Norah Head – current water temperature and swimming conditions

Water Temperature in Norah Head: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

⚠️ This is cool water that may feel brisk on entry. Swimming is usually limited to short sessions, and prolonged stays can become uncomfortable without thermal protection. Many swimmers choose a wetsuit, especially for surfing or open-water swimming.

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

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

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Norah Head will be 18.5°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.

Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data

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

Norah Head sits on a rugged headland on the Central Coast of New South Wales, south of Newcastle, facing the open Tasman Sea. Water temperatures here follow a clear seasonal cycle typical of this stretch of coast. In summer, the ocean is at its warmest, usually around 22–26 °C, which feels comfortable for regular swimming. Autumn brings a gradual cool-down to roughly 20–23 °C, still pleasant for most swimmers. Winter is cooler but far from extreme, with sea temperatures generally between 16–20 °C. Spring sees a steady warm-up from about 18 °C into the low twenties as conditions become more settled.