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Swansea Heads – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Swansea Heads 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.

Swansea Heads
Swansea Heads © Caryn

Current Sea Water Temperature

23.3°C
Today
23.3°C
Yesterday
23.1°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Swansea Heads is about 23°C.

Water Temperature in Swansea Heads: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

✅ Water in this range is comfortably warm and widely considered ideal for swimming. Most people can stay in the water for a long time without feeling cold. It works well for families, recreational swimming, and active water sports such as swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding.

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

Over the past month, water temperatures in Swansea Heads have stayed mostly steady, but a warming trend has developed over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Swansea Heads will be 22.4°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
Apr 2823.0°C23.3°C
Apr 2923.1°C23.5°C
Apr 3023.1°C23.5°C
May 123.1°C23.0°C
May 223.1°C22.5°C
May 323.3°C22.3°C
May 423.2°C22.3°C
May 523.3°C22.3°C
May 623.3°C22.3°C23.3°C
May 721.7°C23.2°C
May 822.0°C23.0°C
May 921.7°C22.9°C
May 1021.3°C22.8°C
May 1121.0°C22.7°C
May 1222.0°C22.5°C
May 1321.3°C22.4°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 Swansea Heads 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

Swansea Heads sits at the southern entrance to Lake Macquarie, facing the open Tasman Sea just south of Newcastle. Water temperatures here follow the typical coastal pattern for this part of New South Wales. In summer, the ocean usually warms to around 22–26 °C, which feels comfortable for extended swims and regular dips. Autumn brings a gradual cooling, with temperatures commonly sitting between 20–23 °C. Winter is cooler but still manageable for many swimmers, generally in the range of 16–20 °C, while spring sees a steady warm-up from about 18 °C into the low twenties as conditions become more settled.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January20°C23°C27°C
February22°C24°C27°C
March20°C24°C26°C
April20°C23°C25°C
May19°C21°C24°C
June17°C20°C22°C
July16°C19°C21°C
August15°C19°C21°C
September16°C18°C22°C
October16°C20°C22°C
November18°C20°C24°C
December19°C21°C27°C

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

Swansea Heads: Weather Forecast

May 7

8°C / 18°C
clear sky
humidity: 50% | wind: 25 kmh

May 8

12°C / 20°C
clear sky
humidity: 57% | wind: 14 kmh

May 9

14°C / 18°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 71% | wind: 14 kmh

May 10

18°C / 19°C
clear sky
humidity: 68% | wind: 18 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Hams Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
22.7°C

Blacksmiths

⭐ 5.0/5
23.5°C

Caves Beach

⭐ 4.3/5
22.9°C

Heads Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
22.9°C

Quarry Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
22.4°C

Stinky Point

⭐ 3.6/5
22.4°C

Swansea Bay Beach

⭐ 4.3/5
22.5°C

Pinny

⭐ 3.6/5
22.3°C

Nine Mile

⭐ 4.9/5
22.0°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed around Swansea Heads, but it requires a bit of care due to the exposed coastline and nearby channel. The ocean-facing beaches can experience strong waves and rips, especially after periods of swell, making conditions better suited to confident swimmers. On calmer days, the water is clean and refreshing, with straightforward access from the sand. Areas closer to the channel can have stronger currents when tides are moving, so extra caution is needed there. With limited patrols, choosing days with lighter swell and calmer conditions is important. When the sea is settled, Swansea Heads offers rewarding ocean swimming in a natural, uncrowded coastal setting.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Caves Point

⭐ 3/5
23.7°C

Swansea Beach

⭐ 2/5
24.5°C

Frenchmans Reef

⭐ 3/5
22.6°C

Blacksmiths Beach

⭐ 2/5
22.3°C
1 km away 📍 Point/breakwater

Caves Beach

⭐ 2/5
24.2°C

Crabbs Creek

⭐ 2/5
24.4°C

Catherine Hill Bay

⭐ 2/5
23.2°C
7 km away 📍 Breakwater

Redhead

⭐ 2/5
23.9°C

Moonee

⭐ 4/5
22.9°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Swansea Heads today?
Sea water temperature in Swansea Heads in the Tasman Sea today is 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Swansea Heads during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Swansea Heads typically ranges from 19°C to 27°C.
What is the water temperature in Swansea Heads during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Swansea Heads typically ranges from 19°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Swansea Heads during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Swansea Heads typically ranges from 16°C to 24°C.
What is the water temperature in Swansea Heads during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Swansea Heads typically ranges from 15°C to 22°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Swansea Heads area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Swansea Heads area include: Hams Beach, Blacksmiths, Caves Beach, Heads Beach, Quarry Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Swansea Heads?
Some of the closest surf spots near Swansea Heads include Caves Point, Frenchmans Reef, Blacksmiths Beach.