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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

19.7°C
Today
19.7°C
Yesterday
20.9°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Swansea Heads is about 20°C.

Water Temperature in Swansea Heads: 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 May 22 to June 21

Water temperatures in Swansea Heads 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 Swansea Heads will be 19.4°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 1321.0°C19.8°C
Jun 1421.1°C20.0°C
Jun 1520.9°C20.3°C
Jun 1621.0°C19.8°C
Jun 1719.5°C20.0°C
Jun 1819.7°C19.8°C
Jun 1919.8°C19.8°C
Jun 2019.7°C19.5°C
Jun 2119.7°C19.5°C19.7°C
Jun 2219.7°C19.7°C
Jun 2319.7°C19.6°C
Jun 2419.3°C19.6°C
Jun 2519.0°C19.5°C
Jun 2619.0°C19.5°C
Jun 2719.3°C19.5°C
Jun 2819.3°C19.4°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

June 22

11°C / 17°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 67% | wind: 11 kmh

June 23

10°C / 17°C
clear sky
humidity: 64% | wind: 11 kmh

June 24

14°C / 16°C
light rain
humidity: 66% | wind: 22 kmh

June 25

15°C / 16°C
light rain
humidity: 66% | wind: 18 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Hams Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
19.4°C

Blacksmiths

⭐ 5.0/5
18.7°C

Caves Beach

⭐ 4.3/5
19.0°C

Heads Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
20.0°C

Quarry Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
20.4°C

Stinky Point

⭐ 3.6/5
19.4°C

Swansea Bay Beach

⭐ 4.3/5
18.7°C

Pinny

⭐ 3.6/5
19.3°C

Nine Mile

⭐ 4.9/5
18.5°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
19.9°C

Swansea Beach

⭐ 2/5
19.5°C

Frenchmans Reef

⭐ 3/5
20.4°C

Blacksmiths Beach

⭐ 2/5
20.2°C
1 km away 📍 Point/breakwater

Caves Beach

⭐ 2/5
20.1°C

Crabbs Creek

⭐ 2/5
19.4°C

Catherine Hill Bay

⭐ 2/5
19.9°C
7 km away 📍 Breakwater

Redhead

⭐ 2/5
18.9°C

Moonee

⭐ 4/5
20.8°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 20°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.