Lower Hutt – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Lower Hutt 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

12.3°C

Today

12.4°C

Yesterday

11.9°C

A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Lower Hutt is about 12°C.

Water Temperature in Lower Hutt: 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 June 10 to July 10

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

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Lower Hutt will be 12.4°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
Jul 2	13.0°C	13.0°C
Jul 3	12.3°C	12.8°C
Jul 4	11.9°C	12.5°C
Jul 5	12.0°C	12.8°C
Jul 6	12.0°C	12.8°C
Jul 7	12.2°C	12.8°C
Jul 8	12.4°C	13.0°C
Jul 9	12.4°C	12.8°C
Jul 10	12.3°C	12.8°C	12.3°C
Jul 11		12.8°C	12.3°C
Jul 12		12.5°C	12.3°C
Jul 13		12.3°C	12.4°C
Jul 14		12.5°C	12.4°C
Jul 15		12.8°C	12.4°C
Jul 16		12.5°C	12.4°C
Jul 17		12.8°C	12.4°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 Lower Hutt 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

Lower Hutt sits at the northern end of Wellington Harbour, with easy access to the sheltered waters of the harbour itself and the more exposed coastline closer to Cook Strait. Water temperatures here are influenced by both tidal movement through the strait and the relative protection of the harbour. In winter, from June to August, the sea generally ranges between 10–13°C, which feels properly cold and is usually only comfortable for swimmers in wetsuits. Through spring, temperatures lift gradually to around 13–15°C. Summer, from December to March, brings the mildest conditions, with water temperatures commonly sitting between 16–19°C during settled weather. Early autumn can still see 15–17°C before cooling 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.

Lower Hutt: Weather Forecast

July 11

6°C / 9°C

few clouds: 11-25%

humidity: 74% | wind: 7 kmh

July 12

8°C / 10°C

clear sky

humidity: 74% | wind: 18 kmh

July 13

11°C / 12°C

light rain

humidity: 81% | wind: 32 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at several popular spots around Lower Hutt, including Petone Beach along the harbour. The harbour setting often provides calmer conditions compared to the open Cook Strait coast, making it more suitable for families and casual swimmers during summer. The gently shelving shoreline at Petone can make entry straightforward, though tides can expose wide areas of sand and mud. Outside the warmer months, cooler water temperatures mean most people opt for short dips or wear thermal gear. On fine summer days, the relatively sheltered waters and moderate temperatures make Lower Hutt a convenient and enjoyable place for a swim close to the city.