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Crescent Head – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Crescent Head 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.

Crescent Head
Crescent Head © By Wiki-Contributor-Editor, CC BY-SA 4.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

19.8°C
Today
19.6°C
Yesterday
19.3°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Crescent Head is about 20°C.

Water Temperature in Crescent Head: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

⚠️ Water in this range feels cool but still manageable for many swimmers. Short to moderate swims are comfortable, especially in warm weather. Some people may prefer a wetsuit for longer stays, particularly when swimming actively or outside peak summer conditions.

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

Over the past month, water temperatures in Crescent Head have stayed mostly steady, but a warming trend has developed over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Crescent Head will be 20.9°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 1519.6°C20.5°C
Aug 1619.4°C20.5°C
Aug 1719.3°C20.5°C
Aug 1819.4°C20.5°C
Aug 1919.4°C20.3°C
Aug 2019.3°C20.3°C
Aug 2119.6°C20.5°C
Aug 2219.6°C20.5°C
Aug 2319.8°C20.5°C19.8°C
Aug 2421.3°C20.0°C
Aug 2521.5°C20.1°C
Aug 2621.3°C20.3°C
Aug 2720.8°C20.4°C
Aug 2821.0°C20.6°C
Aug 2921.3°C20.8°C
Aug 3021.3°C20.9°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 Crescent Head 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

Crescent Head, on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales near Port Macquarie, fronts the open Tasman Sea and is known for generally pleasant water temperatures through most of the year. In summer, the ocean usually sits between about 22–26 °C, which feels warm enough for long swims and plenty of time in the water. Autumn brings a gentle cool-down to around 20–23 °C, still comfortable for most swimmers. Winter is cooler but far from extreme, with sea temperatures typically ranging from 17–20 °C, while spring sees a gradual warm-up from roughly 18 °C into the low twenties as conditions become more settled.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January22°C25°C27°C
February23°C26°C28°C
March23°C25°C28°C
April23°C25°C26°C
May19°C23°C25°C
June18°C22°C24°C
July18°C21°C22°C
August17°C21°C23°C
September18°C21°C22°C
October19°C22°C24°C
November19°C22°C25°C
December21°C23°C27°C

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

Crescent Head: Weather Forecast

August 23

13°C / 18°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 72% | wind: 7 kmh

August 24

13°C / 20°C
clear sky
humidity: 82% | wind: 11 kmh

August 25

16°C / 22°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 80% | wind: 18 kmh

August 26

14°C / 19°C
light rain
humidity: 87% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Goolawah Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
20.2°C

Crescent Head

⭐ 4.2/5
19.3°C

Kilick Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
18.9°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed and popular in Crescent Head, with options that suit different conditions. Sheltered spots near the headland often provide calmer water, making them a good choice on days when the swell is up. More exposed sections of beach offer a classic ocean swim, though rips and stronger currents can form, particularly after rough weather. Some areas are patrolled during busier periods, which adds an extra level of safety. The water is generally clean and clear, and access from the sand is straightforward. By choosing the right spot for the day’s conditions, swimmers can enjoy the sea here across most of the year.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Crescent Head

⭐ 2/5
20.9°C

Point Plomer Beach

⭐ 2/5
18.5°C

Back Beach Plommer

⭐ 2/5
20.3°C

Point Plomer

⭐ 2/5
19.2°C

Hat Head

⭐ 3/5
19.2°C

Port Macquarie-North Breakwall

⭐ 2/5
19.5°C
22 km away 📍 Beach/breakwater

Port Macquarie-Town Beach

⭐ 2/5
19.0°C

Lighthouse Beach Port Macquarie

⭐ 3/5
17.9°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Crescent Head today?
Sea water temperature in Crescent Head in the Tasman Sea today is 20°C.
What is the water temperature in Crescent Head during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Crescent Head typically ranges from 21°C to 28°C.
What is the water temperature in Crescent Head during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Crescent Head typically ranges from 19°C to 28°C.
What is the water temperature in Crescent Head during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Crescent Head typically ranges from 18°C to 25°C.
What is the water temperature in Crescent Head during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Crescent Head typically ranges from 17°C to 24°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Crescent Head area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Crescent Head area include: Goolawah Beach, Crescent Head, Kilick Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Crescent Head?
Some of the closest surf spots near Crescent Head include Crescent Head, Point Plomer Beach, Point Plomer.