South Ballina – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page shows the current water temperature at South Ballina 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.
Current Sea Water Temperature
The average sea water temperature today in South Ballina is about 21°C.
Water Temperature in South Ballina: 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
Water temperatures in South Ballina 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 South Ballina will be 22.1°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 | 22.4°C | 22.5°C | |
| Jun 14 | 22.4°C | 22.3°C | |
| Jun 15 | 22.3°C | 22.5°C | |
| Jun 16 | 20.8°C | 22.5°C | |
| Jun 17 | 20.9°C | 22.3°C | |
| Jun 18 | 21.1°C | 22.3°C | |
| Jun 19 | 21.1°C | 22.5°C | |
| Jun 20 | 20.9°C | 22.3°C | |
| Jun 21 | 21.0°C | 22.3°C | 21.0°C |
| Jun 22 | 22.5°C | 21.2°C | |
| Jun 23 | 22.5°C | 21.3°C | |
| Jun 24 | 22.5°C | 21.5°C | |
| Jun 25 | 22.5°C | 21.6°C | |
| Jun 26 | 22.3°C | 21.8°C | |
| Jun 27 | 22.5°C | 22.0°C | |
| Jun 28 | 22.5°C | 22.1°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 South Ballina 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
Annual Water Temperature Trend
South Ballina is a proper rugged stretch of coastline that offers a much more wild and secluded feel than the busy side of the Richmond River. Because it sits on the North Coast, the water temperature is top-notch for most of the year, peaking between 25°C and 27°C in the heart of summer. When winter rolls around in August, you’re looking at a fresher but still manageable 20°C to 22°C. While it’s warm enough to ditch the steamer for much of the year, the isolation means the wind can have a bit more bite to it, so a light spring suit is a handy bit of gear to have in the boot if you’re planning a longer session.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C | 26°C | 28°C |
| February | 25°C | 27°C | 29°C |
| March | 24°C | 27°C | 29°C |
| April | 23°C | 25°C | 27°C |
| May | 22°C | 24°C | 26°C |
| June | 20°C | 23°C | 25°C |
| July | 19°C | 22°C | 23°C |
| August | 18°C | 22°C | 23°C |
| September | 19°C | 22°C | 23°C |
| October | 20°C | 22°C | 26°C |
| November | 20°C | 23°C | 26°C |
| December | 22°C | 25°C | 27°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
South Ballina: Weather Forecast
June 22
June 23
June 24
Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots
Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures
South Ballina Beach
Angels Beach
Sharpes Beach
Robins Beach
Skennars Beach
Swimming Conditions
Swimming is technically allowed, but you’ve got to be a real savvy salt-water operator to head in here. This 30-kilometre stretch of sand is unpatrolled and notoriously hazardous, featuring a deep longshore trough and heavy rips every few hundred metres. Unlike the main beaches in town, there are no lifesavers to pull you out if you get into a pickle, so most locals reckon it’s better for a beach fish or a long 4WD trek than a proper swim. If you’re dead set on a dip, stick to the very shallows and keep a sharp eye on the sweep. For a safer, more relaxed splash between the flags, you’re better off catching the ferry back across to the patrolled spots in East Ballina.
🏄♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures
Ballina South Wall
North wall
Ballina North Wall
Backsides
Flat Rock
Lennox Head
Broken Head
Suffolk Park
Tallows Beach
Location, Type and Nearby Places
Address: Ballina Shire
Place Tags:BeachCoastal Town
Water Temperature in Nearby Places
