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Little Bay – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Little Bay 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.

Little Bay
Little Bay © By TotyVox, CC BY-SA 3.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

22.7°C
Today
22.3°C
Yesterday
21.8°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Little Bay is about 23°C.

Water Temperature in Little Bay: 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

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

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Little Bay will be 23.3°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°C23.5°C
Mar 1322.6°C22.8°C
Mar 1421.8°C23.3°C
Mar 1521.9°C23.3°C
Mar 1622.1°C23.3°C
Mar 1722.3°C23.0°C
Mar 1822.3°C22.5°C
Mar 1922.3°C23.0°C
Mar 2022.7°C23.0°C22.7°C
Mar 2122.8°C22.8°C
Mar 2223.3°C22.9°C
Mar 2322.5°C22.9°C
Mar 2423.5°C23.0°C
Mar 2523.0°C23.1°C
Mar 2623.5°C23.2°C
Mar 2723.8°C23.3°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 Little Bay 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

Little Bay is a sheltered cove on Sydney’s southern coastline, opening to the Tasman Sea but protected by headlands that soften the impact of ocean swells. Water temperatures follow the usual seasonal cycle for this part of New South Wales. In summer, from December to March, the water is generally warmest, sitting around 21–24 °C and comfortable for most swimmers. Autumn sees a gradual cooling to roughly 19–21 °C. Winter brings the coldest conditions, typically around 16–18 °C, while spring marks a steady warm-up back into the 18–20 °C range as the season shifts.

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.

Little Bay: Weather Forecast

March 21

19°C / 24°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 76% | wind: 7 kmh

March 22

19°C / 24°C
clear sky
humidity: 81% | wind: 4 kmh

March 23

20°C / 25°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 74% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Yarra Bay

⭐ 3.8/5
23.4°C

Malabar Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
24.3°C

Little Congwong Beach

⭐ 2.7/5
22.3°C

Henry Head

⭐ 3.5/5
23.1°C

Frenchmans Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
21.8°C

Cruwee Cove Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
22.9°C

Congwong Beach

⭐ 4.9/5
22.0°C

Cape Banks

⭐ 3.5/5
22.5°C

Bumbora Point

⭐ 2.9/5
23.0°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Little Bay Beach is allowed and well suited to a wide range of abilities. Thanks to its bay-style layout, waves are usually smaller than on fully exposed surf beaches, and strong rips are less common. This makes Little Bay appealing for relaxed ocean swimming, snorkelling, and longer dips on calm days. The beach is often patrolled during peak periods, and swimmers are encouraged to use the safest areas when flags are in place. In cooler months, regular swimmers often wear wetsuits for comfort. Overall, Little Bay offers reliable, calmer ocean swimming while still delivering a genuine open-sea feel.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Malabar

⭐ 3/5
24.4°C

Maroubra Beach

⭐ 3/5
24.2°C
4 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Lurline Bay

⭐ 3/5
24.5°C

Coogee

⭐ 3/5
24.0°C
6 km away 📍 Beach reef and point

Clovelly Bombie

⭐ 3/5
22.5°C

Bronte Reef or Bunnies

⭐ 2/5
22.7°C

Tamarama Reef

⭐ 3/5
21.7°C

Mckenzies Bay

⭐ 4/5
23.1°C

Bronte Beach

⭐ 3/5
21.2°C
9 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Little Bay today?
Sea water temperature in Little Bay in the Tasman Sea today is 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Little Bay during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Little Bay typically ranges from 18°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Little Bay during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Little Bay typically ranges from 16°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Little Bay during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Little Bay typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Little Bay during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Little Bay typically ranges from 15°C to 23°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Little Bay area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Little Bay area include: Yarra Bay, Bumbora Point, Cape Banks, Congwong Beach, Cruwee Cove Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Little Bay?
Some of the closest surf spots near Little Bay include Malabar, Maroubra Beach, Coogee.