The dynamics of the world’s larger permanently open estuaries have been well documented, but much less is known about the complex dynamics of smaller temporarily open/closed estuaries (TOCEs). Seventy per cent of South Africa’s 250 estuaries are classified as TOCEs, and many are less than 50 ha. A conceptual model of the water-quality dynamics of TOCEs has been proposed, primarily considering three hydrodynamic states (closed, semi-closed and open). This paper uses data from the East Kleinemonde Estuary, a small TOCE in the warm-temperate region of South Africa, to verify the model, focusing on physico-chemical parameters (salinity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and turbidity) and inorganic macronutrients (dissolved inorganic nitrogen and dissolved inorganic phosphate) for the open and closed states. The results generally fitted the model in terms of the behaviour of the physico-chemical parameters and macronutrients in the water column. This knowledge provides a first approach to predict the water-quality dynamics in small TOCEs, thereby ensuring that the often limited resources are targeted at resolving uncertainties at appropriate temporal and spatial scales. TOCEs are not unique to South Africa and also occur along other coasts (Mediterranean and south-western Australia) where this type of model could also be applied.