Macquarie Heads – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page shows the current water temperature at Macquarie Heads in Tasmania. 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.
Current Sea Water Temperature
The average sea water temperature today in Macquarie Heads is about 13°C.
Water Temperature in Macquarie Heads: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ Water at this temperature feels cold and is generally suitable only for brief immersion. Swimming without a wetsuit can quickly become uncomfortable, and exposure time is usually short. These conditions are mainly suitable for experienced swimmers or those using proper thermal gear.
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
Water temperatures in Macquarie Headsfell over the past month, but have levelled out during the last week.
According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Macquarie Heads will be 12.4°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 14 | 13.1°C | 12.0°C | |
| Aug 15 | 13.0°C | 12.5°C | |
| Aug 16 | 13.2°C | 12.5°C | |
| Aug 17 | 13.2°C | 12.3°C | |
| Aug 18 | 12.8°C | 12.5°C | |
| Aug 19 | 12.8°C | 12.5°C | |
| Aug 20 | 12.8°C | 12.5°C | |
| Aug 21 | 12.9°C | 12.3°C | |
| Aug 22 | 13.2°C | 12.3°C | 13.2°C |
| Aug 23 | 11.3°C | 13.1°C | |
| Aug 24 | 11.3°C | 13.0°C | |
| Aug 25 | 11.7°C | 12.8°C | |
| Aug 26 | 11.3°C | 12.7°C | |
| Aug 27 | 11.7°C | 12.6°C | |
| Aug 28 | 11.7°C | 12.5°C | |
| Aug 29 | 12.0°C | 12.4°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 Macquarie Heads 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
Annual Water Temperature Trend
Macquarie Heads sits at the entrance to Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania’s remote west coast, where sheltered harbour waters meet the open Indian Ocean. This setting creates a mix of conditions, but temperatures stay cold year-round. In summer, from December to February, water temperatures generally range from about 14–16 °C in the ocean, with slightly milder conditions inside the harbour on calm days. Autumn sees a gradual drop to around 13–15 °C, while winter is the coldest period, typically about 10–12 °C. Spring brings a slow and modest warm-up, with water temperatures usually sitting between 11–13 °C, often influenced by wind and changing weather.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C | 17°C | 19°C |
| February | 15°C | 18°C | 20°C |
| March | 15°C | 17°C | 19°C |
| April | 14°C | 16°C | 18°C |
| May | 11°C | 14°C | 17°C |
| June | 11°C | 14°C | 15°C |
| July | 10°C | 13°C | 14°C |
| August | 10°C | 12°C | 14°C |
| September | 10°C | 12°C | 14°C |
| October | 10°C | 12°C | 15°C |
| November | 12°C | 14°C | 16°C |
| December | 13°C | 15°C | 18°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
Macquarie Heads: Weather Forecast
August 23
August 24
August 25
August 26
Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots
Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures
Tiddys Beach
Charleys Beach
Grandfathers Beach
Macquarie Heads
Mahoneys Campsite #2
Fraser Flats
Swimming Conditions
Swimming at Macquarie Heads is allowed, but it’s not a typical swimming destination. The open coastline is exposed to strong Indian Ocean swells, cold water, and powerful currents, making ocean swimming suitable only for experienced swimmers and only during rare calm conditions. Inside Macquarie Harbour, the water is more sheltered, with little wave action, which can make short swims possible in summer. Even there, cold temperatures mean swims are usually brief, and wetsuits are common. Overall, Macquarie Heads offers limited but possible cold-water swimming, with safety heavily dependent on choosing sheltered spots and paying close attention to weather and local conditions.
🏄♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures
Trial Harbour
Location, Type and Nearby Places
Address: West Coast
Place Tags:Coastal Town
Water Temperature in Nearby Places
