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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.

Whale Beach
Whale Beach © By Sardaka, CC BY-SA 4.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

16.9°C
Today
16.9°C
Yesterday
16.8°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Whale Beach is about 17°C.

Water Temperature in Whale Beach: 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

From July 23 to August 22

While water temperatures in Whale Beach declined overall during the past month, they have shown a noticeable rebound over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Whale Beach will be 18.3°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 1416.8°C17.8°C
Aug 1516.7°C17.8°C
Aug 1616.8°C18.0°C
Aug 1716.9°C18.0°C
Aug 1816.8°C17.8°C
Aug 1916.9°C17.8°C
Aug 2017.1°C18.5°C
Aug 2116.9°C17.8°C
Aug 2216.9°C17.8°C16.9°C
Aug 2318.8°C17.1°C
Aug 2418.5°C17.3°C
Aug 2519.0°C17.5°C
Aug 2618.3°C17.7°C
Aug 2718.8°C17.9°C
Aug 2818.8°C18.1°C
Aug 2918.8°C18.3°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
January20°C23°C25°C
February22°C23°C26°C
March20°C23°C26°C
April19°C23°C25°C
May16°C21°C24°C
June15°C20°C22°C
July15°C19°C21°C
August16°C19°C20°C
September16°C18°C20°C
October16°C19°C21°C
November17°C20°C22°C
December19°C21°C25°C

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

Whale Beach: Weather Forecast

August 23

12°C / 18°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 76% | wind: 11 kmh

August 24

13°C / 21°C
clear sky
humidity: 78% | wind: 11 kmh

August 25

15°C / 22°C
light rain
humidity: 74% | wind: 7 kmh

August 26

13°C / 21°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 79% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Whale Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
17.8°C

Sandy Beach

⭐ 4.1/5
15.7°C

Powells Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
17.2°C

Palm Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
17.5°C

Farrells Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
17.0°C

Barrenjoey Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
17.4°C

Old Wharf

⭐ 4.3/5
17.7°C

North Palm Beach

⭐ 3.9/5
17.4°C

Portuguese

⭐ 3.1/5
16.3°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.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

The Wedge

⭐ 4/5
17.2°C

Palm Beach

⭐ 4/5
17.9°C

Kiddies Corner

⭐ 3/5
16.9°C

Avalon-North

⭐ 4/5
17.3°C

Little Avalon

⭐ 4/5
16.7°C

Avalon-South

⭐ 4/5
17.4°C

Newport Reef

⭐ 3/5
17.1°C

Newport - The Peak

⭐ 3/5
18.0°C

Palm Beach Reef

⭐ 4/5
16.0°C

Location, Type and Nearby Places

Address: Northern Beaches Council

Place Tags:BeachCoastal Town

Water Temperature in Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Whale Beach today?
Sea water temperature in Whale Beach in the Tasman Sea today is 17°C.
What is the water temperature in Whale Beach during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Whale Beach typically ranges from 19°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Whale Beach during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Whale Beach typically ranges from 16°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Whale Beach during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Whale Beach typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Whale Beach during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Whale Beach typically ranges from 15°C to 22°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Whale Beach area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Whale Beach area include: Whale Beach, Sandy Beach, Barrenjoey Beach, Farrells Beach, Powells Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Whale Beach?
Some of the closest surf spots near Whale Beach include The Wedge, Kiddies Corner, Palm Beach.