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Kurnell – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Kurnell 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.

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

Current Sea Water Temperature

16.3°C
Today
16.1°C
Yesterday
16.0°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Kurnell is about 16°C.

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

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Kurnell will be 18.0°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 1515.9°C17.3°C
Aug 1615.7°C18.0°C
Aug 1716.0°C17.8°C
Aug 1816.0°C17.5°C
Aug 1915.9°C17.8°C
Aug 2016.2°C17.8°C
Aug 2116.3°C18.3°C
Aug 2216.1°C18.0°C
Aug 2316.3°C18.0°C16.3°C
Aug 2418.8°C16.5°C
Aug 2518.3°C16.8°C
Aug 2618.8°C17.0°C
Aug 2718.5°C17.3°C
Aug 2818.5°C17.5°C
Aug 2918.5°C17.7°C
Aug 3018.5°C18.0°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 Kurnell 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

Kurnell sits on the southern side of Botany Bay, where water conditions are shaped more by the enclosed bay than the open Tasman Sea. As a result, temperatures tend to be steady and follow Sydney’s familiar seasonal cycle. In summer, from December to March, water temperatures are usually around 21–24 °C, which most people find comfortable for regular swimming. Autumn brings a gradual drop to about 19–21 °C. Winter is the coolest period, typically sitting between 16–18 °C, while spring sees the water slowly warm again into the 18–20 °C range as air temperatures and sunshine increase.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January20°C23°C25°C
February22°C24°C26°C
March20°C23°C26°C
April19°C23°C25°C
May16°C21°C24°C
June15°C20°C23°C
July15°C19°C21°C
August15°C19°C20°C
September16°C18°C20°C
October16°C19°C21°C
November18°C20°C22°C
December18°C21°C25°C

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

Kurnell: Weather Forecast

August 23

12°C / 18°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 76% | wind: 11 kmh

August 24

13°C / 21°C
clear sky
humidity: 78% | wind: 11 kmh

August 25

15°C / 22°C
light rain
humidity: 74% | wind: 7 kmh

August 26

13°C / 21°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 79% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Silver Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
15.5°C

Kurnell Dog Beach

⭐ 3.9/5
16.6°C

Kurnell Beach

⭐ 3.3/5
15.8°C

Henry Head

⭐ 3.5/5
16.9°C

Towra Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
17.1°C

Congwong Beach

⭐ 4.9/5
16.7°C

Congwong Bay 2

⭐ 3.9/5
15.6°C

Frenchmans Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
17.3°C

Little Congwong Beach

⭐ 2.7/5
17.6°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Kurnell is allowed and generally well suited to relaxed, low-energy swimming. The bay setting means waves are usually small and conditions are calmer than at nearby ocean-facing beaches, with strong rips being uncommon. This makes Kurnell appealing for casual swimmers, families, and those who prefer quieter water. Conditions can still vary with wind direction, tides, and boat traffic, so awareness is important, especially outside peak times when patrols may be limited. In winter, many regular swimmers choose to wear wetsuits for comfort. Overall, Kurnell offers reliable swimming conditions in a sheltered bay environment, ideal for those seeking calmer water without venturing far from the coast.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Green Hills

⭐ 2/5
16.0°C

Voodoo

⭐ 3/5
16.6°C

Cronulla

⭐ 2/5
17.5°C

Elouera (Cronulla)

⭐ 2/5
16.5°C

Shark Island (Cronulla)

⭐ 4/5
16.0°C

Cronulla -The Wall

⭐ 2/5
16.0°C

Cronulla Point

⭐ 4/5
17.3°C

Maroubra Beach

⭐ 3/5
18.3°C
9 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Malabar

⭐ 3/5
17.8°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Kurnell today?
Sea water temperature in Kurnell in the Botany Bay today is 16°C.
What is the water temperature in Kurnell during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Kurnell typically ranges from 18°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Kurnell during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Kurnell typically ranges from 16°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Kurnell during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Kurnell typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Kurnell during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Kurnell typically ranges from 15°C to 23°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Kurnell area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Kurnell area include: Kurnell Dog Beach, Silver Beach, Kurnell Beach, Congwong Bay 2, Towra Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Kurnell?
Some of the closest surf spots near Kurnell include Green Hills, Voodoo, Shark Island (Cronulla).