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Fairy Meadow – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Fairy Meadow 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.

Fairy Meadow
Fairy Meadow © By Graeme Bartlett, CC BY 3.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

22.1°C
Today
22.0°C
Yesterday
22.9°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Fairy Meadow is about 22°C.

Water Temperature in Fairy Meadow: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

✅ This water feels mild to warm and is comfortable for the majority of swimmers. Swimming is enjoyable, though longer stays may feel cooler for some people, especially in windy conditions. These temperatures are well suited to family outings and active swimming, particularly on warm days.

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 Fairy Meadow 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 Fairy Meadow will be 22.7°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 1222.7°C23.0°C
Mar 1322.7°C23.8°C
Mar 1422.9°C23.3°C
Mar 1522.7°C23.0°C
Mar 1622.1°C23.0°C
Mar 1722.1°C23.0°C
Mar 1822.0°C23.0°C
Mar 1922.0°C23.0°C
Mar 2022.1°C23.0°C22.1°C
Mar 2123.0°C22.2°C
Mar 2223.0°C22.3°C
Mar 2323.0°C22.4°C
Mar 2423.0°C22.5°C
Mar 2522.0°C22.6°C
Mar 2623.0°C22.6°C
Mar 2722.5°C22.7°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 Fairy Meadow 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

Fairy Meadow sits along the central Illawarra coastline, where a broad, open beach faces straight into the Tasman Sea. Water temperatures here follow the familiar seasonal cycle for this stretch of New South Wales. In summer, from December to March, the sea is usually at its warmest, around 21–24 °C, which most swimmers find comfortable without a wetsuit. Autumn brings a gradual cool-down to roughly 19–21 °C. Winter is the chilliest period, with water temperatures typically between 16–18 °C, while spring sees a steady warm-up back into the 18–20 °C range as ocean currents and air temperatures lift.

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.

Fairy Meadow: Weather Forecast

March 21

19°C / 23°C
light rain
humidity: 84% | wind: 7 kmh

March 22

18°C / 24°C
clear sky
humidity: 80% | wind: 7 kmh

March 23

20°C / 24°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 79% | wind: 7 kmh

March 24

18°C / 24°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 73% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Fairy Meadow Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
23.0°C

Wollongong North Beach

⭐ 2.7/5
21.9°C

Vincent Schmidt

⭐ 3.9/5
23.2°C

Towradgi Beach

⭐ 4.5/5
21.2°C

Brighton Beach

⭐ 4.1/5
20.9°C

Cove Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
20.2°C

Corrimal Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
21.2°C

Wollongong Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
22.1°C

Wollongong City Beach

⭐ 4.5/5
21.3°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Fairy Meadow Beach is allowed and popular with locals, particularly during the warmer months. As an exposed surf beach, conditions can vary day to day, with waves and rip currents forming depending on swell and wind. The beach is patrolled during peak seasons, and swimmers are encouraged to stay between the red and yellow flags, where lifeguards manage the safest areas. On calm summer days, Fairy Meadow suits a wide range of swimmers, from casual dips to longer ocean swims. In cooler months, many regulars wear wetsuits for comfort. Overall, Fairy Meadow offers classic open-ocean swimming with good access and safety when conditions are respected.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Acids

⭐ 3/5
21.4°C

Wollongong North Beach

⭐ 3/5
22.3°C

Peggys

⭐ 2/5
21.6°C

Wollongong South Beach

⭐ 3/5
20.8°C

Bulli Beach

⭐ 3/5
20.3°C
3 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Woonona

⭐ 3/5
21.2°C

The Bombie

⭐ 2/5
22.0°C

Sandon Point

⭐ 3/5
22.0°C

Oilies

⭐ 3/5
20.2°C
5 km away 📍 Breakwater

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Fairy Meadow today?
Sea water temperature in Fairy Meadow in the Tasman Sea today is 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Fairy Meadow during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Fairy Meadow typically ranges from 19°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Fairy Meadow during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Fairy Meadow typically ranges from 16°C to 25°C.
What is the water temperature in Fairy Meadow during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Fairy Meadow typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Fairy Meadow during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Fairy Meadow typically ranges from 15°C to 23°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Fairy Meadow area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Fairy Meadow area include: Fairy Meadow Beach, Vincent Schmidt, Wollongong North Beach, Towradgi Beach, Brighton Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Fairy Meadow?
Some of the closest surf spots near Fairy Meadow include Acids, Wollongong North Beach, Peggys.