Where is the sea coldest in New Zealand in January?

Tahunanui Beach in New Zealand has the coldest sea in New Zealand in January, averaging about 15.0 °C. Kaiteriteri Beach (15.0 °C) and Marahau Beach are the next coolest.

How many beaches in New Zealand are warm enough to swim in January?

None of the top 25 ranked beaches in New Zealand reach 22 °C in January, so a wetsuit is recommended for anything longer than a quick dip.

How are these January sea temperatures calculated?

Each figure is a long-term monthly average sea surface temperature for that location, so it reflects a typical January rather than today's reading. Open a beach page for the live water temperature and 7-day forecast.

Seasonal ranking

Coldest sea temperature in New Zealand in January

Where the sea is coolest across New Zealand during January, ranked by long-term monthly average water temperature. Tahunanui Beach (South Island, New Zealand) is the coolest at around 15°C. Open any spot for today's live water temperature and a 7-day swim forecast.

1
Tahunanui Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
2
Kaiteriteri Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
3
Marahau Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
4
Totaranui Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
5
Wharariki Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
6
Sumner Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
7
Caroline Bay
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
8
Birdlings Flat
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
9
Akaroa Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
10
Kaka Point
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
11
Curio Bay
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
12
Brighton Beach Dunedin
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
13
Oreti Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
14
Riverton Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
15
Kaikoura South Bay
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
16
Westport North Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
17
Hokitika Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
18
Greymouth Beach
South Island · New Zealand · Tasman Sea
Cool — shorty wetsuit recommended
15°C
January average
19
Kohimarama Beach
Auckland · New Zealand · Pacific Ocean
Mild — fine for a swim, cool at first
18°C
January average
20
Red Beach
Auckland · New Zealand · Pacific Ocean
Mild — fine for a swim, cool at first
18°C
January average
21
Waiheke Onetangi
Auckland · New Zealand · Pacific Ocean
Mild — fine for a swim, cool at first
18°C
January average
22
Cooks Beach
Coromandel · New Zealand · Pacific Ocean
Mild — fine for a swim, cool at first
18°C
January average
23
Onemana Beach
Coromandel · New Zealand · Pacific Ocean
Mild — fine for a swim, cool at first
18°C
January average
24
Opoutere Beach
Coromandel · New Zealand · Pacific Ocean
Mild — fine for a swim, cool at first
18°C
January average
25
Pauanui Beach
Coromandel · New Zealand · Pacific Ocean
Mild — fine for a swim, cool at first
18°C
January average

Coldest sea in January elsewhere

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New Zealand in January — frequently asked questions

Where is the sea coldest in New Zealand in January?: Tahunanui Beach in New Zealand has the coldest sea in New Zealand in January, averaging about 15.0 °C. Kaiteriteri Beach (15.0 °C) and Marahau Beach are the next coolest.
How many beaches in New Zealand are warm enough to swim in January?: None of the top 25 ranked beaches in New Zealand reach 22 °C in January, so a wetsuit is recommended for anything longer than a quick dip.
How are these January sea temperatures calculated?: Each figure is a long-term monthly average sea surface temperature for that location, so it reflects a typical January rather than today's reading. Open a beach page for the live water temperature and 7-day forecast.

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