Cape Palliser – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Cape Palliser in Wellington Region. You can view recent sea temperature trends on a 30-day chart, check typical monthly water temperature ranges, and compare today’s reading with historical averages for this date. The page also includes a 7-day water temperature forecast, nearby beaches with similar conditions, local weather information, and a summary of swimming conditions to help you assess how suitable the water is for swimming.

Current Sea Water Temperature

14.7°C

Today

14.6°C

Yesterday

14.4°C

A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Cape Palliser is about 15°C.

Water Temperature in Cape Palliser: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

⚠️ Water at this temperature feels cold and is generally suitable only for brief immersion. Swimming without a wetsuit can quickly become uncomfortable, and exposure time is usually short. These conditions are mainly suitable for experienced swimmers or those using proper thermal gear.

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

From April 14 to May 14

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

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Cape Palliser will be 15.5°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.

Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data

Date	Current	Average	Forecast
May 6	14.1°C	14.3°C
May 7	14.2°C	14.3°C
May 8	14.4°C	14.5°C
May 9	14.6°C	14.5°C
May 10	14.7°C	14.8°C
May 11	14.6°C	15.0°C
May 12	14.6°C	14.5°C
May 13	14.6°C	14.5°C
May 14	14.7°C	14.5°C	14.7°C
May 15		14.3°C	14.8°C
May 16		14.8°C	14.9°C
May 17		14.5°C	15.0°C
May 18		14.8°C	15.1°C
May 19		15.0°C	15.3°C
May 20		15.8°C	15.4°C
May 21		15.0°C	15.5°C

* Current - Actual water temperature value

** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years

*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast

Actual near-shore water temperatures in Cape Palliser can vary by several degrees from the values shown, particularly after heavy rain, strong southerlies, or prolonged windy conditions. Certain wind patterns can trigger upwelling, where cooler, deeper water is pushed to the surface and replaces the warmer top layer, leading to noticeable short-term changes in water temperature.

Our water temperature forecast is produced using a proprietary mathematical model that combines real-time measurements with long-term historical patterns, local weather conditions, wind strength and direction, and air temperature specific to each coastal region. To improve accuracy, we cross-check data from nearby locations and use multiple sources, including offshore buoys, satellite-based sea surface maps, and observations provided by local authorities.

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

Cape Palliser sits at the southern tip of the North Island in the Wellington Region, where the Pacific Ocean meets Cook Strait. Sea temperatures here are influenced by strong tidal flows and winds funnelled through the strait. In winter, from June to August, the water generally ranges between 10–13°C, which feels very cold and is usually only comfortable for surfers or swimmers in full wetsuits. Through spring, temperatures rise gradually to around 13–15°C. Summer, from December to March, brings the mildest conditions, with sea temperatures commonly sitting between 16–19°C during settled spells. Early autumn can still hold at 15–17°C before cooling again as winter approaches.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month	Min	Avg	Max
January	14°C	17°C	20°C
February	15°C	18°C	21°C
March	14°C	17°C	20°C
April	14°C	16°C	19°C
May	12°C	15°C	18°C
June	11°C	14°C	16°C
July	11°C	13°C	16°C
August	10°C	12°C	16°C
September	11°C	13°C	16°C
October	10°C	13°C	16°C
November	12°C	14°C	18°C
December	13°C	15°C	20°C

* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.

Cape Palliser: Weather Forecast

May 15

10°C / 13°C

scattered clouds: 25-50%

humidity: 76% | wind: 18 kmh

May 16

10°C / 11°C

broken clouds: 51-84%

humidity: 72% | wind: 14 kmh

May 17

8°C / 13°C

clear sky

humidity: 78% | wind: 7 kmh

May 18

10°C / 14°C

clear sky

humidity: 76% | wind: 4 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Cape Palliser, but conditions are often demanding. Cook Strait is known for strong currents, tidal movement and quickly changing weather, and the coastline is largely rocky with some rough shingle beaches. Even on fine days, the water can feel brisk due to the constant movement of cooler currents. There are no regular lifeguard patrols, so swimmers need to be experienced and confident in open water. On calm summer days, short swims can be refreshing for those prepared for cooler temperatures. Outside the warmer months, a wetsuit is strongly recommended. Cape Palliser offers a dramatic coastal setting, but ocean conditions should always be assessed carefully before entering the water.