Sawtell Beach Water Temperature & Swim Forecast
Popular New South Wales beach near Sawtell.
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
Sawtell Beach 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 17.6°C a 3/2mm fullsuit is the standard wetsuit for surfing and watersports.
Recommendation tuned for Sawtell Beach's current water temperature. Individual tolerance, wind chill, and session length all matter — when in doubt, size up.
Sawtell Beach swimming conditions summary
- Water temperature
- 17.6°C
- Water feels
- Refreshing
- Swimmable today
- Yes, but fresh — short swims or a wetsuit
- Swim conditions score
- 64/100 · 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 17.6°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 Sawtell Beach right now?
The sea at Sawtell Beach is currently 17.6°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 Sawtell Beach next week?
Based on long-term September averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Sawtell Beach 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 Sawtell Beach?
January – February – March are typically the warmest months to swim at Sawtell Beach, with sea temperatures at their seasonal peak.
Do I need a wetsuit at Sawtell Beach?
With water currently at 17.6°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 Sawtell Beach today?
The sea is currently 17.6°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 Sawtell Beach
The sea in Sawtell Beach 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.
Sawtell Beach sits in the Southern Hemisphere, so the warmest sea coincides with the December–February summer and the coolest with July–August.
Sawtell Beach sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Sawtell Beach 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 Sawtell Beach, 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.
Sawtell Beach sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Sawtell Beach?
February is the warmest month in Sawtell Beach, when the sea averages about 23°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Sawtell Beach?
The coldest month in Sawtell Beach is typically July, when the water averages around 16°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Sawtell Beach without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Sawtell Beach 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 Sawtell Beach?
Outside peak summer the water in Sawtell Beach 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 Sawtell Beach?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Sawtell Beach is about 19°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Sawtell Beach?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Sawtell Beach, 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.