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Sapphire Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Sapphire 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.

Sapphire Beach
Sapphire Beach © Virginia Halford

Current Sea Water Temperature

22.9°C
Today
23.0°C
Yesterday
22.4°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Sapphire Beach is about 23°C.

Water Temperature in Sapphire Beach: 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

While water temperatures in Sapphire 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 Sapphire Beach will be 23.2°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 2822.8°C25.0°C
Apr 2922.7°C24.8°C
Apr 3022.4°C23.5°C
May 122.5°C23.5°C
May 222.8°C23.8°C
May 323.0°C23.5°C
May 422.8°C23.8°C
May 523.0°C23.8°C
May 622.9°C23.8°C22.9°C
May 723.5°C22.9°C
May 823.5°C23.0°C
May 923.5°C23.0°C
May 1023.5°C23.1°C
May 1123.3°C23.1°C
May 1223.3°C23.1°C
May 1322.8°C23.2°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 Sapphire 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

Sapphire Beach sits just north of Coffs Harbour on the far north coast of New South Wales, facing the Tasman Sea and influenced by a warm subtropical climate. Water temperatures here are comfortable for swimming across much of the year. During summer, the ocean typically warms to around 25–27 °C, making the water feel inviting for long swims and cooling off on hot days. Autumn often stays pleasant, with sea temperatures commonly between 23–25 °C as conditions become more settled. Spring begins cooler at roughly 21–23 °C before steadily warming toward summer. Winter is the coolest season, but even then the water usually sits around 19–21 °C, which many locals still find swimmable 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°C28°C
April23°C25°C27°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.

Sapphire Beach: Weather Forecast

May 7

9°C / 25°C
clear sky
humidity: 45% | wind: 11 kmh

May 8

12°C / 16°C
clear sky
humidity: 49% | wind: 4 kmh

May 9

14°C / 19°C
clear sky
humidity: 65% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Sapphire Beach

⭐ 3.7/5
23.4°C

Campbells Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
22.3°C

Opal Cove Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
24.1°C

Korora Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
23.7°C

Little Diggers Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
22.8°C

Diggers Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
23.8°C

Park Beach

⭐ 3.7/5
24.1°C

Jetty Beach

⭐ 3.9/5
23.8°C

Fiddamans Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
22.2°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Sapphire Beach, though conditions vary depending on swell, wind, and tides. The beach is open to the ocean, so waves and currents can be present, particularly during unsettled weather. On calm days, the water is clear and temperatures are steady, offering enjoyable swimming for confident swimmers. There are no fully sheltered areas, so choosing the right conditions and staying aware of rips is important. Overall, Sapphire Beach offers reliable water temperatures and good swimming opportunities for much of the year, provided the sea is respected and conditions are checked before heading in.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Moonee Beach and Creek

⭐ 3/5
22.2°C
2 km away 📍 Beach, river and point

Diggers

⭐ 3/5
22.5°C

Emerald Beach

⭐ 4/5
24.0°C

Park Beach

⭐ 2/5
23.8°C

Coffs Harbour-North Wall

⭐ 2/5
24.3°C

Macauleys

⭐ 2/5
24.1°C

Gallows

⭐ 3/5
24.5°C
10 km away 📍 Reef and point

Woolgoolga Back Beach

⭐ 2/5
23.7°C

Woolgoolga

⭐ 3/5
22.3°C
14 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Sapphire Beach today?
Sea water temperature in Sapphire Beach in the Tasman Sea today is 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Sapphire Beach during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Sapphire Beach typically ranges from 21°C to 29°C.
What is the water temperature in Sapphire Beach during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Sapphire Beach typically ranges from 19°C to 28°C.
What is the water temperature in Sapphire Beach during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Sapphire Beach typically ranges from 18°C to 25°C.
What is the water temperature in Sapphire Beach during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Sapphire Beach typically ranges from 18°C to 24°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Sapphire Beach area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Sapphire Beach area include: Sapphire Beach, Campbells Beach, Opal Cove Beach, Korora Beach, Diggers Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Sapphire Beach?
Some of the closest surf spots near Sapphire Beach include Moonee Beach and Creek, Diggers, Emerald Beach.