Port Kembla – current water temperature and swimming conditions

Water Temperature in Port Kembla: 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 Port Kembla declined overall during the past month, they have shown a noticeable rebound over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Port Kembla will be 17.9°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

Port Kembla sits on the southern edge of the Illawarra coastline, where open beaches face directly into the Tasman Sea alongside a working harbour. Water temperatures here follow the typical open-ocean pattern for New South Wales. In summer, from December through March, the sea is generally at its warmest, usually around 21–24 °C, which is comfortable for most swimmers without a wetsuit. Autumn brings a gradual cooling to roughly 19–21 °C. Winter is the coldest season, with water temperatures commonly between 16–18 °C, while spring sees a steady warm-up back into the 18–20 °C range as ocean currents and air temperatures begin to rise.