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Woody Head – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Woody Head 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.

Woody Head
Woody Head © Alexandros Unicorn Bartzis

Current Sea Water Temperature

17.9°C
Today
17.0°C
Yesterday
17.8°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Woody Head is about 18°C.

Water Temperature in Woody Head: 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

Water temperatures in Woody Head have been on a steady rise over the past month and have continued to climb over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Woody Head will be 20.4°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
Aug 1517.5°C20.3°C
Aug 1616.8°C20.5°C
Aug 1717.8°C20.3°C
Aug 1817.7°C20.3°C
Aug 1916.9°C20.5°C
Aug 2017.9°C21.0°C
Aug 2117.8°C20.5°C
Aug 2217.0°C20.0°C
Aug 2317.9°C20.0°C17.9°C
Aug 2421.3°C18.3°C
Aug 2521.0°C18.6°C
Aug 2621.0°C19.0°C
Aug 2720.7°C19.3°C
Aug 2820.3°C19.7°C
Aug 2920.7°C20.1°C
Aug 3021.7°C20.4°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 Woody Head 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

Woody Head is a cracking little spot tucked away in Bundjalung National Park where the rainforest literally meets the sea. If you’re keen on a dip, you’ll find the water here is some of the most inviting on the North Coast. During the height of summer, usually around February, the Coral Sea hits a balmy 25°C to 27°C, which is absolute gold for a long soak. Even when winter rolls around in August, the mercury rarely drops below 19°C or 21°C. It’s the kind of place where you can comfortably ditch the wetsuit for most of the year, though you might want a light spring suit if a southerly buster starts blowing through during the cooler months.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January24°C26°C28°C
February25°C27°C29°C
March24°C27°C29°C
April23°C25°C28°C
May22°C24°C26°C
June20°C23°C25°C
July19°C22°C23°C
August19°C22°C23°C
September19°C22°C23°C
October20°C22°C26°C
November21°C23°C26°C
December22°C25°C27°C

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

Woody Head: Weather Forecast

August 23

13°C / 19°C
light rain
humidity: 84% | wind: 11 kmh

August 24

16°C / 19°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 81% | wind: 7 kmh

August 25

17°C / 21°C
clear sky
humidity: 82% | wind: 18 kmh

August 26

15°C / 20°C
clear sky
humidity: 82% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Bluff Beach

⭐ 4.9/5
19.0°C

Iluka Beach

⭐ 3.7/5
18.3°C

Andersons Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
19.0°C

Turners Beach

⭐ 3.9/5
19.3°C

Whiting Beach

⭐ 4.6/5
18.9°C

Convent Beach

⭐ 3.9/5
19.8°C

Yamba

⭐ 5.0/5
18.3°C

Mckittricks Beach

⭐ 4.6/5
18.5°C

Pippi Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
18.7°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is absolutely allowed and is one of the best things to do here, especially in the sheltered lagoon. Because Woody Head faces northeast and is protected by the headland, it stays much calmer than the open beaches nearby, making it a ripper spot for families and snorkelers. While there are no lifesavers on patrol, the protected horseshoe bay generally keeps the heavy swell at bay, offering a safer splash in the shallows. Just keep your wits about you near the rock platforms and be mindful of the tides, as the reef can get a bit gnarly if the swell picks up. It’s a top-tier location for a relaxed float surrounded by driftwood and nature, provided you respect the wild vibe of the park.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Woody Head

⭐ 3/5
18.7°C

Iluka Bluff

⭐ 3/5
18.0°C

Iluka-North Wall

⭐ 2/5
19.1°C
5 km away 📍 Breakwater

Turners Beach

⭐ 2/5
19.8°C

Pippi Beach

⭐ 3/5
18.8°C

Spookies

⭐ 3/5
20.5°C
13 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Angourie Point

⭐ 4/5
18.4°C

Angourie Lefts

⭐ 2/5
18.1°C

Chinamans

⭐ 3/5
20.1°C
28 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Woody Head today?
Sea water temperature in Woody Head in the Coral Sea today is 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Woody Head during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Woody Head typically ranges from 22°C to 29°C.
What is the water temperature in Woody Head during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Woody Head typically ranges from 22°C to 29°C.
What is the water temperature in Woody Head during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Woody Head typically ranges from 19°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Woody Head during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Woody Head typically ranges from 19°C to 25°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Woody Head area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Woody Head area include: Bluff Beach, Iluka Beach, Andersons Beach, Turners Beach, Whiting Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Woody Head?
Some of the closest surf spots near Woody Head include Woody Head, Iluka Bluff, Iluka-North Wall.