Temperature:

Your Favorite Locations:

Your favorites list is empty.

Lake Cathie – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Lake Cathie 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.

Lake Cathie
Lake Cathie © trees many

Current Sea Water Temperature

23.9°C
Today
23.6°C
Yesterday
23.2°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Lake Cathie is about 24°C.

Water Temperature in Lake Cathie: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

✅ Water in this range is comfortably warm and widely considered ideal for swimming. Most people can stay in the water for a long time without feeling cold. It works well for families, recreational swimming, and active water sports such as swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding.

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

While water temperatures in Lake Cathie declined overall during the past month, they have shown a noticeable rebound over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Lake Cathie will be 24.5°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 1224.9°C25.3°C
Mar 1324.9°C24.3°C
Mar 1423.2°C24.5°C
Mar 1523.2°C24.5°C
Mar 1623.4°C24.8°C
Mar 1723.7°C24.8°C
Mar 1823.5°C24.5°C
Mar 1923.6°C24.3°C
Mar 2023.9°C24.3°C23.9°C
Mar 2124.5°C24.0°C
Mar 2225.0°C24.1°C
Mar 2325.3°C24.2°C
Mar 2424.5°C24.3°C
Mar 2525.0°C24.4°C
Mar 2624.8°C24.4°C
Mar 2725.5°C24.5°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 Lake Cathie 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

Lake Cathie is a small coastal town on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, just south of Port Macquarie, with easy access to the Tasman Sea. Sea water temperatures here follow the typical pattern for this stretch of coast. In summer, the ocean usually sits between 22–26 °C, making it comfortable for regular swimming and time in the water. During autumn, temperatures gradually cool to around 20–23 °C. Winter brings cooler conditions, generally in the range of 17–20 °C, while spring sees a steady rise from about 18 °C into the low twenties as warmer weather returns.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January22°C25°C27°C
February23°C26°C28°C
March23°C25°C27°C
April22°C24°C26°C
May19°C23°C25°C
June18°C22°C23°C
July18°C21°C22°C
August17°C21°C22°C
September18°C20°C22°C
October18°C21°C23°C
November19°C21°C25°C
December20°C23°C27°C

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

Lake Cathie: Weather Forecast

March 21

19°C / 25°C
light rain
humidity: 78% | wind: 11 kmh

March 22

18°C / 23°C
light rain
humidity: 82% | wind: 7 kmh

March 23

19°C / 24°C
clear sky
humidity: 73% | wind: 7 kmh

March 24

17°C / 24°C
clear sky
humidity: 69% | wind: 18 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Lake Cathie Beach

⭐ 4.3/5
24.9°C

Grants Beach

⭐ 4.2/5
24.6°C

Dunbogan

⭐ 3.1/5
24.1°C

Miners Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
23.6°C

John Downes Park

⭐ 3.6/5
23.5°C

Flynns Beach

⭐ 4.8/5
24.0°C

Town Beach

⭐ 4.1/5
23.5°C

Oxley Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
24.4°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed and popular in and around Lake Cathie, with both ocean and sheltered options available. The main beach faces the open sea and offers clean water and a classic surf beach experience, though conditions depend on swell and rips can form, especially after rough weather. On calmer days, it’s well suited to confident swimmers. Many locals also choose more sheltered spots near the lake entrance when conditions are right, as these areas can feel gentler and warmer. While not all areas are permanently patrolled, choosing suitable days and being aware of conditions makes swimming here enjoyable for much of the year.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

North Haven

⭐ 3/5
22.5°C
9 km away 📍 Beach/breakwater

Lighthouse Beach Port Macquarie

⭐ 3/5
24.2°C

Port Macquarie-Town Beach

⭐ 2/5
24.0°C

Port Macquarie-North Breakwall

⭐ 2/5
23.4°C
16 km away 📍 Beach/breakwater

Back Beach Plommer

⭐ 2/5
26.0°C

Point Plomer

⭐ 2/5
25.8°C

Point Plomer Beach

⭐ 2/5
23.9°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Lake Cathie today?
Sea water temperature in Lake Cathie in the Tasman Sea today is 24°C.
What is the water temperature in Lake Cathie during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Lake Cathie typically ranges from 20°C to 28°C.
What is the water temperature in Lake Cathie during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Lake Cathie typically ranges from 19°C to 27°C.
What is the water temperature in Lake Cathie during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Lake Cathie typically ranges from 18°C to 25°C.
What is the water temperature in Lake Cathie during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Lake Cathie typically ranges from 17°C to 23°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Lake Cathie area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Lake Cathie area include: Lake Cathie Beach, Grants Beach, Dunbogan, Miners Beach, John Downes Park.
What are the nearest surf spots to Lake Cathie?
Some of the closest surf spots near Lake Cathie include North Haven, Lighthouse Beach Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie-Town Beach.