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Saltwater Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Saltwater Beach 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.

Saltwater Beach
Saltwater Beach © David Wooden

Current Sea Water Temperature

17.6°C
Today
17.1°C
Yesterday
17.5°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Saltwater Beach is about 18°C.

Water Temperature in Saltwater Beach: 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

From July 23 to August 22

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

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Saltwater Beach will be 19.6°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
Aug 1517.2°C19.3°C
Aug 1617.2°C19.0°C
Aug 1717.5°C19.5°C
Aug 1817.6°C19.3°C
Aug 1917.2°C19.0°C
Aug 2017.1°C19.3°C
Aug 2117.5°C19.0°C
Aug 2217.1°C18.8°C
Aug 2317.6°C18.8°C17.6°C
Aug 2420.5°C17.9°C
Aug 2520.0°C18.2°C
Aug 2620.0°C18.4°C
Aug 2720.3°C18.7°C
Aug 2819.5°C19.0°C
Aug 2919.8°C19.3°C
Aug 3020.5°C19.6°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 Saltwater Beach 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

Saltwater Beach, on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales and facing the Tasman Sea, experiences water temperatures that follow a clear seasonal cycle. During summer, the ocean is at its warmest, usually sitting between about 22–26 °C, which feels comfortable for longer swims and plenty of time in the water. Autumn brings a gradual cool-down to around 20–23 °C. In winter, the sea is cooler but still manageable for many swimmers, with temperatures generally ranging from 17–20 °C. Spring marks a steady warm-up from roughly 18 °C into the low twenties as weather conditions become more settled.

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.

Saltwater Beach: Weather Forecast

August 23

13°C / 17°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 77% | wind: 11 kmh

August 24

14°C / 19°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 83% | wind: 14 kmh

August 25

16°C / 21°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 80% | wind: 18 kmh

August 26

14°C / 20°C
light rain
humidity: 86% | wind: 14 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Saltwater Beach

⭐ 2.8/5
17.6°C

Red Head Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
16.7°C

Wallabi Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
18.1°C

Diamond Beach

⭐ 4.5/5
18.8°C

Old Bar Beach

⭐ 4.3/5
17.2°C

Black Head Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
17.5°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Saltwater Beach, but it is very much an open-ocean environment. The beach is exposed to swell, so wave height and currents can vary from day to day, and rips may form, particularly after rough weather. On calm days, the water is clean and refreshing, and entry from the sandy shoreline is straightforward for confident swimmers. With no regular patrols, it’s important to assess conditions carefully before entering the water. Choosing days with smaller swell and lighter winds makes swimming here safer and more enjoyable, especially for those used to natural, uncrowded coastal beaches.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Saltwater

⭐ 3/5
17.1°C

Tuncurry-North Wall

⭐ 3/5
18.7°C
19 km away 📍 Beach/breakwater

Forster Beach

⭐ 3/5
17.2°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Saltwater Beach today?
Sea water temperature in Saltwater Beach in the Tasman Sea today is 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Saltwater Beach during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Saltwater Beach typically ranges from 20°C to 27°C.
What is the water temperature in Saltwater Beach during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Saltwater Beach typically ranges from 19°C to 27°C.
What is the water temperature in Saltwater Beach during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Saltwater Beach typically ranges from 17°C to 24°C.
What is the water temperature in Saltwater Beach during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Saltwater Beach typically ranges from 16°C to 23°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Saltwater Beach area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Saltwater Beach area include: Saltwater Beach, Red Head Beach, Wallabi Beach, Diamond Beach, Old Bar Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Saltwater Beach?
Some of the closest surf spots near Saltwater Beach include Saltwater, Tuncurry-North Wall, Forster Beach.