Makara Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Makara Beach 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

15.9°C

Today

15.9°C

Yesterday

15.4°C

A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Makara Beach is about 16°C.

Water Temperature in Makara Beach: 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

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

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Makara Beach will be 15.1°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	16.3°C	15.8°C
Mar 23	16.2°C	15.5°C
Mar 24	15.4°C	15.8°C
Mar 25	15.4°C	15.8°C
Mar 26	15.9°C	16.0°C
Mar 27	16.0°C	15.8°C
Mar 28	16.0°C	16.0°C
Mar 29	15.9°C	16.3°C
Mar 30	15.9°C	16.3°C	15.9°C
Mar 31		16.8°C	15.8°C
Apr 1		16.5°C	15.7°C
Apr 2		15.3°C	15.6°C
Apr 3		16.0°C	15.5°C
Apr 4		14.0°C	15.4°C
Apr 5		15.0°C	15.2°C
Apr 6		14.8°C	15.1°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 Makara Beach 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

Makara Beach sits on Wellington’s rugged west coast, opening straight into Cook Strait. Sea temperatures here are influenced by strong tidal currents and frequent winds funnelling through the strait. In winter, from June to August, the water generally ranges between 10–13°C, which feels properly 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 around 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	13°C	15°C	18°C
June	11°C	14°C	16°C
July	11°C	13°C	16°C
August	10°C	13°C	16°C
September	11°C	13°C	16°C
October	11°C	14°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.

Makara Beach: 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 Makara Beach, but conditions can be challenging. The coastline is exposed, and swells and currents are common, particularly after strong winds or southerly systems. The beach is mainly gravel and stones, and the water deepens relatively quickly. There are no regular lifeguard patrols, so swimmers need to be confident and assess the sea carefully before entering. On calm summer days, the water can be clear and refreshing, making short swims enjoyable for experienced ocean users. Outside the warmer months, cooler temperatures and energetic seas make a wetsuit strongly recommended. Makara offers a wild and scenic coastal setting, but the ocean environment should always be approached with caution.