Port Stephens Shoal Bay Water Temperature & Swim Forecast
Popular New South Wales beach near Port Stephens.
Fresh water with a light chop and a light breeze — fresh conditions — a wetsuit is recommended.
Model estimate · modelled, not a buoy measurement. How accurate is this?
Location
Port Stephens Shoal Bay on the map, with nearby beaches and live sea temperatures.
7-day forecast
Water, air, waves, wind and UV outlook for the week ahead.
3/2mm fullsuit
At 17.2°C a 3/2mm fullsuit is the standard wetsuit for surfing and watersports.
Recommendation tuned for Port Stephens Shoal Bay's current water temperature. Individual tolerance, wind chill, and session length all matter — when in doubt, size up.
Port Stephens Shoal Bay swimming conditions summary
- Water temperature
- 17.2°C
- Water feels
- Refreshing
- Swimmable today
- Yes, but fresh — short swims or a wetsuit
- Swim conditions score
- 63/100 · Fair
- Wetsuit needed
- 3/2mm fullsuit
- Air temperature
- —
- Waves
- —
- Wind
- —
- UV index
- —
- Average sea temperature (September)
- 17.0 °C
- Warmest months to swim
- January, February, March
At 17.2°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 Port Stephens Shoal Bay right now?
The sea at Port Stephens Shoal Bay is currently 17.2°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 Port Stephens Shoal Bay next week?
Based on long-term September averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Port Stephens Shoal Bay to sit close to 18.4°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 Port Stephens Shoal Bay?
January – February – March are typically the warmest months to swim at Port Stephens Shoal Bay, with sea temperatures at their seasonal peak.
Do I need a wetsuit at Port Stephens Shoal Bay?
With water currently at 17.2°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.
Can I swim at Port Stephens Shoal Bay today?
The sea is currently 17.2°C — fair swimming conditions. Acclimatised swimmers will be most comfortable.
- • Located in New South Wales, Australia (Tasman Sea).
- • Family friendly with calm, accessible water.
- • Live data refreshed hourly from Open-Meteo Marine.
Monthly sea temperature averages
Tap any month to see what to expect — based on regional climatology.
Best time to swim in Port Stephens Shoal Bay
The sea in Port Stephens Shoal Bay peaks in February, when the water averages around 23°C.
The main swimming season runs from November – April, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 6 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Shoulder months like October and May are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 16°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically July at around 16°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Port Stephens Shoal Bay sits in the Southern Hemisphere, so the warmest sea coincides with the December–February summer and the coolest with July–August.
Port Stephens Shoal Bay sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Port Stephens Shoal Bay shows an annual mean sea temperature of 19°C, ranging from 16°C in winter to 23°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 Port Stephens Shoal Bay, 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.
Port Stephens Shoal Bay sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Port Stephens Shoal Bay?
February is the warmest month in Port Stephens Shoal Bay, when the sea averages about 23°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Port Stephens Shoal Bay?
The coldest month in Port Stephens Shoal Bay is typically July, when the water averages around 16°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Port Stephens Shoal Bay without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Port Stephens Shoal Bay runs from November – April — about 6 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 Port Stephens Shoal Bay?
Outside peak summer the water in Port Stephens Shoal Bay drops toward 16°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 Port Stephens Shoal Bay?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Port Stephens Shoal Bay is about 19°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Port Stephens Shoal Bay?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Port Stephens Shoal Bay, 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 – Apr – Nov – Dec
| Month | Sea | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22°C | Warm |
| Feb ⭐ | 23°C | Warm |
| Mar | 22°C | Warm |
| Apr | 20°C | Pleasant |
| May | 18°C | Pleasant |
| Jun | 17°C | Bracing |
| Jul | 16°C | Bracing |
| Aug | 16°C | Bracing |
| Sep | 17°C | Bracing |
| Oct | 19°C | Pleasant |
| Nov | 20°C | Pleasant |
| Dec | 22°C | Warm |
Nearby beaches
The closest coastline, with live water temperatures.