Cable Bay – current water temperature and swimming conditions

Water Temperature in Cable Bay: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

⚠️ Water in this range feels cool but still manageable for many swimmers. Short to moderate swims are comfortable, especially in warm weather. Some people may prefer a wetsuit for longer stays, particularly when swimming actively or outside peak summer conditions.

It’s important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in settled weather. When air temperatures drop below 20°C — and sometimes even below 25°C — swimming can feel uncomfortable, even when water temperatures are relatively high.

Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days

While water temperatures in Cable Bay declined overall during the past month, they have shown a noticeable rebound over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Cable Bay will be 15.3°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.

Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data

Annual Water Temperature Overview by Month

Monthly Water Temp Ranges

30°C

25°C

20°C

15°C

10°c

5°C

0°C

Annual Water Temperature Trend

Cable Bay sits northeast of Nelson city, opening to the outer reaches of Delaware Bay and influenced by Cook Strait. Although partly enclosed by surrounding hills, the water here still reflects the cool tidal movement of the strait. In winter, from June to August, sea temperatures generally range between 9–12°C, which feels properly cold and is usually only comfortable for hardy swimmers or those wearing full wetsuits. Through spring, temperatures gradually lift to around 11–14°C. Summer, from December to March, brings the mildest conditions, with water temperatures commonly sitting between 16–19°C during settled spells. Early autumn can still see 15–17°C before cooling again as winter approaches.