Lake Ferry – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Lake Ferry 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

15.7°C

Today

15.8°C

Yesterday

15.7°C

A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Lake Ferry is about 16°C.

Water Temperature in Lake Ferry: 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 February 27 to March 29

Over the last 30 days, water temperatures in Lake Ferry have trended upward, with conditions remaining relatively stable over the past week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Lake Ferry will be 14.3°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
Mar 22	16.1°C	16.0°C
Mar 23	15.6°C	15.5°C
Mar 24	15.7°C	15.5°C
Mar 25	15.4°C	15.8°C
Mar 26	15.6°C	16.3°C
Mar 27	15.7°C	16.3°C
Mar 28	15.9°C	16.0°C
Mar 29	15.8°C	16.3°C
Mar 30	15.7°C	16.3°C	15.7°C
Mar 31		16.8°C	15.5°C
Apr 1		16.0°C	15.3°C
Apr 2		15.8°C	15.1°C
Apr 3		16.5°C	14.9°C
Apr 4		14.0°C	14.7°C
Apr 5		13.8°C	14.5°C
Apr 6		13.8°C	14.3°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 Lake Ferry 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

Lake Ferry is a small coastal settlement at the southern end of the Wairarapa in the Wellington Region, where Lake Onoke meets the Pacific Ocean. Sea temperatures here reflect the cooler conditions typical of the lower North Island. In winter, from June to August, the ocean generally ranges between 10–13°C, which feels very cold and is usually only comfortable for surfers or swimmers wearing full wetsuits. Through spring, temperatures lift 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 see the water around 15–17°C before it cools again.

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.

Lake Ferry: Weather Forecast

March 30

12°C / 17°C

broken clouds: 51-84%

humidity: 88% | wind: 14 kmh

March 31

9°C / 12°C

broken clouds: 51-84%

humidity: 67% | wind: 18 kmh

April 1

10°C / 14°C

clear sky

humidity: 69% | wind: 11 kmh

April 2

13°C / 16°C

clear sky

humidity: 75% | wind: 18 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Lake Ferry, both in the ocean and at times in the lake itself, but conditions can be changeable. The ocean beach is exposed to Cook Strait influences, with strong currents, shifting channels and surf that can build quickly depending on wind and tide. There are generally no regular lifeguard patrols, so swimmers need to be confident and assess conditions carefully. On calm summer days, short swims can be refreshing, particularly for those used to cooler water. Outside the warmer months, lower temperatures and energetic seas make a wetsuit advisable. Lake Ferry offers a dramatic coastal setting, but the water environment requires caution and respect year-round.