Tweed Heads – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page shows the current water temperature at Tweed 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.
Current Sea Water Temperature
The average sea water temperature today in Tweed Heads is about 17°C.
Water Temperature in Tweed Heads: 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
While water temperatures in Tweed Heads declined overall during the past month, they have shown a noticeable rebound over the last week.
According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Tweed Heads will be 20.1°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15 | 17.1°C | 19.8°C | |
| Aug 16 | 17.1°C | 19.8°C | |
| Aug 17 | 16.9°C | 20.0°C | |
| Aug 18 | 17.2°C | 20.0°C | |
| Aug 19 | 17.2°C | 19.8°C | |
| Aug 20 | 17.0°C | 19.3°C | |
| Aug 21 | 17.3°C | 19.8°C | |
| Aug 22 | 17.3°C | 19.3°C | |
| Aug 23 | 17.2°C | 19.3°C | 17.2°C |
| Aug 24 | 20.8°C | 17.6°C | |
| Aug 25 | 20.8°C | 18.0°C | |
| Aug 26 | 20.5°C | 18.5°C | |
| Aug 27 | 21.3°C | 18.9°C | |
| Aug 28 | 21.3°C | 19.3°C | |
| Aug 29 | 21.3°C | 19.7°C | |
| Aug 30 | 21.3°C | 20.1°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 Tweed 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
Annual Water Temperature Trend
Tweed Heads sits right on the NSW–Queensland border and enjoys a mild, subtropical climate that keeps water temperatures fairly inviting for most of the year. In the Coral Sea off the local beaches, water temperatures typically range from about 20–22 °C in winter to around 25–27 °C through summer. Autumn often brings some of the most comfortable conditions, with the sea holding between 23–25 °C and calmer days common between weather systems. Spring starts cooler, usually around 21–23 °C, but temperatures climb steadily as summer approaches, making it easier to plan longer swims without the initial shock.
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 | 26°C | 29°C |
| April | 23°C | 25°C | 28°C |
| May | 20°C | 23°C | 26°C |
| June | 19°C | 22°C | 25°C |
| July | 19°C | 21°C | 23°C |
| August | 18°C | 21°C | 23°C |
| September | 18°C | 21°C | 23°C |
| October | 19°C | 22°C | 26°C |
| November | 21°C | 23°C | 26°C |
| December | 22°C | 25°C | 27°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
Tweed Heads: Weather Forecast
August 23
August 24
August 25
August 26
Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots
Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures
Letitia Beach
Fingal Head Beach
Coolangatta Beach
Greenmount Beach
Froggy Beach
Froggies Beach
Snapper Rocks
Duranbah Beach
Kirra Beach
Swimming Conditions
Swimming is well established in Tweed Heads, both along the open coastline and in sheltered spots around the Tweed River entrance. Ocean swimming is generally allowed and popular, especially on patrolled beaches where surf lifesavers manage risks from waves and currents. The river and estuary areas can also be suitable for swimming, particularly on warm, still days, as water temperatures there often mirror or slightly exceed those of the sea. As anywhere on the northern NSW coast, swimmers should stay aware of conditions, tides, and marine life, but overall Tweed Heads offers reliable, warm-water swimming opportunities across much of the year.
