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Shipstern Bluff – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Shipstern Bluff in Tasmania. 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.

Shipstern Bluff
Shipstern Bluff © James Schmusch

Current Sea Water Temperature

16.7°C
Today
16.6°C
Yesterday
16.7°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Shipstern Bluff is about 17°C.

Water Temperature in Shipstern Bluff: 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 February 18 to March 20

Water temperatures in Shipstern Blufffell over the past month, but have levelled out during the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Shipstern Bluff will be 16.6°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
Mar 1217.1°C16.8°C
Mar 1317.1°C17.0°C
Mar 1416.7°C17.0°C
Mar 1516.7°C16.5°C
Mar 1616.2°C16.8°C
Mar 1716.2°C16.8°C
Mar 1816.3°C17.0°C
Mar 1916.6°C16.8°C
Mar 2016.7°C16.8°C16.7°C
Mar 2116.8°C16.7°C
Mar 2217.0°C16.7°C
Mar 2316.5°C16.6°C
Mar 2417.3°C16.6°C
Mar 2517.0°C16.6°C
Mar 2616.5°C16.6°C
Mar 2717.3°C16.6°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 Shipstern Bluff 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

Shipstern Bluff lies on the rugged edge of the Tasman Peninsula, facing the open Tasman Sea where conditions are shaped by deep water, powerful swells, and cool southern currents. Water temperatures here are consistently low throughout the year. In summer, from December to February, the sea usually reaches around 15–17 °C, which is refreshing but far from warm. Autumn brings a gradual cooling to roughly 14–16 °C, while winter is distinctly cold, commonly around 11–13 °C. Spring sees only a modest warm-up, with temperatures generally sitting between 13–15 °C as daylight increases, though strong winds can make the water feel colder.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January14°C17°C19°C
February15°C18°C20°C
March15°C17°C19°C
April14°C16°C18°C
May11°C14°C17°C
June11°C13°C15°C
July10°C13°C14°C
August10°C12°C14°C
September10°C12°C14°C
October10°C12°C15°C
November11°C14°C16°C
December12°C15°C18°C

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

Shipstern Bluff: Weather Forecast

March 21

13°C / 19°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 80% | wind: 7 kmh

March 22

12°C / 23°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 70% | wind: 11 kmh

March 23

11°C / 13°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 67% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

White Beach

⭐ 3.8/5
15.6°C

Big Possum Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
17.1°C

Little Possum Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
16.5°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Shipstern Bluff is technically allowed, but it is not a casual swimming location. The area is internationally known for extreme surf, with heavy waves, strong currents, and rapidly changing conditions. As a result, swimming is generally limited to very experienced ocean users and only during rare calm periods, usually in summer. Even then, swims tend to be brief and close to shore, with wetsuits essential due to cold water and exposure. For most visitors, Shipstern Bluff is better appreciated from land rather than in the water. Overall, it represents the most demanding end of Tasmanian coastal swimming, where safety depends entirely on experience, preparation, and close attention to weather and sea conditions.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Shipstern Bluff

⭐ 5/5
16.4°C

Remarkable Caves

⭐ 5/5
15.8°C

Kelpies

⭐ 2/5
16.7°C

Safety Cove Reef

⭐ 2/5
16.1°C

Roaring Beach

⭐ 2/5
17.5°C

Eaglehawk Neck Reef

⭐ 5/5
16.2°C
25 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Tessellated Pavements

⭐ 5/5
16.0°C

Eaglehawk Neck Beach

⭐ 3/5
17.9°C
26 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Goats Bluff

⭐ 3/5
17.4°C

Location, Type and Nearby Places

Address: Tunnel Bay Track, Cape Raoul TAS 7184

Place Tags:Surf Spot

Water Temperature in Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Shipstern Bluff today?
Sea water temperature in Shipstern Bluff in the Tasman Sea today is 17°C.
What is the water temperature in Shipstern Bluff during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Shipstern Bluff typically ranges from 12°C to 20°C.
What is the water temperature in Shipstern Bluff during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Shipstern Bluff typically ranges from 11°C to 19°C.
What is the water temperature in Shipstern Bluff during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Shipstern Bluff typically ranges from 10°C to 16°C.
What is the water temperature in Shipstern Bluff during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Shipstern Bluff typically ranges from 10°C to 15°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Shipstern Bluff area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Shipstern Bluff area include: Safety Cove State Reserve, White Beach, Big Possum Beach, Little Possum Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Shipstern Bluff?
Some of the closest surf spots near Shipstern Bluff include Shipstern Bluff, Remarkable Caves, Kelpies.