Palm Beach — Sea temperature now
Popular New South Wales beach near Sydney.
Very warm water with a light chop and a light breeze — great swimming conditions.
Location
Palm 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.
Monthly sea temperature averages
Typical year-round water temperature, based on regional climatology.
Best time to swim in Palm Beach
The sea in Palm 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.
Palm Beach sits in the Southern Hemisphere, so the warmest sea coincides with the December–February summer and the coolest with July–August.
Palm Beach sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Palm 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 Palm 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.
Palm Beach sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Palm Beach?
February is the warmest month in Palm Beach, when the sea averages about 23°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Palm Beach?
The coldest month in Palm Beach is typically July, when the water averages around 16°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Palm Beach without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Palm 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 Palm Beach?
Outside peak summer the water in Palm 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 Palm Beach?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Palm Beach is about 19°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Palm Beach?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Palm 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 |
