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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.

Cape Direction
Cape Direction © Colin Slark

Current Sea Water Temperature

11.4°C
Today
11.3°C
Yesterday
11.2°C
A Week Ago

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

From July 23 to August 22

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 1411.0°C11.8°C
Aug 1511.1°C12.0°C
Aug 1611.2°C12.0°C
Aug 1711.3°C11.8°C
Aug 1811.3°C12.0°C
Aug 1911.0°C12.0°C
Aug 2011.1°C11.8°C
Aug 2111.3°C11.8°C
Aug 2211.4°C11.8°C11.4°C
Aug 2312.0°C11.5°C
Aug 2412.3°C11.6°C
Aug 2512.3°C11.7°C
Aug 2612.3°C11.8°C
Aug 2711.8°C11.9°C
Aug 2812.3°C11.9°C
Aug 2912.0°C12.0°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

30°C
25°C
20°C
15°C
10°c
5°C
0°C

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
January14°C17°C19°C
February15°C18°C20°C
March15°C17°C19°C
April14°C16°C18°C
May11°C14°C17°C
June12°C13°C15°C
July10°C13°C14°C
August10°C12°C14°C
September10°C12°C14°C
October10°C12°C15°C
November11°C14°C16°C
December12°C15°C18°C

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

Cape Direction: Weather Forecast

August 23

11°C / 13°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 64% | wind: 14 kmh

August 24

9°C / 13°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 82% | wind: 7 kmh

August 25

8°C / 11°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 90% | wind: 7 kmh

August 26

8°C / 14°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 81% | wind: 4 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Fort Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
10.7°C

South Arm Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
12.6°C

Musks Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
12.3°C

Mother Hayles Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
11.9°C

Goats Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
11.9°C

Tinderbox Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
12.0°C

Calverts Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
10.7°C

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)

⭐ 2/5
12.2°C

Rebounds

⭐ 3/5
11.8°C

The Wedge

⭐ 3/5
10.8°C

Goats Bluff

⭐ 3/5
10.7°C

Hope Beach

⭐ 3/5
11.4°C

Clifton Beach

⭐ 2/5
11.2°C

Cremorne Point

⭐ 2/5
10.5°C

May's Point

⭐ 5/5
10.4°C

Lauderdale Point

⭐ 2/5
10.4°C

Location, Type and Nearby Places

Address: WCX9+XC South Arm, Tasmania

Place Tags:Surf Spot

Water Temperature in Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Cape Direction today?
Sea water temperature in Cape Direction in the Tasman Sea today is 11°C.
What is the water temperature in Cape Direction during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Cape Direction typically ranges from 12°C to 20°C.
What is the water temperature in Cape Direction during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Cape Direction typically ranges from 11°C to 19°C.
What is the water temperature in Cape Direction during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Cape Direction typically ranges from 10°C to 16°C.
What is the water temperature in Cape Direction during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Cape Direction typically ranges from 10°C to 15°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Cape Direction area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Cape Direction area include: Blessington Coastal Reserve, Fort Beach, South Arm Nature Recreational Area, South Arm Beach, Mother Hayles Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Cape Direction?
Some of the closest surf spots near Cape Direction include Cape Direction (Hurdies), The Wedge, Rebounds.