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Wollongong – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Wollongong 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.

Wollongong
Wollongong © By Robert Montgomery, CC BY 2.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

21.0°C
Today
20.9°C
Yesterday
22.5°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Wollongong is about 21°C.

Water Temperature in Wollongong: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

✅ This water feels mild to warm and is comfortable for the majority of swimmers. Swimming is enjoyable, though longer stays may feel cooler for some people, especially in windy conditions. These temperatures are well suited to family outings and active swimming, particularly on warm days.

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 February 18 to March 20

Water temperatures in Wollongong 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 Wollongong 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
Mar 1222.7°C23.0°C
Mar 1322.7°C23.8°C
Mar 1422.5°C23.0°C
Mar 1522.3°C22.8°C
Mar 1620.9°C22.8°C
Mar 1720.9°C22.8°C
Mar 1820.8°C22.8°C
Mar 1920.9°C22.8°C
Mar 2021.0°C22.8°C21.0°C
Mar 2123.0°C21.2°C
Mar 2223.0°C21.4°C
Mar 2323.0°C21.6°C
Mar 2423.0°C21.8°C
Mar 2522.0°C22.0°C
Mar 2623.0°C22.2°C
Mar 2722.5°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 Wollongong 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

Wollongong sits on the Illawarra coast with a string of beaches opening straight onto the Tasman Sea, so water temperatures reflect full ocean conditions. The seasonal pattern is consistent across the area. In summer, from December through March, sea temperatures usually range between 21–24 °C, making swimming comfortable for most people without extra insulation. Autumn brings a gradual cool-down to around 19–21 °C. Winter is the coldest period, with water temperatures typically sitting between 16–18 °C, while spring sees a steady warm-up back into the 18–20 °C range as currents and air temperatures begin to rise.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January20°C23°C25°C
February21°C23°C26°C
March21°C23°C25°C
April19°C22°C25°C
May16°C21°C24°C
June15°C19°C23°C
July15°C19°C21°C
August16°C18°C20°C
September16°C18°C20°C
October16°C19°C21°C
November18°C20°C22°C
December19°C21°C25°C

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

Wollongong: Weather Forecast

March 21

19°C / 23°C
light rain
humidity: 84% | wind: 7 kmh

March 22

18°C / 24°C
clear sky
humidity: 80% | wind: 7 kmh

March 23

20°C / 24°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 79% | wind: 7 kmh

March 24

18°C / 24°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 73% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Brighton Beach

⭐ 4.1/5
20.5°C

Wollongong Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
20.1°C

Wollongong City Beach

⭐ 4.5/5
20.9°C

Wollongong North Beach

⭐ 2.7/5
22.8°C

Cove Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
21.1°C

Fairy Meadow Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
22.9°C

Vincent Schmidt

⭐ 3.9/5
22.8°C

Towradgi Beach

⭐ 4.5/5
23.1°C

Corrimal Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
22.9°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in and around Wollongong is allowed and very popular, thanks to the variety of beaches and well-managed swimming areas. Many of the main beaches are regularly patrolled, and swimmers are advised to stay between the red and yellow flags, where conditions are monitored and risks from rip currents are reduced. While the coastline is exposed and can experience strong waves, especially after large swells, calmer days are common in summer and suit a wide range of swimmers. Ocean pools and harbour-adjacent spots also provide more sheltered options. In cooler months, wetsuits are commonly used. Overall, Wollongong offers reliable, year-round ocean swimming with good safety infrastructure when conditions are respected.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Wollongong South Beach

⭐ 3/5
22.1°C

Woonona

⭐ 3/5
21.8°C

Bulli Beach

⭐ 3/5
20.6°C
1 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Wollongong North Beach

⭐ 3/5
22.9°C

Acids

⭐ 3/5
21.1°C

Peggys

⭐ 2/5
21.5°C

Oilies

⭐ 3/5
21.5°C
3 km away 📍 Breakwater

Towradgi

⭐ 3/5
23.0°C

Fairy Meadow

⭐ 1/5
23.5°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Wollongong today?
Sea water temperature in Wollongong in the Tasman Sea today is 21°C.
What is the water temperature in Wollongong during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Wollongong typically ranges from 19°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Wollongong during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Wollongong typically ranges from 16°C to 25°C.
What is the water temperature in Wollongong during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Wollongong typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Wollongong during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Wollongong typically ranges from 15°C to 23°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Wollongong area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Wollongong area include: Brighton Beach, Wollongong Beach, Cove Beach, Wollongong City Beach, Wollongong North Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Wollongong?
Some of the closest surf spots near Wollongong include Wollongong South Beach, Wollongong North Beach, Woonona.