Australia
Tasmania · Tasman Sea

Bay of Fires Water Temperature & Swim Forecast

Iconic orange-lichen wild beaches.

Fresh water with a light chop and a light breeze — fresh conditions — a wetsuit is recommended.

Sea temperature now
16.4°Cmild
Fair
Source: Open-Meteo Marine

Model estimate · modelled, not a buoy measurement. How accurate is this?

Air temperature
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Wave height
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Wind
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UV index
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Location

Bay of Fires on the map, with nearby beaches and live sea temperatures.

7-day forecast

Water, air, waves, wind and UV outlook for the week ahead.

Wetsuit recommendation

3/2mm fullsuit

At 16.4°C a 3/2mm fullsuit is the standard wetsuit for surfing and watersports.

Surf & watersports
Spring/autumn conditions in temperate seas. A 3/2mm full wetsuit (3mm torso, 2mm limbs) is the most versatile thickness — warm enough for 2-hour sessions, flexible enough for paddling. Open-water swimmers should wear a triathlon-cut swim wetsuit.
Open-water swimming
A triathlon-style swim wetsuit keeps you warm for 45–60 minutes.

Recommendation tuned for Bay of Fires's current water temperature. Individual tolerance, wind chill, and session length all matter — when in doubt, size up.

Bay of Fires swimming conditions summary

Water temperature
16.4°C
Water feels
Refreshing
Swimmable today
Yes, but fresh — short swims or a wetsuit
Swim conditions score
59/100 · Fair
Wetsuit needed
3/2mm fullsuit
Air temperature
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Waves
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Wind
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UV index
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Average sea temperature (September)
16.0 °C
Warmest months to swim
January, February, December

At 16.4°C a 3/2mm fullsuit is the standard wetsuit for surfing and watersports. Model estimate. Water, wave, wind and UV values are Open-Meteo marine/weather model estimates, refreshed hourly — not buoy measurements.

Frequently asked questions

Can I swim at Bay of Fires right now?

The sea at Bay of Fires is currently 16.4°C — fresh swimming conditions. Most swimmers will find the water comfortable when it's above 22°C; below 18°C feels fresh and a wetsuit is recommended.

What will the sea temperature be at Bay of Fires next week?

Based on long-term September averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Bay of Fires to sit close to 17.4°C over the next 7 days. Check the live 7-day chart above for the exact daily outlook.

When is the best month to swim at Bay of Fires?

January – February – December are typically the warmest months to swim at Bay of Fires, with sea temperatures at their seasonal peak.

Do I need a wetsuit at Bay of Fires?

With water currently at 16.4°C: above 22°C no wetsuit needed; 18–22°C a shorty is comfortable for long swims; 14–18°C a 3/2mm full suit; below 14°C a 4/3mm or thicker.

Quick answer

Can I swim at Bay of Fires today?

The sea is currently 16.4°C — fair swimming conditions. Acclimatised swimmers will be most comfortable.

Key takeaways
  • • Located in Tasmania, Australia (Tasman Sea).
  • • Best suited to confident swimmers and watersports.
  • • Live data refreshed hourly from Open-Meteo Marine.

Monthly sea temperature averages

Tap any month to see what to expect — based on regional climatology.

15°C → 22°C· Current month outlined· “Best” = within 2°C of the annual peak

Best time to swim in Bay of Fires

The sea in Bay of Fires peaks in January, when the water averages around 22°C.

The main swimming season runs from November – March, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.

On average, 5 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.

Shoulder months like October and April are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.

Outside peak season the water drops toward 15°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.

The coldest month is typically July at around 15°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.

Bay of Fires sits in the Southern Hemisphere, so the warmest sea coincides with the December–February summer and the coolest with July–August.

Bay of Fires sea temperature history

Long-term climatology for Bay of Fires shows an annual mean sea temperature of 19°C, ranging from 15°C in winter to 22°C at the summer peak.

The seasonal swing is roughly 7°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.

Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Bay of Fires, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.

Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.

Jan
22°C
Feb
22°C
Mar
21°C
Apr
19°C
May
17°C
Jun
16°C
Jul
15°C
Aug
15°C
Sep
16°C
Oct
18°C
Nov
20°C
Dec
22°C

Bay of Fires sea temperature: frequently asked questions

What is the warmest month to swim in Bay of Fires?

January is the warmest month in Bay of Fires, when the sea averages about 22°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.

When is the sea coldest in Bay of Fires?

The coldest month in Bay of Fires is typically July, when the water averages around 15°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.

When can you swim in Bay of Fires without a wetsuit?

The main swimming season in Bay of Fires runs from November – March — about 5 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.

Do I need a wetsuit in Bay of Fires?

Outside peak summer the water in Bay of Fires drops toward 15°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.

What is the average sea temperature in Bay of Fires?

The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Bay of Fires is about 19°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.

How do I check the current sea temperature in Bay of Fires?

The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Bay of Fires, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.

Year-round sea temperature

Best swim months: Jan – Feb – Mar – Nov – Dec

MonthSeaComfort
Jan ⭐22°CWarm
Feb22°CWarm
Mar21°CPleasant
Apr19°CPleasant
May17°CBracing
Jun16°CBracing
Jul15°CBracing
Aug15°CBracing
Sep16°CBracing
Oct18°CPleasant
Nov20°CPleasant
Dec22°CWarm

Nearby beaches

The closest coastline, with live water temperatures.