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Scotts Head – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Scotts 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.

Scotts Head
Scotts Head © By Conquimbo, CC BY-SA 3.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

19.9°C
Today
19.8°C
Yesterday
19.4°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Scotts Head is about 20°C.

Water Temperature in Scotts Head: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

⚠️ Water in this range feels cool but still manageable for many swimmers. Short to moderate swims are comfortable, especially in warm weather. Some people may prefer a wetsuit for longer stays, particularly when swimming actively or outside peak summer conditions.

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

Water temperatures in Scotts Head have been on a steady rise over the past month and have continued to climb over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Scotts Head will be 20.4°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 1519.5°C20.5°C
Aug 1619.4°C20.5°C
Aug 1719.4°C20.8°C
Aug 1819.5°C20.8°C
Aug 1919.4°C20.5°C
Aug 2019.5°C20.5°C
Aug 2119.7°C20.0°C
Aug 2219.8°C20.0°C
Aug 2319.9°C20.0°C19.9°C
Aug 2421.0°C20.0°C
Aug 2521.3°C20.0°C
Aug 2621.0°C20.1°C
Aug 2720.8°C20.2°C
Aug 2820.8°C20.3°C
Aug 2920.5°C20.3°C
Aug 3021.0°C20.4°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 Scotts 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

Scotts Head is a coastal village tucked away in the Nambucca Valley, where the point break creates a classic amphitheatre for water lovers. If you’re planning on getting your hair wet, you’ll find the Tasman Sea here stays pretty inviting for the better part of the year. During the height of summer, usually around February, the water temperature peaks between 24°C and 26°C—absolute gold for a long soak or a bit of snorkeling. When winter rolls around in August, it dips to a fresher 18°C or 20°C. While that might feel a bit bracing for a casual splash, it’s still fairly mild compared to the southern states, and you’ll see plenty of the local crew out there in just a spring suit or boardies if the sun is out and the wind is down.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January23°C26°C27°C
February24°C26°C29°C
March22°C26°C28°C
April23°C25°C27°C
May20°C23°C25°C
June18°C22°C24°C
July19°C21°C23°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.

Scotts Head: 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

Middle Beach

⭐ 3.9/5
20.5°C

Grassy Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
19.6°C

Beilbys Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
19.7°C

South Valla Beach

⭐ 4.2/5
20.9°C

Trial Bay Front Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
20.7°C

Valla Beach

⭐ 4.4/5
19.7°C

Gap Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
19.4°C

North Smoky Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
19.7°C

South Smoky Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
20.0°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is absolutely allowed and is one of the best things to do in town, especially for families. Main Beach (also known as Forster Beach) is a local favourite because it’s somewhat sheltered from the southerlies and has a gradual slope that’s perfect for a relaxed paddle. For a safe dip, make sure you stick to the patrolled area near the surf club, which is usually active during the summer holidays and on weekends from October through to Easter—always remember to stay between the red and yellow flags. If the ocean swell is looking a bit beefy or the rips are playing up at the point, the southern corner offers a bit more protection. It’s a cracking spot to cool off and soak up the Mid North Coast vibes, provided you respect the ocean’s power and keep an eye on the local conditions.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Scotts Head

⭐ 3/5
19.5°C

Valla Beach

⭐ 2/5
19.3°C

Forster Beach (Nambucca)

⭐ 3/5
19.4°C

Nambucca Heads

⭐ 2/5
19.6°C

Shelly Beach

⭐ 2/5
19.8°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Scotts Head today?
Sea water temperature in Scotts Head in the Tasman Sea today is 20°C.
What is the water temperature in Scotts Head during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Scotts Head typically ranges from 21°C to 29°C.
What is the water temperature in Scotts Head during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Scotts Head typically ranges from 20°C to 28°C.
What is the water temperature in Scotts Head during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Scotts Head typically ranges from 18°C to 25°C.
What is the water temperature in Scotts Head during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Scotts Head typically ranges from 18°C to 24°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Scotts Head area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Scotts Head area include: Middle Beach, Grassy Beach, Beilbys Beach, South Valla Beach, Valla Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Scotts Head?
Some of the closest surf spots near Scotts Head include Scotts Head, Valla Beach, Forster Beach (Nambucca).