Whale Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Whale Beach 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

19.0°C

Today

19.0°C

Yesterday

20.0°C

A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Whale Beach is about 19°C.

Water Temperature in Whale Beach: 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 Whale Beach 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 Whale Beach will be 19.6°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	19.8°C	19.3°C
Jun 14	20.0°C	19.3°C
Jun 15	20.0°C	19.8°C
Jun 16	19.8°C	19.5°C
Jun 17	18.9°C	19.0°C
Jun 18	18.8°C	19.3°C
Jun 19	19.0°C	19.0°C
Jun 20	19.0°C	19.3°C
Jun 21	19.0°C	19.3°C	19.0°C
Jun 22		20.3°C	19.1°C
Jun 23		19.3°C	19.2°C
Jun 24		19.5°C	19.3°C
Jun 25		19.5°C	19.4°C
Jun 26		19.5°C	19.5°C
Jun 27		19.8°C	19.5°C
Jun 28		19.5°C	19.6°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 Whale Beach 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

Whale Beach, on Sydney’s northern coastline, sits between steep headlands and faces the open Tasman Sea. Water temperatures here follow the typical pattern for the Sydney region. In summer, the ocean is at its warmest, usually around 22–26 °C, which feels comfortable for longer swims and regular dips. Autumn brings a gradual cooling to roughly 20–23 °C. Winter is noticeably cooler but still swimmable for many, with sea temperatures generally between 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
January	20°C	23°C	25°C
February	22°C	23°C	26°C
March	20°C	23°C	26°C
April	19°C	23°C	25°C
May	16°C	21°C	24°C
June	15°C	20°C	22°C
July	15°C	19°C	21°C
August	16°C	19°C	20°C
September	16°C	18°C	20°C
October	16°C	19°C	21°C
November	17°C	20°C	22°C
December	19°C	21°C	25°C

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

Whale Beach: Weather Forecast

June 22

9°C / 17°C

few clouds: 11-25%

humidity: 67% | wind: 7 kmh

June 23

9°C / 17°C

clear sky

humidity: 64% | wind: 7 kmh

June 24

10°C / 16°C

light rain

humidity: 77% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Whale Beach

⭐ 5.0/5

19.7°C

Sandy Beach

⭐ 4.1/5

18.6°C

Powells Beach

⭐ 3.6/5

18.4°C

Palm Beach

⭐ 5.0/5

19.2°C

Farrells Beach

⭐ 3.6/5

19.2°C

Barrenjoey Beach

⭐ 3.1/5

17.7°C

Old Wharf

⭐ 4.3/5

17.8°C

North Palm Beach

⭐ 3.9/5

18.0°C

Portuguese

⭐ 3.1/5

19.6°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed and popular at Whale Beach, but it’s best suited to swimmers who are confident in open-ocean conditions. The beach is quite exposed, and strong surf and rips can develop, especially after periods of swell. Parts of the beach are patrolled during peak seasons, which provides safer swimming areas when flags are in place. On calm days, the water is clean and clear, and entry from the sand is straightforward. When conditions are right, Whale Beach offers refreshing ocean swimming in a dramatic coastal setting, though checking the surf and swimming between the flags is always important here.