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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

17.8°C
Today
17.7°C
Yesterday
19.6°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Kurnell is about 18°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 May 22 to June 21

Water temperatures in Kurnell 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 Kurnell will be 19.2°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
Jun 1319.5°C19.5°C
Jun 1419.5°C19.5°C
Jun 1519.6°C19.5°C
Jun 1619.5°C18.8°C
Jun 1717.6°C18.8°C
Jun 1817.4°C19.0°C
Jun 1917.8°C19.3°C
Jun 2017.7°C19.0°C
Jun 2117.8°C19.0°C17.8°C
Jun 2220.0°C18.0°C
Jun 2319.8°C18.2°C
Jun 2419.5°C18.4°C
Jun 2519.5°C18.6°C
Jun 2619.5°C18.8°C
Jun 2719.5°C19.0°C
Jun 2819.8°C19.2°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

June 22

9°C / 17°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 67% | wind: 7 kmh

June 23

9°C / 17°C
clear sky
humidity: 64% | wind: 7 kmh

June 24

10°C / 16°C
light rain
humidity: 77% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Silver Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
17.5°C

Kurnell Dog Beach

⭐ 3.9/5
19.0°C

Kurnell Beach

⭐ 3.3/5
16.7°C

Henry Head

⭐ 3.5/5
18.5°C

Towra Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
18.4°C

Congwong Beach

⭐ 4.9/5
18.6°C

Congwong Bay 2

⭐ 3.9/5
18.3°C

Frenchmans Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
16.8°C

Little Congwong Beach

⭐ 2.7/5
17.4°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
18.1°C

Voodoo

⭐ 3/5
17.2°C

Cronulla

⭐ 2/5
18.4°C

Elouera (Cronulla)

⭐ 2/5
18.9°C

Shark Island (Cronulla)

⭐ 4/5
16.7°C

Cronulla -The Wall

⭐ 2/5
18.5°C

Cronulla Point

⭐ 4/5
16.8°C

Maroubra Beach

⭐ 3/5
18.7°C
9 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Malabar

⭐ 3/5
18.1°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Kurnell today?
Sea water temperature in Kurnell in the Botany Bay today is 18°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).