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Hamilton's Gap – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Hamilton's Gap in Auckland 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.

Hamilton's Gap
Hamilton's Gap © Sajitha Kariyawasam

Current Sea Water Temperature

17.7°C
Today
17.8°C
Yesterday
17.9°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Hamilton's Gap is about 18°C.

Water Temperature in Hamilton's Gap: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

⚠️ This is cool water that may feel brisk on entry. Swimming is usually limited to short sessions, and prolonged stays can become uncomfortable without thermal protection. Many swimmers choose a wetsuit, especially for surfing or open-water swimming.

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

Water temperatures in Hamilton's Gap have been gradually cooling over the past month, with a further drop recorded during the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Hamilton's Gap will be 17.9°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 617.9°C17.8°C
May 717.8°C17.3°C
May 817.9°C17.3°C
May 918.0°C17.3°C
May 1017.9°C17.8°C
May 1118.0°C17.8°C
May 1218.0°C17.3°C
May 1317.8°C17.8°C
May 1417.7°C17.8°C17.7°C
May 1517.0°C17.7°C
May 1618.0°C17.8°C
May 1718.0°C17.8°C
May 1817.0°C17.8°C
May 1917.0°C17.9°C
May 2018.0°C17.9°C
May 2117.0°C17.9°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 Hamilton's Gap 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

Hamilton’s Gap is a rugged west coast beach in the southern part of the Auckland Region, facing directly into the Tasman Sea. It is a remote and largely undeveloped stretch of coastline, popular with surfers and fishers rather than casual swimmers. Sea temperatures here are similar to other west coast beaches in the upper North Island. In summer, particularly from January to March, the water usually ranges between 18 and 21°C. During autumn it cools gradually to around 16 to 19°C. Winter brings noticeably colder conditions, typically between 13 and 15°C, while spring sees a slow climb from about 14 up to 17°C. Strong westerlies and larger swells can mix the water column and cause brief fluctuations in surface temperature.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January18°C21°C24°C
February19°C22°C24°C
March18°C21°C24°C
April18°C20°C22°C
May15°C18°C20°C
June14°C16°C18°C
July12°C15°C17°C
August12°C14°C16°C
September12°C15°C17°C
October13°C16°C18°C
November15°C18°C20°C
December16°C20°C23°C

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

Hamilton's Gap: Weather Forecast

May 15

9°C / 17°C
clear sky
humidity: 77% | wind: 4 kmh

May 16

9°C / 17°C
clear sky
humidity: 80% | wind: 4 kmh

May 17

8°C / 16°C
clear sky
humidity: 80% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Hamilton's Gap

⭐ 3.1/5
17.4°C

Brooks Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
18.3°C

Matakawau Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
17.6°C

Picnic Island

⭐ 3.5/5
17.4°C

Wattle Bay

⭐ 3.6/5
17.8°C

Coulthard Reserve

⭐ 3.6/5
18.4°C

Orua Bay Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
16.7°C

Big Bay Holiday Park

⭐ 3.5/5
19.0°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Hamilton’s Gap, but conditions are often challenging and not well suited to inexperienced swimmers. The beach is exposed to consistent surf, with strong rip currents and shifting sandbanks common along this stretch of coast. There are no regular lifeguard patrols, so anyone entering the water needs to be confident and capable of assessing ocean conditions. On smaller swell days in summer, a short swim close to shore may be possible, but caution is always essential.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Whatipu

⭐ 3/5
18.3°C

Karekare

⭐ 2/5
18.2°C

Karioitahi

⭐ 3/5
17.4°C

Piha-The Ditch

⭐ 3/5
19.1°C

Piha-The Bar

⭐ 3/5
17.8°C

Piha North

⭐ 3/5
17.4°C

Bethell's Beach / Te Henga

⭐ 3/5
17.1°C

O'Neills Bay

⭐ 3/5
17.0°C

Shag Rock

⭐ 3/5
18.7°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Hamilton's Gap today?
Sea water temperature in Hamilton's Gap in the Tasman Sea today is 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Hamilton's Gap during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Hamilton's Gap typically ranges from 16°C to 24°C.
What is the water temperature in Hamilton's Gap during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Hamilton's Gap typically ranges from 15°C to 24°C.
What is the water temperature in Hamilton's Gap during spring?
During spring, the water temperature in Hamilton's Gap typically ranges from 12°C to 20°C.
What is the water temperature in Hamilton's Gap during winter?
During winter, the water temperature in Hamilton's Gap typically ranges from 12°C to 18°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Hamilton's Gap area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Hamilton's Gap area include: Hamilton's Gap, Matakawau Beach, Brooks Beach, Coulthard Reserve, Picnic Island.
What are the nearest surf spots to Hamilton's Gap?
Some of the closest surf spots near Hamilton's Gap include: Whatipu, Karekare, Karioitahi, Piha-The Bar, Piha-The Ditch.