing happens during a full moon.
What does that mean for South Africa’s coast?
The difference can be particularly useful for people planning a day around the ocean.
Lower low tides can expose more of the shoreline, tidal pools and rocky areas, while higher high tides can bring the water significantly further up beaches and coastal areas.
That means anyone planning to go fishing, explore rock pools or spend time near the water should pay close attention to local tide times.
It is also worth remembering that tides are only one part of the coastal picture. Weather, wind and wave conditions can make the sea more dangerous, particularly around high tide.
Tide times for Friday, 11 September
Here is what the tide tables are showing for several major South African coastal areas on the day of the new moon.
Durban
Durban is set to see an especially wide difference between its high and low tides.
- High tide: 03:42 – 1.98m
- Low tide: 09:48 – 0.11m
- High tide: 16:00 – 2.12m
- Low tide: 22:10 – 0.14m
Richards Bay
Further north along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, Richards Bay is also expected to experience a significant tidal range.
- High tide: 03:51 – 2.16m
- Low tide: 09:52 – 0.23m
- High tide: 16:10 – 2.36m
- Low tide: 22:16 – 0.27m
The afternoon high tide is forecast to reach more than 2.3 metres.
East London
East London beachgoers can expect the tide to drop particularly low during the morning.
- High tide: 03:38 – approximately 1.80m
- Low tide: 09:42 – approximately 0.13m
- High tide: 15:58 – approximately 2.00m
- Low tide: 22:03 – approximately 0.17m
Gqeberha
Along the Eastern Cape coast, Gqeberha is also expected to see the effects of the spring tide.
- High tide: 03:36 – 1.87m
- Low tide: 09:40 – 0.19m
- High tide: 15:54 – 2.02m
- Low tide: 22:04 – 0.19m
Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay’s afternoon high tide is expected to rise above two metres.
- High tide: 03:36 – 2.04m
- Low tide: 09:37 – 0.18m
- High tide: 15:53 – 2.20m
- Low tide: 22:01 – 0.18m
Cape Town
Cape Town will also experience a clear difference between high and low water.
- High tide: 03:17 – 1.77m
- Low tide: 09:22 – 0.26m
- High tide: 15:33 – 1.89m
- Low tide: 21:48 – 0.24m
Saldanha Bay
The West Coast could see some particularly dramatic low-water conditions.
- High tide: 03:10 – 1.57m
- Low tide: 09:15 – 0.02m
- High tide: 15:25 – 1.72m
- Low tide: 21:42 – approximately -0.02m
That means parts of the coastline normally covered by water could be exposed around low tide.
The strongest effects aren’t necessarily limited to a single moment on Friday.
The days immediately surrounding the new moon can also bring pronounced tidal ranges, with tide tables showing very low low tides and strong afternoon high tides continuing into the weekend in several parts of South Africa.