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Burning Palms – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Burning Palms 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.

Burning Palms
Burning Palms © By Acalycine, CC BY-SA 4.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

17.8°C
Today
17.7°C
Yesterday
19.6°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Burning Palms is about 18°C.

Water Temperature in Burning Palms: 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 May 22 to June 21

Water temperatures in Burning Palms have been gradually cooling over the past month, with a further drop recorded during the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Burning Palms will be 19.0°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
Jun 1319.5°C19.5°C
Jun 1419.5°C19.8°C
Jun 1519.6°C19.3°C
Jun 1619.5°C18.8°C
Jun 1717.7°C19.0°C
Jun 1817.5°C19.0°C
Jun 1917.7°C18.8°C
Jun 2017.7°C19.8°C
Jun 2117.8°C19.8°C17.8°C
Jun 2219.8°C18.0°C
Jun 2319.5°C18.1°C
Jun 2419.5°C18.3°C
Jun 2519.3°C18.5°C
Jun 2619.5°C18.7°C
Jun 2719.3°C18.8°C
Jun 2819.8°C19.0°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 Burning Palms 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

Burning Palms is a remote beach along the Illawarra coastline, tucked inside Royal National Park and facing directly into the Tasman Sea. Water temperatures here reflect open-ocean conditions and follow the standard seasonal pattern for the region. In summer, from December through March, the sea usually ranges between 21–24 °C, which is comfortable for swimming without extra gear. Autumn brings a gradual cooling to around 19–21 °C. Winter is the coldest period, with water temperatures typically sitting between 16–18 °C, while spring sees a slow warm-up back into the 18–20 °C range as ocean and air temperatures lift.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January20°C23°C25°C
February22°C24°C27°C
March20°C23°C26°C
April19°C22°C25°C
May16°C21°C24°C
June15°C20°C23°C
July15°C19°C21°C
August16°C18°C20°C
September16°C18°C20°C
October16°C19°C21°C
November18°C20°C22°C
December19°C21°C25°C

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

Burning Palms: Weather Forecast

June 22

9°C / 17°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 67% | wind: 7 kmh

June 23

9°C / 17°C
clear sky
humidity: 64% | wind: 7 kmh

June 24

10°C / 16°C
light rain
humidity: 77% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Era Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
16.8°C

Burning Palms Beach

⭐ 4.3/5
18.0°C

Garie Beach

⭐ 4.9/5
18.8°C

Werrong Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
18.2°C

Bulgo Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
17.9°C

Wattamolla Beach

⭐ 3.8/5
19.0°C

Stanwell Park Beach

⭐ 2.7/5
17.3°C

Coalcliff Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
17.8°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Burning Palms Beach is allowed, but it suits experienced swimmers rather than casual beachgoers. The beach is unpatrolled and fully exposed, with strong waves and powerful rip currents common, especially after larger swells. There are no flagged swimming areas, so conditions must be carefully assessed before entering the water. On calmer days, confident ocean swimmers can enjoy refreshing swims in a striking natural setting, but caution is essential at all times. In the cooler months, wetsuits are widely used to stay comfortable. Overall, Burning Palms offers raw, authentic ocean swimming for those with the skills and judgement to handle changing surf conditions.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

North Era

⭐ 3/5
18.2°C
1 km away 📍 Beach and point

Burning Palms

⭐ 3/5
18.7°C
1 km away 📍 Beach and point

Garie Beach

⭐ 3/5
16.8°C
2 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Coalcliff

⭐ 3/5
17.9°C

Stanwell Park

⭐ 3/5
18.1°C

Wombarra

⭐ 3/5
19.6°C

Thommos

⭐ 3/5
18.5°C

Marley

⭐ 3/5
19.6°C

Headlands

⭐ 3/5
17.0°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Burning Palms today?
Sea water temperature in Burning Palms in the Tasman Sea today is 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Burning Palms during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Burning Palms typically ranges from 19°C to 27°C.
What is the water temperature in Burning Palms during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Burning Palms typically ranges from 16°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Burning Palms during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Burning Palms typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Burning Palms during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Burning Palms typically ranges from 15°C to 23°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Burning Palms area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Burning Palms area include: Era Beach, Burning Palms Beach, Garie Beach, Werrong Beach, Bulgo Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Burning Palms?
Some of the closest surf spots near Burning Palms include North Era, Burning Palms, Garie Beach.