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Red Head – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Red Head 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.

Red Head
Red Head © Rob Kolbe

Current Sea Water Temperature

22.8°C
Today
23.0°C
Yesterday
23.1°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Red Head is about 23°C.

Water Temperature in Red Head: 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 April 6 to May 6

Water temperatures in Red Head 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 Red Head will be 22.5°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 2823.1°C24.3°C
Apr 2923.1°C24.5°C
Apr 3023.1°C23.0°C
May 123.1°C23.3°C
May 223.1°C23.0°C
May 323.2°C23.0°C
May 423.1°C22.5°C
May 523.0°C23.0°C
May 622.8°C23.0°C22.8°C
May 723.0°C22.8°C
May 822.3°C22.7°C
May 922.5°C22.7°C
May 1022.5°C22.6°C
May 1122.3°C22.6°C
May 1222.3°C22.5°C
May 1322.5°C22.5°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 Red Head 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

Red Head, on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, looks out over the open Tasman Sea and experiences water temperatures that change clearly with the seasons. Summer is the warmest time of year, with the ocean usually sitting around 22–26 °C, which feels comfortable for longer swims and regular dips. In autumn, temperatures ease back to roughly 20–23 °C, still pleasant for most swimmers. Winter brings cooler conditions, typically around 17–20 °C, while spring sees a gradual warm-up from about 18 °C into the low twenties as air temperatures rise and the sea settles.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January21°C24°C27°C
February23°C25°C27°C
March22°C24°C27°C
April22°C24°C26°C
May19°C22°C25°C
June17°C21°C23°C
July16°C20°C22°C
August17°C20°C21°C
September17°C20°C22°C
October18°C21°C22°C
November19°C21°C24°C
December20°C22°C27°C

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

Red Head: Weather Forecast

May 7

9°C / 22°C
clear sky
humidity: 43% | wind: 25 kmh

May 8

11°C / 20°C
clear sky
humidity: 53% | wind: 18 kmh

May 9

13°C / 20°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 75% | wind: 14 kmh

May 10

19°C / 20°C
clear sky
humidity: 70% | wind: 18 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Black Head Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
22.6°C

Diamond Beach

⭐ 4.5/5
22.7°C

Red Head Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
22.9°C

Saltwater Beach

⭐ 2.8/5
21.6°C

Wallabi Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
21.7°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed and enjoyed around Red Head, though conditions depend heavily on the day. The beach is exposed to ocean swell, so waves and rips can form, particularly after periods of rough weather. On calm days, the water is clean and refreshing, with straightforward access from the sandy shoreline, making it suitable for confident swimmers. There are limited patrols, so it’s important to assess conditions before entering the water. Choosing days with smaller swell and lighter winds makes swimming safer and more enjoyable at this quiet, natural stretch of coast.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Saltwater

⭐ 3/5
21.7°C

Tuncurry-North Wall

⭐ 3/5
23.9°C
13 km away 📍 Beach/breakwater

Forster Beach

⭐ 3/5
23.0°C

Elim

⭐ 2/5
22.4°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Red Head today?
Sea water temperature in Red Head in the Tasman Sea today is 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Red Head during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Red Head typically ranges from 20°C to 27°C.
What is the water temperature in Red Head during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Red Head typically ranges from 19°C to 27°C.
What is the water temperature in Red Head during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Red Head typically ranges from 17°C to 24°C.
What is the water temperature in Red Head during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Red Head typically ranges from 16°C to 23°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Red Head area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Red Head area include: Black Head Beach, Diamond Beach, Red Head Beach, Saltwater Beach, Wallabi Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Red Head?
Some of the closest surf spots near Red Head include Saltwater, Tuncurry-North Wall, Forster Beach.