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.

Current Sea Water Temperature

13.4°C

Today

13.4°C

Yesterday

14.9°C

A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Shipstern Bluff is about 13°C.

Water Temperature in Shipstern Bluff: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

❌ Water at this temperature feels cold and is generally suitable only for brief immersion. Swimming without a wetsuit can quickly become uncomfortable, and exposure time is usually short. These conditions are mainly suitable for experienced swimmers or those using proper thermal gear.

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 May 22 to June 21

Water temperatures in Shipstern Bluff have been gradually cooling over the past month, with a further drop recorded during the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Shipstern Bluff will be 13.4°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
Jun 13	14.7°C	13.5°C
Jun 14	14.7°C	13.5°C
Jun 15	14.9°C	13.5°C
Jun 16	14.8°C	13.3°C
Jun 17	13.5°C	13.3°C
Jun 18	13.5°C	13.3°C
Jun 19	13.5°C	13.3°C
Jun 20	13.4°C	13.0°C
Jun 21	13.4°C	13.0°C	13.4°C
Jun 22		13.0°C	13.4°C
Jun 23		13.3°C	13.4°C
Jun 24		13.3°C	13.4°C
Jun 25		13.3°C	13.4°C
Jun 26		13.3°C	13.4°C
Jun 27		13.3°C	13.4°C
Jun 28		13.0°C	13.4°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 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
January	14°C	17°C	19°C
February	15°C	18°C	20°C
March	15°C	17°C	19°C
April	14°C	16°C	18°C
May	11°C	14°C	17°C
June	11°C	13°C	15°C
July	10°C	13°C	14°C
August	10°C	12°C	14°C
September	10°C	12°C	14°C
October	10°C	12°C	15°C
November	11°C	14°C	16°C
December	12°C	15°C	18°C

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

Shipstern Bluff: Weather Forecast

June 22

7°C / 12°C

overcast clouds: 85-100%

humidity: 68% | wind: 14 kmh

June 23

4°C / 9°C

scattered clouds: 25-50%

humidity: 69% | wind: 11 kmh

June 24

4°C / 10°C

clear sky

humidity: 69% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Safety Cove State Reserve

⭐ 3.5/5

13.4°C

White Beach

⭐ 3.8/5

13.6°C

Big Possum Beach

⭐ 2.9/5

13.1°C

Little Possum Beach

⭐ 3.5/5

12.3°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.