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Clifton Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Clifton Beach 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.

Clifton Beach
Clifton Beach © By JJ Harrison, CC BY-SA 3.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

17.1°C
Today
17.0°C
Yesterday
17.5°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Clifton Beach is about 17°C.

Water Temperature in Clifton Beach: 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 February 18 to March 20

Water temperatures in Clifton Beach 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 Clifton Beach will be 16.7°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
Mar 1217.2°C16.8°C
Mar 1317.2°C17.3°C
Mar 1417.5°C17.0°C
Mar 1517.4°C16.8°C
Mar 1616.7°C17.0°C
Mar 1716.7°C17.0°C
Mar 1816.9°C17.0°C
Mar 1917.0°C16.8°C
Mar 2017.1°C16.8°C17.1°C
Mar 2116.8°C17.0°C
Mar 2217.0°C17.0°C
Mar 2316.5°C16.9°C
Mar 2417.3°C16.9°C
Mar 2517.0°C16.8°C
Mar 2616.5°C16.7°C
Mar 2717.3°C16.7°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 Clifton Beach 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

Clifton Beach lies on Tasmania’s south-east coast, facing the Tasman Sea, and is known for its open shoreline and clear, cool water. Sea temperatures here follow a steady seasonal pattern typical of the east coast. In summer, from December to February, the water usually reaches around 16–18 °C, which feels refreshing but is comfortable enough for swimming on warm days. Autumn brings a gradual cooling to roughly 14–16 °C, while winter is much colder, commonly around 11–13 °C. During spring, the sea slowly warms again, generally sitting between 13–15 °C as daylight increases and weather conditions begin to settle.

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
June11°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.

Clifton Beach: Weather Forecast

March 21

13°C / 19°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 80% | wind: 7 kmh

March 22

12°C / 23°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 70% | wind: 11 kmh

March 23

11°C / 13°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 67% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Cremorne Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
18.2°C

Priscilla Park

⭐ 3.6/5
15.9°C

Goats Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
16.4°C

Calverts Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
17.3°C

Mortimer Bay

⭐ 3.1/5
17.7°C

Gorringes Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
17.5°C

Huxxleys Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
17.0°C

Mays Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
17.5°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Clifton Beach is allowed, but conditions depend heavily on the day. The beach is exposed to the Tasman Sea, which means waves, currents, and occasional rips can form, especially after windy weather or larger swell. On calm summer days, the water can be inviting for short swims and cooling dips, particularly close to shore. Even then, the temperature encourages brief sessions rather than long, relaxed swims, and wetsuits are common outside peak summer. In rougher conditions, swimming is better suited to confident and experienced swimmers only. Overall, Clifton Beach offers classic Tasmanian cold-water swimming, best enjoyed in summer and when the sea is settled and conditions are closely watched.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Clifton Beach

⭐ 2/5
17.7°C

Cremorne Point

⭐ 2/5
17.6°C

Hope Beach

⭐ 3/5
18.0°C

Goats Bluff

⭐ 3/5
16.3°C

Rebounds

⭐ 3/5
17.1°C

The Wedge

⭐ 3/5
16.9°C

May's Point

⭐ 5/5
16.5°C

Lauderdale Point

⭐ 2/5
16.9°C

Bambra Reef

⭐ 2/5
16.5°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Clifton Beach today?
Sea water temperature in Clifton Beach in the Tasman Sea today is 17°C.
What is the water temperature in Clifton Beach during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Clifton Beach typically ranges from 12°C to 20°C.
What is the water temperature in Clifton Beach during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Clifton Beach typically ranges from 11°C to 19°C.
What is the water temperature in Clifton Beach during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Clifton Beach typically ranges from 10°C to 16°C.
What is the water temperature in Clifton Beach during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Clifton Beach typically ranges from 10°C to 15°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Clifton Beach area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Clifton Beach area include: Clifton Beach Conservation Area, Cremorne Beach, Priscilla Park, Goats Beach, Calverts Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Clifton Beach?
Some of the closest surf spots near Clifton Beach include Clifton Beach, Cremorne Point, Hope Beach.