Blue Pools Haast Water Temperature Today
Blue Pools Haast, a natural swimming hole in West Coast, New Zealand. The water runs cold all year, so most swimmers wear a wetsuit, and is cold but ice-free in winter.
In August Blue Pools Haast averages about 5°C, peaking near 12°C in January, February, March and dropping to roughly 5°C at its coldest.
River and swimming-hole temperatures are modelled from long-term monthly averages and refined with live air temperature, wind and UV. Moving water reacts faster to the weather than a lake or the sea.
Blue Pools Haast water temperature by month
| Month | Average water temperature | Swimming |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11.5°C | cool |
| February | 12.0°C | cool |
| March | 11.5°C | cool |
| April | 10.3°C | cool |
| May | 8.5°C | cold |
| June | 6.8°C | cold |
| July | 5.5°C | cold |
| August | 5.0°C | cold |
| September | 5.5°C | cold |
| October | 6.7°C | cold |
| November | 8.5°C | cold |
| December | 10.3°C | cool |
Blue Pools Haast swim conditions FAQ
What is the water temperature in Blue Pools Haast right now?
In August the water in Blue Pools Haast averages about 5°C. We refine that long-term average with today's air temperature, because this swimming hole responds quickly to the weather.
When is the best time to swim in Blue Pools Haast?
Water here stays below 18°C all year, peaking near 12°C in January, February, March. Most swimmers use a wetsuit and keep swims short.
Can you swim in Blue Pools Haast in winter?
Yes, but winter temperatures drop to roughly 5°C. Below 12°C, cold-water shock is the main risk: enter slowly, never swim alone, and limit time in the water.
Is Blue Pools Haast safe for swimming?
Moving and inland water carries different risks from the sea: check flow after rain, avoid weirs and undercut banks, look for submerged rocks before jumping, and respect local access rules and water-quality notices.
Water safety tips
- Check the flow rate after heavy rain — inland water can rise and speed up within hours.
- Never jump before checking depth and submerged rocks; levels change through the season.
- Enter slowly to control cold-water shock, and get out before you start shivering.
- Swim with someone else and agree an exit point downstream before you start.
Swim season here: cold-water swimming all year.