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Darkum Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Darkum Beach 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.

Darkum Beach
Darkum Beach © Darkum G Wilkie

Current Sea Water Temperature

17.7°C
Today
17.1°C
Yesterday
17.3°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Darkum Beach is about 18°C.

Water Temperature in Darkum 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 July 23 to August 22

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

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Darkum Beach will be 20.4°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 1517.6°C20.0°C
Aug 1617.0°C19.8°C
Aug 1717.3°C20.3°C
Aug 1817.5°C19.8°C
Aug 1916.9°C19.5°C
Aug 2017.4°C20.0°C
Aug 2117.7°C19.0°C
Aug 2217.1°C19.5°C
Aug 2317.7°C19.5°C17.7°C
Aug 2420.5°C18.1°C
Aug 2521.0°C18.5°C
Aug 2620.5°C18.9°C
Aug 2720.8°C19.3°C
Aug 2820.8°C19.7°C
Aug 2920.5°C20.0°C
Aug 3021.0°C20.4°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 Darkum 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

Darkum Beach sits on the far north coast of New South Wales, looking out over the Tasman Sea and shaped by a warm subtropical climate. Water temperatures here are generally comfortable for swimming across much of the year. In summer, the ocean typically warms to around 25–27 °C, making the water inviting for longer swims and time spent cooling off. Autumn often holds onto that warmth, with temperatures commonly between 23–25 °C as weather conditions become more settled. Spring begins cooler at roughly 21–23 °C before steadily warming toward summer. Winter is the coolest season, but even then the sea usually sits around 19–21 °C, which many locals still find fine for a swim on clear, sunny days.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January23°C26°C27°C
February24°C27°C29°C
March22°C26°C27°C
April23°C25°C26°C
May19°C23°C25°C
June18°C22°C24°C
July19°C21°C22°C
August18°C21°C22°C
September18°C21°C23°C
October19°C22°C24°C
November20°C22°C25°C
December21°C24°C27°C

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

Darkum Beach: Weather Forecast

August 23

15°C / 19°C
light rain
humidity: 78% | wind: 14 kmh

August 24

14°C / 19°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 82% | wind: 7 kmh

August 25

16°C / 21°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 83% | wind: 14 kmh

August 26

14°C / 19°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 88% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Darkum Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
16.8°C

Cabins Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
17.5°C

Woolgoolga Beach

⭐ 3.0/5
17.9°C

Emerald Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
18.4°C

Mullaway Beach

⭐ 3.0/5
16.4°C

Arrawarra Beach

⭐ 4.5/5
17.3°C

Ocean View Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
16.7°C

Woolgoolga Back Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
18.1°C

Hearnes Lake Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
18.7°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Darkum Beach, though it is best suited to confident swimmers. The beach is open and exposed, so waves and currents can be stronger than at more sheltered locations, particularly when swell is running. On calm days, the water is clear and temperatures are steady, offering enjoyable swimming in a quiet, natural setting. There are no protected bays or pools, so checking conditions before entering the water is important. Overall, Darkum Beach offers reliable water temperatures and rewarding swimming opportunities for much of the year, provided the sea is settled and conditions are carefully assessed.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Woolgoolga

⭐ 3/5
17.0°C
2 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Woolgoolga Back Beach

⭐ 2/5
17.6°C

Mullaway

⭐ 4/5
17.8°C

Arrawarra

⭐ 4/5
16.0°C

Corindi Beach

⭐ 3/5
15.8°C

Macauleys

⭐ 2/5
18.3°C

Emerald Beach

⭐ 4/5
17.0°C

Moonee Beach and Creek

⭐ 3/5
18.6°C
14 km away 📍 Beach, river and point

Diggers

⭐ 3/5
17.8°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Darkum Beach today?
Sea water temperature in Darkum Beach in the Tasman Sea today is 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Darkum Beach during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Darkum Beach typically ranges from 21°C to 29°C.
What is the water temperature in Darkum Beach during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Darkum Beach typically ranges from 19°C to 27°C.
What is the water temperature in Darkum Beach during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Darkum Beach typically ranges from 18°C to 25°C.
What is the water temperature in Darkum Beach during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Darkum Beach typically ranges from 18°C to 24°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Darkum Beach area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Darkum Beach area include: Darkum Beach, Cabins Beach, Woolgoolga Beach, Mullaway Beach, Emerald Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Darkum Beach?
Some of the closest surf spots near Darkum Beach include Woolgoolga, Woolgoolga Back Beach, Mullaway.