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Barrack Point – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Barrack Point in New South Wales. You can view recent sea temperature trends on a 30-day chart, check typical monthly water temperature ranges, and compare today’s reading with historical averages for this date. The page also includes a 7-day water temperature forecast, nearby beaches with similar conditions, local weather information, and a summary of swimming conditions to help you assess how suitable the water is for swimming.

Barrack Point
Barrack Point © Richard Healey

Current Sea Water Temperature

16.9°C
Today
16.8°C
Yesterday
16.7°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Barrack Point is about 17°C.

Water Temperature in Barrack Point: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

⚠️ This is cool water that may feel brisk on entry. Swimming is usually limited to short sessions, and prolonged stays can become uncomfortable without thermal protection. Many swimmers choose a wetsuit, especially for surfing or open-water swimming.

It’s important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in settled weather. When air temperatures drop below 20°C — and sometimes even below 25°C — swimming can feel uncomfortable, even when water temperatures are relatively high.

Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days

From July 23 to August 22

While water temperatures in Barrack Point declined overall during the past month, they have shown a noticeable rebound over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Barrack Point will be 18.0°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.

Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data

Date Current Average Forecast
Aug 1516.6°C17.5°C
Aug 1616.5°C17.8°C
Aug 1716.7°C18.0°C
Aug 1816.9°C18.0°C
Aug 1916.8°C18.0°C
Aug 2016.9°C18.3°C
Aug 2116.9°C18.3°C
Aug 2216.8°C18.0°C
Aug 2316.9°C18.0°C16.9°C
Aug 2418.3°C17.1°C
Aug 2518.3°C17.2°C
Aug 2618.3°C17.4°C
Aug 2718.3°C17.5°C
Aug 2818.5°C17.7°C
Aug 2918.3°C17.8°C
Aug 3018.3°C18.0°C

* Current - Actual water temperature value

** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years

*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast

Actual near-shore water temperatures in Barrack Point can vary by several degrees from the values shown, particularly after heavy rain, strong southerlies, or prolonged windy conditions. Certain wind patterns can trigger upwelling, where cooler, deeper water is pushed to the surface and replaces the warmer top layer, leading to noticeable short-term changes in water temperature.

Our water temperature forecast is produced using a proprietary mathematical model that combines real-time measurements with long-term historical patterns, local weather conditions, wind strength and direction, and air temperature specific to each coastal region. To improve accuracy, we cross-check data from nearby locations and use multiple sources, including offshore buoys, satellite-based sea surface maps, and observations provided by local authorities.

Annual Water Temperature Overview by Month

Monthly Water Temp Ranges

30°C
25°C
20°C
15°C
10°c
5°C
0°C

Annual Water Temperature Trend

Barrack Point sits on the southern side of Shellharbour, where the coastline opens directly onto the Tasman Sea and feels more exposed than nearby bays. Water temperatures here follow the standard seasonal pattern for the Illawarra coast. In summer, from December through March, the sea is usually at its warmest, sitting around 21–24 °C and comfortable for most swimmers without a wetsuit. Autumn brings a gradual cool-down to roughly 19–21 °C. Winter is the coldest period, with water temperatures typically between 16–18 °C, while spring marks a steady warm-up back into the 18–20 °C range as ocean currents and air temperatures begin to lift.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January20°C23°C25°C
February22°C23°C26°C
March21°C23°C25°C
April19°C22°C25°C
May16°C21°C24°C
June15°C19°C23°C
July15°C19°C21°C
August16°C18°C20°C
September16°C18°C20°C
October16°C19°C22°C
November18°C20°C22°C
December18°C21°C25°C

* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.

Barrack Point: Weather Forecast

August 23

12°C / 18°C
clear sky
humidity: 78% | wind: 14 kmh

August 24

14°C / 21°C
light rain
humidity: 69% | wind: 11 kmh

August 25

15°C / 20°C
light rain
humidity: 84% | wind: 11 kmh

August 26

14°C / 16°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 91% | wind: 14 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

South Warilla Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
17.1°C

Warilla Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
17.7°C

Shellharbour North Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
17.2°C

Shellharbour South Beach

⭐ 4.6/5
18.0°C

Bassett Park

⭐ 4.8/5
16.2°C

Kiyong Beach

⭐ 3.9/5
16.2°C

Kurrakwah Bay

⭐ 3.8/5
15.5°C

Windang Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
16.7°C

Killalea Beach

⭐ 4.3/5
16.6°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Barrack Point is allowed, but conditions can be challenging due to the area’s exposure to swell. The coastline here experiences regular waves and can develop strong currents, particularly during or after rough weather. There are no consistently patrolled swimming zones, so swimmers need to carefully assess conditions and choose calm days. For confident ocean swimmers, summer mornings often provide the most suitable conditions. In cooler months, wetsuits are commonly worn to stay comfortable. Overall, Barrack Point offers a raw, open-ocean swimming experience that suits experienced swimmers who are confident reading the sea and respecting changing conditions.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Cowries

⭐ 2/5
17.6°C
2 km away 📍 Reef and point

Barrack Point

⭐ 3/5
17.0°C

Windang Island

⭐ 3/5
15.2°C
2 km away 📍 Reef and point

The Farm

⭐ 5/5
16.0°C
5 km away 📍 Beach and point

Mystics

⭐ 5/5
17.0°C
6 km away 📍 Beach and point

Port Kembla Beach

⭐ 3/5
16.1°C

Boneyard

⭐ 5/5
17.4°C

Towradgi

⭐ 3/5
18.1°C

Bombo Beach

⭐ 2/5
16.0°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Barrack Point today?
Sea water temperature in Barrack Point in the Tasman Sea today is 17°C.
What is the water temperature in Barrack Point during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Barrack Point typically ranges from 18°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Barrack Point during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Barrack Point typically ranges from 16°C to 25°C.
What is the water temperature in Barrack Point during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Barrack Point typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Barrack Point during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Barrack Point typically ranges from 15°C to 23°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Barrack Point area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Barrack Point area include: South Warilla Beach, Shellharbour North Beach, Warilla Beach, Bassett Park, Shellharbour South Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Barrack Point?
Some of the closest surf spots near Barrack Point include Cowries, Barrack Point, Windang Island.