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Sandy Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Sandy 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.

Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach © G Pryor

Current Sea Water Temperature

17.8°C
Today
17.5°C
Yesterday
17.4°C
A Week Ago

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

Water Temperature in Sandy 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

Over the past month, water temperatures in Sandy Beach have stayed mostly steady, but a warming trend has developed over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Sandy Beach will be 20.3°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 1517.7°C20.0°C
Aug 1617.3°C19.8°C
Aug 1717.4°C20.3°C
Aug 1817.6°C19.8°C
Aug 1917.3°C19.8°C
Aug 2017.5°C20.0°C
Aug 2117.9°C19.3°C
Aug 2217.5°C19.5°C
Aug 2317.8°C19.5°C17.8°C
Aug 2420.5°C18.2°C
Aug 2521.0°C18.5°C
Aug 2620.5°C18.9°C
Aug 2720.8°C19.2°C
Aug 2820.8°C19.6°C
Aug 2920.5°C19.9°C
Aug 3021.0°C20.3°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 Sandy 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

Sandy Beach sits on the far north coast of New South Wales, just south of Woolgoolga, facing the Tasman Sea and shaped by a warm subtropical climate. Water temperatures here are generally comfortable for swimming through most of the year. In summer, the ocean typically warms to around 25–27 °C, making the water inviting for long swims and plenty of time in the sea. Autumn often holds onto that warmth, with temperatures commonly between 23–25 °C as weather patterns settle. Spring begins cooler at roughly 21–23 °C before steadily warming toward summer. Winter is the coolest season, but even then the sea usually sits around 19–21 °C, which many locals still find suitable for a swim on clear, sunny days.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January23°C26°C27°C
February24°C27°C29°C
March22°C26°C27°C
April23°C25°C26°C
May19°C23°C25°C
June18°C22°C24°C
July19°C21°C22°C
August18°C21°C22°C
September18°C21°C23°C
October19°C22°C24°C
November20°C22°C25°C
December21°C24°C27°C

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

Sandy Beach: Weather Forecast

August 23

15°C / 19°C
light rain
humidity: 78% | wind: 14 kmh

August 24

14°C / 19°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 82% | wind: 7 kmh

August 25

16°C / 21°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 83% | wind: 14 kmh

August 26

14°C / 19°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 88% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Sandy Beach

⭐ 4.8/5
17.7°C

Fiddamans Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
17.0°C

Sandy Beach

⭐ 4.8/5
18.5°C

Woolgoolga Back Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
17.6°C

Hearnes Lake Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
17.4°C

Emerald Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
18.5°C

Woolgoolga Beach

⭐ 3.0/5
16.9°C

Darkum Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
18.6°C

Mullaway Beach

⭐ 3.0/5
18.6°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed and popular at Sandy Beach, particularly when conditions are calm. The beach is open to the ocean, so waves and currents can vary depending on swell and wind, and swimmers need to stay aware of rips. On settled days, the water is clear and temperatures remain steady, offering enjoyable swimming along this stretch of coast. Patrolled areas during peak times add an extra level of safety. Overall, Sandy Beach offers reliable water temperatures and good swimming opportunities for much of the year, provided ocean conditions are checked and respected before entering the water.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Macauleys

⭐ 2/5
18.4°C

Emerald Beach

⭐ 4/5
17.9°C

Woolgoolga Back Beach

⭐ 2/5
17.3°C

Woolgoolga

⭐ 3/5
18.3°C
5 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Moonee Beach and Creek

⭐ 3/5
17.0°C
8 km away 📍 Beach, river and point

Mullaway

⭐ 4/5
17.7°C

Arrawarra

⭐ 4/5
16.8°C

Corindi Beach

⭐ 3/5
17.0°C

Diggers

⭐ 3/5
17.4°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Sandy Beach today?
Sea water temperature in Sandy Beach in the Tasman Sea today is 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Sandy Beach during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Sandy Beach typically ranges from 21°C to 29°C.
What is the water temperature in Sandy Beach during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Sandy Beach typically ranges from 19°C to 27°C.
What is the water temperature in Sandy Beach during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Sandy Beach typically ranges from 18°C to 25°C.
What is the water temperature in Sandy Beach during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Sandy Beach typically ranges from 18°C to 24°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Sandy Beach area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Sandy Beach area include: Sandy Beach, Fiddamans Beach, Sandy Beach, Woolgoolga Back Beach, Hearnes Lake Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Sandy Beach?
Some of the closest surf spots near Sandy Beach include Macauleys, Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga Back Beach.