Cape Direction – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page shows the current water temperature at Cape Direction in Tasmania. 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.
Current Sea Water Temperature
The average sea water temperature today in Cape Direction is about 11°C.
Water Temperature in Cape Direction: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ This is very cold water, causing an immediate cold shock response for most people. Swimming is not recommended without a wetsuit, and even with protection, time in the water should be limited. These temperatures are typically suited only to trained or well-prepared swimmers.
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
While water temperatures in Cape Direction declined overall during the past month, they have shown a noticeable rebound over the last week.
According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Cape Direction will be 12.0°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 14 | 11.0°C | 11.8°C | |
| Aug 15 | 11.1°C | 12.0°C | |
| Aug 16 | 11.2°C | 12.0°C | |
| Aug 17 | 11.3°C | 11.8°C | |
| Aug 18 | 11.3°C | 12.0°C | |
| Aug 19 | 11.0°C | 12.0°C | |
| Aug 20 | 11.1°C | 11.8°C | |
| Aug 21 | 11.3°C | 11.8°C | |
| Aug 22 | 11.4°C | 11.8°C | 11.4°C |
| Aug 23 | 12.0°C | 11.5°C | |
| Aug 24 | 12.3°C | 11.6°C | |
| Aug 25 | 12.3°C | 11.7°C | |
| Aug 26 | 12.3°C | 11.8°C | |
| Aug 27 | 11.8°C | 11.9°C | |
| Aug 28 | 12.3°C | 11.9°C | |
| Aug 29 | 12.0°C | 12.0°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 Cape Direction 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
Annual Water Temperature Trend
Cape Direction marks a rugged stretch of Tasmania’s east coast, where the land meets the open Tasman Sea and conditions are shaped by swell, wind, and clear ocean water. Sea temperatures here are cool throughout the year, following a steady seasonal pattern. In summer, from December to February, the water usually reaches around 16–18 °C, which feels refreshing rather than warm. Autumn brings a gradual cooling to about 14–16 °C, while winter is the coldest period, typically around 11–13 °C. During spring, temperatures slowly rise again, generally sitting between 13–15 °C as daylight increases and weather becomes more settled.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C | 17°C | 19°C |
| February | 15°C | 18°C | 20°C |
| March | 15°C | 17°C | 19°C |
| April | 14°C | 16°C | 18°C |
| May | 11°C | 14°C | 17°C |
| June | 12°C | 13°C | 15°C |
| July | 10°C | 13°C | 14°C |
| August | 10°C | 12°C | 14°C |
| September | 10°C | 12°C | 14°C |
| October | 10°C | 12°C | 15°C |
| November | 11°C | 14°C | 16°C |
| December | 12°C | 15°C | 18°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
Cape Direction: Weather Forecast
August 23
August 24
August 25
August 26
Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots
Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures
Fort Beach
South Arm Beach
Musks Beach
Mother Hayles Beach
Goats Beach
Tinderbox Beach
Calverts Beach
Swimming Conditions
Swimming at Cape Direction is allowed, but it’s not a typical swimming destination. The coastline is exposed to Tasman Sea swells, with strong waves, currents, and rapidly changing conditions, especially during windy weather. As a result, swimming is best left to confident and experienced swimmers, and only during calm periods, most often in summer. When conditions do allow, swims are usually short and close to shore due to the cool water and open exposure. Wetsuits are commonly used outside peak summer. For most visitors, Cape Direction is better suited to coastal walks and enjoying the dramatic scenery. Overall, it offers true east coast cold-water swimming where safety depends heavily on timing, weather awareness, and sea conditions.
🏄♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures
Cape Direction (Hurdies)
Rebounds
The Wedge
Goats Bluff
Hope Beach
Clifton Beach
Cremorne Point
May's Point
Lauderdale Point
Location, Type and Nearby Places
Address: WCX9+XC South Arm, Tasmania
Place Tags:Surf Spot
Water Temperature in Nearby Places
