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Nambucca Heads – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Nambucca Heads 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.

Nambucca Heads
Nambucca Heads © By Bob T, CC BY-SA 4.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

23.7°C
Today
23.9°C
Yesterday
23.6°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Nambucca Heads is about 24°C.

Water Temperature in Nambucca Heads: 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 April 6 to May 6

While water temperatures in Nambucca 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 Nambucca Heads will be 23.6°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
Apr 2823.9°C25.5°C
Apr 2923.9°C25.5°C
Apr 3023.6°C24.3°C
May 123.6°C24.0°C
May 223.9°C23.8°C
May 323.9°C23.8°C
May 423.8°C24.0°C
May 523.9°C23.8°C
May 623.7°C23.8°C23.7°C
May 724.0°C23.7°C
May 824.0°C23.7°C
May 923.5°C23.6°C
May 1023.5°C23.6°C
May 1123.5°C23.6°C
May 1223.5°C23.6°C
May 1323.3°C23.6°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 Nambucca 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

Nambucca Heads sits on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, where the Nambucca River meets the Tasman Sea, and its water temperatures reflect both ocean and river influences. In summer, sea temperatures are usually a pleasant 22–26 °C, while the river can feel slightly warmer on calm days. Autumn brings a gradual cooling to around 20–23 °C, still well within a comfortable range for swimming. Winter is cooler, with ocean temperatures generally between 17–20 °C, and spring slowly lifts things back up from about 18 °C into the low twenties as the weather settles.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January23°C26°C27°C
February24°C26°C29°C
March22°C26°C28°C
April23°C25°C27°C
May20°C23°C25°C
June18°C22°C24°C
July19°C21°C23°C
August18°C21°C22°C
September18°C21°C23°C
October19°C22°C24°C
November20°C22°C25°C
December21°C24°C27°C

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

Nambucca Heads: Weather Forecast

May 7

9°C / 23°C
clear sky
humidity: 42% | wind: 14 kmh

May 8

12°C / 18°C
clear sky
humidity: 44% | wind: 7 kmh

May 9

15°C / 20°C
clear sky
humidity: 70% | wind: 7 kmh

May 10

16°C / 21°C
light rain
humidity: 76% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Beilbys Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
22.6°C

South Valla Beach

⭐ 4.2/5
23.3°C

Valla Beach

⭐ 4.4/5
22.6°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in Nambucca Heads is allowed and popular thanks to the variety of options available. The main beaches offer classic open-ocean swimming, with clean water and good surf, though conditions can change quickly and rips may be present on exposed days. The river mouth and calmer river sections provide a more sheltered alternative, especially for families or less confident swimmers. On warm days with lighter swell, the beaches are inviting and refreshing, while the river offers gentler conditions year-round. Choosing the right spot based on weather and swell is key to enjoying a safe swim here.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Scotts Head

⭐ 3/5
24.2°C

Valla Beach

⭐ 2/5
24.6°C

Forster Beach (Nambucca)

⭐ 3/5
24.3°C

Nambucca Heads

⭐ 2/5
24.3°C

Shelly Beach

⭐ 2/5
23.9°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Nambucca Heads today?
Sea water temperature in Nambucca Heads in the Tasman Sea today is 24°C.
What is the water temperature in Nambucca Heads during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Nambucca Heads typically ranges from 21°C to 29°C.
What is the water temperature in Nambucca Heads during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Nambucca Heads typically ranges from 20°C to 28°C.
What is the water temperature in Nambucca Heads during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Nambucca Heads typically ranges from 18°C to 25°C.
What is the water temperature in Nambucca Heads during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Nambucca Heads typically ranges from 18°C to 24°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Nambucca Heads area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Nambucca Heads area include: Beilbys Beach, South Valla Beach, Valla Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Nambucca Heads?
Some of the closest surf spots near Nambucca Heads include Scotts Head, Valla Beach, Forster Beach (Nambucca).