Temperature:

Your Favorite Locations:

Your favorites list is empty.

Port Kembla – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Port Kembla 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.

Port Kembla
Port Kembla © By Adam.J.W.C., CC BY 3.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

22.5°C
Today
22.4°C
Yesterday
23.1°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Port Kembla is about 23°C.

Water Temperature in Port Kembla: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

✅ This water feels mild to warm and is comfortable for the majority of swimmers. Swimming is enjoyable, though longer stays may feel cooler for some people, especially in windy conditions. These temperatures are well suited to family outings and active swimming, particularly on warm days.

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 February 18 to March 20

Water temperatures in Port Kembla have been gradually cooling over the past month, with a further drop recorded during the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Port Kembla will be 23.1°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
Mar 1222.6°C23.5°C
Mar 1322.6°C23.3°C
Mar 1423.1°C23.5°C
Mar 1523.0°C23.0°C
Mar 1622.5°C22.8°C
Mar 1722.4°C22.8°C
Mar 1822.3°C22.8°C
Mar 1922.4°C23.0°C
Mar 2022.5°C23.0°C22.5°C
Mar 2123.3°C22.6°C
Mar 2222.5°C22.7°C
Mar 2322.5°C22.7°C
Mar 2423.3°C22.8°C
Mar 2522.3°C22.9°C
Mar 2623.3°C23.0°C
Mar 2722.8°C23.1°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 Port Kembla 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

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.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January20°C23°C25°C
February22°C23°C26°C
March21°C23°C25°C
April19°C22°C25°C
May16°C21°C24°C
June15°C20°C23°C
July15°C19°C21°C
August16°C18°C20°C
September16°C18°C20°C
October16°C19°C21°C
November18°C20°C22°C
December18°C21°C25°C

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

Port Kembla: Weather Forecast

March 21

19°C / 23°C
light rain
humidity: 84% | wind: 7 kmh

March 22

18°C / 24°C
clear sky
humidity: 80% | wind: 7 kmh

March 23

20°C / 24°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 79% | wind: 7 kmh

March 24

18°C / 24°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 73% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Port Kembla Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
21.4°C

Mm Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
22.0°C

North Beach

⭐ 4.3/5
22.7°C

Parkyns Beach

⭐ 2.6/5
23.5°C

Perkins Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
22.3°C

Windang Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
21.8°C

Wollongong City Beach

⭐ 4.5/5
20.8°C

Kurrakwah Bay

⭐ 3.8/5
20.9°C

Warilla Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
22.7°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Port Kembla Beach is allowed and popular, particularly at the main patrolled beach areas. As an exposed surf coastline, conditions can vary significantly depending on swell and wind, with waves and rip currents forming at times. When patrols are operating, swimmers should always stay between the red and yellow flags, as these zones offer the safest conditions. On calmer summer days, the beach suits a wide range of swimmers, from casual dippers to regular ocean swimmers. In cooler months, many locals wear wetsuits for comfort. Overall, Port Kembla offers reliable ocean swimming with good safety support when conditions and advice are respected.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Port Kembla Beach

⭐ 3/5
22.7°C

Fairy Meadow

⭐ 1/5
22.7°C

Towradgi

⭐ 3/5
23.0°C

Oilies

⭐ 3/5
21.4°C
5 km away 📍 Breakwater

Windang Island

⭐ 3/5
22.1°C
6 km away 📍 Reef and point

Woonona

⭐ 3/5
21.4°C

Wollongong South Beach

⭐ 3/5
21.6°C

Bulli Beach

⭐ 3/5
21.4°C
8 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Barrack Point

⭐ 3/5
23.0°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Port Kembla today?
Sea water temperature in Port Kembla in the Tasman Sea today is 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Port Kembla during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Port Kembla typically ranges from 18°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Port Kembla during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Port Kembla typically ranges from 16°C to 25°C.
What is the water temperature in Port Kembla during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Port Kembla typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Port Kembla during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Port Kembla typically ranges from 15°C to 23°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Port Kembla area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Port Kembla area include: Port Kembla Beach, Mm Beach, North Beach, Parkyns Beach, Perkins Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Port Kembla?
Some of the closest surf spots near Port Kembla include Port Kembla Beach, Fairy Meadow, Towradgi.