Nambucca Heads – water temperature at Nambucca River
This page provides up-to-date information about the water temperature at Nambucca Heads, located on the Nambucca River in New South Wales. Here you can check current conditions, view recent temperature trends, explore typical monthly ranges, and compare today’s reading with historical averages for this date. The page also includes a 7-day water temperature forecast, local weather information, and swimming conditions.
Current Water Temperature
The water temperature in Nambucca River at Nambucca Heads today is 23°C.
Water Temperature in Nambucca River at Nambucca Heads: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
✅ River water between 20 and 25°C is ideal for swimming and offers very comfortable conditions for most people. Combined with warm air temperatures and settled weather, this range is perfect for extended swims and family-friendly activities. Rivers may still feel slightly cooler than lakes due to gentle currents, which many swimmers find refreshing. Even on partly cloudy days, swimming remains enjoyable.
Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days
Water temperatures in Nambucca Heads have been gradually cooling over the past month, with a further drop recorded during the last week.
According to our forecast, the 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 Water Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 12 | 23.0°C | 23.7°C | |
| Mar 13 | 23.0°C | 23.7°C | |
| Mar 14 | 22.8°C | 23.7°C | |
| Mar 15 | 22.7°C | 23.7°C | |
| Mar 16 | 22.0°C | 23.7°C | |
| Mar 17 | 22.0°C | 23.7°C | |
| Mar 18 | 22.8°C | 23.7°C | |
| Mar 19 | 22.6°C | 23.7°C | |
| Mar 20 | 22.6°C | 23.7°C | 22.6°C |
| Mar 21 | 23.7°C | 22.7°C | |
| Mar 22 | 23.7°C | 22.9°C | |
| Mar 23 | 23.7°C | 23.0°C | |
| Mar 24 | 23.7°C | 23.2°C | |
| Mar 25 | 23.7°C | 23.3°C | |
| Mar 26 | 23.7°C | 23.4°C | |
| Mar 27 | 23.7°C | 23.6°C |
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast
Actual river water temperatures may vary by several degrees from the reported values, particularly after heavy rainfall or periods of changing weather. Rainfall, river flow rates, and runoff from cooler upstream areas can significantly affect water temperature, especially in flowing sections and shaded stretches. Air temperature and cloud cover also play an important role, with warm, sunny conditions helping rivers warm up more quickly. As a result, noticeable temperature differences can occur along the same river.
Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that takes into account real-time river temperature changes, historical data, seasonal patterns, river flow conditions, recent rainfall, and local air temperature. We also factor in broader weather conditions specific to each region of Australia to improve accuracy.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Today | Yesterday | A Week Ago |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22°C | 25°C | 27°C |
| February | 21°C | 25°C | 27°C |
| March | 22°C | 24°C | 26°C |
| April | 19°C | 21°C | 23°C |
| May | 17°C | 18°C | 21°C |
| June | 14°C | 16°C | 18°C |
| July | 14°C | 16°C | 17°C |
| August | 13°C | 17°C | 19°C |
| September | 15°C | 19°C | 21°C |
| October | 17°C | 21°C | 23°C |
| November | 19°C | 23°C | 24°C |
| December | 21°C | 24°C | 26°C |
Location & Local Information
Nambucca Heads is a real coastal stunner on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, where the river meets the sea in a maze of turquoise sandbars. If you’re checking the water temperature for a dip, you’re in for a treat as it stays pretty mild all year round. During the peak of summer, the river water is like a warm bath, usually hitting between 24°C and 27°C, which is spot on for drifting along with the tide. Even when the winter chill sets in during August, the mercury rarely drops below 18°C or 20°C. While it might feel a bit fresh for a long soak then, it’s still much warmer than the southern rivers and perfect for a quick splash if the sun is out and about.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming is absolutely allowed and is a massive part of the local lifestyle, especially at family favourites like Bellwood Park or the sandy shallows near the famous V-Wall. It’s a cracker of a spot because the estuary is generally crystal clear and protected from the heavy ocean swells. You’ve still got to use your noggin, though; the Nambucca is a powerful tidal system, and the currents can pull like a train near the river mouth when the tide is heading out. It’s also wise to steer clear of the water for a day or two after a heavy downpour to let any runoff clear. As long as you stick to the calm sandy reaches and keep an eye on the tides, it’s a legendary place to float your worries away.