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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.

Macquarie Heads
Macquarie Heads © Darrell Todd

Current Sea Water Temperature

14.3°C
Today
14.5°C
Yesterday
14.1°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Macquarie Heads is about 14°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

From May 22 to June 21

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

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Macquarie Heads will be 13.3°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
Jun 1314.1°C13.3°C
Jun 1414.2°C13.3°C
Jun 1514.1°C13.5°C
Jun 1614.5°C13.5°C
Jun 1714.7°C13.5°C
Jun 1814.6°C13.5°C
Jun 1914.5°C13.5°C
Jun 2014.5°C13.3°C
Jun 2114.3°C13.3°C14.3°C
Jun 2212.7°C14.2°C
Jun 2313.3°C14.0°C
Jun 2413.0°C13.9°C
Jun 2513.3°C13.7°C
Jun 2613.0°C13.6°C
Jun 2713.0°C13.5°C
Jun 2813.0°C13.3°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 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

30°C
25°C
20°C
15°C
10°c
5°C
0°C

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
January14°C17°C19°C
February15°C18°C20°C
March15°C17°C19°C
April14°C16°C18°C
May11°C14°C17°C
June11°C14°C15°C
July10°C13°C14°C
August10°C12°C14°C
September10°C12°C14°C
October10°C12°C15°C
November12°C14°C16°C
December13°C15°C18°C

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

Macquarie Heads: Weather Forecast

June 22

10°C / 12°C
light rain
humidity: 77% | wind: 25 kmh

June 23

6°C / 11°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 66% | wind: 11 kmh

June 24

6°C / 9°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 65% | wind: 4 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Tiddys Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
13.7°C

Charleys Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
13.5°C

Grandfathers Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
14.6°C

Macquarie Heads

⭐ 2.9/5
14.1°C

Mahoneys Campsite #2

⭐ 3.6/5
13.3°C

Fraser Flats

⭐ 3.6/5
14.9°C

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

⭐ 4/5
15.2°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Macquarie Heads today?
Sea water temperature in Macquarie Heads in the Indian Ocean today is 14°C.
What is the water temperature in Macquarie Heads during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Macquarie Heads typically ranges from 13°C to 20°C.
What is the water temperature in Macquarie Heads during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Macquarie Heads typically ranges from 11°C to 19°C.
What is the water temperature in Macquarie Heads during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Macquarie Heads typically ranges from 10°C to 16°C.
What is the water temperature in Macquarie Heads during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Macquarie Heads typically ranges from 10°C to 15°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Macquarie Heads area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Macquarie Heads area include: Tiddys Beach, Charleys Beach, Grandfathers Beach, Macquarie Heads, Mahoneys Campsite #2.
What are the nearest surf spots to Macquarie Heads?
Some of the closest surf spots near Macquarie Heads include Trial Harbour.