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Coalcliff – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Coalcliff 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.

Coalcliff
Coalcliff © By Maksym Kozlenko, CC BY-SA 4.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

17.3°C
Today
17.3°C
Yesterday
17.0°C
A Week Ago

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

Water Temperature in Coalcliff: 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 Coalcliff declined overall during the past month, they have shown a noticeable rebound over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Coalcliff will be 18.1°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 1516.8°C18.0°C
Aug 1616.8°C17.8°C
Aug 1717.0°C17.8°C
Aug 1817.2°C18.0°C
Aug 1917.2°C18.3°C
Aug 2017.3°C17.8°C
Aug 2117.3°C18.0°C
Aug 2217.3°C18.0°C
Aug 2317.3°C18.0°C17.3°C
Aug 2418.8°C17.4°C
Aug 2518.5°C17.5°C
Aug 2618.3°C17.7°C
Aug 2718.3°C17.8°C
Aug 2818.5°C17.9°C
Aug 2918.5°C18.0°C
Aug 3018.3°C18.1°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 Coalcliff 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

Coalcliff sits beneath the Illawarra escarpment, with a narrow strip of coast facing straight into the Tasman Sea. Water temperatures here reflect full open-ocean conditions and follow the familiar seasonal pattern of the New South Wales coastline. In summer, from December through March, the sea usually ranges between 21–24 °C, which is comfortable for most swimmers without needing a wetsuit. Autumn brings a steady cool-down to around 19–21 °C. Winter is the coldest period, typically seeing water temperatures between 16–18 °C, while spring marks a gradual warm-up into the 18–20 °C range as currents and weather begin to shift.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January20°C23°C25°C
February21°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°C21°C
November18°C20°C22°C
December19°C21°C25°C

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

Coalcliff: 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

Coalcliff Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
17.8°C

Stanwell Park Beach

⭐ 2.7/5
17.8°C

Wombarra Beach

⭐ 4.3/5
17.3°C

Scarborough Beach

⭐ 3.7/5
17.8°C

Bulgo Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
18.2°C

Coledale Beach

⭐ 3.9/5
16.3°C

Sharkies Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
16.9°C

Werrong Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
16.8°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Coalcliff is allowed, but conditions can be challenging due to the beach’s exposed and compact nature. Coalcliff is not a large or consistently patrolled swimming beach, and it can experience strong waves and unpredictable rips, especially after heavy swell. For this reason, it is best suited to confident ocean swimmers who are experienced in reading conditions and choosing safe entry points. Calm summer days offer the most suitable windows for swimming. In the cooler months, wetsuits are common among regular swimmers. Overall, Coalcliff provides a raw, open-ocean swimming experience that rewards caution, experience, and respect for changing sea conditions.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Sharkies

⭐ 2/5
17.9°C

Headlands

⭐ 3/5
15.7°C

Stanwell Park

⭐ 3/5
16.2°C

Wombarra

⭐ 3/5
18.2°C

Thommos

⭐ 3/5
17.9°C

Coalcliff

⭐ 3/5
17.0°C

Scarborough Beach

⭐ 3/5
17.1°C

Austinmer Pools

⭐ 3/5
16.2°C

Little Austi and Main Beach

⭐ 2/5
16.9°C
7 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Coalcliff today?
Sea water temperature in Coalcliff in the Tasman Sea today is 17°C.
What is the water temperature in Coalcliff during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Coalcliff typically ranges from 19°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Coalcliff during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Coalcliff typically ranges from 16°C to 25°C.
What is the water temperature in Coalcliff during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Coalcliff typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Coalcliff during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Coalcliff typically ranges from 15°C to 23°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Coalcliff area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Coalcliff area include: Coalcliff Beach, Stanwell Park Beach, Bald Hill Headland Reserve, Scarborough Beach, Wombarra Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Coalcliff?
Some of the closest surf spots near Coalcliff include Sharkies, Wombarra, Headlands.