Mount Maunganui – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Mount Maunganui in Bay of Plenty 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

18.7°C

Today

18.9°C

Yesterday

18.7°C

A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Mount Maunganui is about 19°C.

Water Temperature in Mount Maunganui: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

⚠️ Water in this range feels cool but still manageable for many swimmers. Short to moderate swims are comfortable, especially in warm weather. Some people may prefer a wetsuit for longer stays, particularly when swimming actively or outside peak summer conditions.

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 Mount Maunganuifell over the past month, but have levelled out during the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Mount Maunganui will be 18.2°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	18.7°C	18.8°C
May 7	18.7°C	18.5°C
May 8	18.7°C	18.5°C
May 9	18.8°C	18.5°C
May 10	18.9°C	18.5°C
May 11	18.9°C	18.5°C
May 12	18.8°C	18.5°C
May 13	18.9°C	18.5°C
May 14	18.7°C	18.5°C	18.7°C
May 15		17.8°C	18.6°C
May 16		18.0°C	18.6°C
May 17		18.0°C	18.5°C
May 18		18.3°C	18.4°C
May 19		17.5°C	18.4°C
May 20		18.0°C	18.3°C
May 21		18.0°C	18.2°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 Mount Maunganui 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

Mount Maunganui, at the entrance to Tauranga Harbour in the Bay of Plenty, is one of the best-known beach spots in Aotearoa. Facing the Pacific Ocean, it enjoys relatively mild sea temperatures compared with much of the country. Through the peak of summer, from January to March, water temperatures typically range between 19–22°C. At this time of year, most people are comfortable swimming without a wetsuit, especially on calm, sunny days. In spring and autumn, the ocean usually sits around 16–19°C, still swimmable for many, though it can feel cool at first. During winter, temperatures often fall to about 13–15°C, making the water brisk and more suited to surfers or confident cold-water swimmers.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month	Min	Avg	Max
January	18°C	21°C	24°C
February	19°C	21°C	24°C
March	18°C	21°C	23°C
April	18°C	20°C	22°C
May	15°C	18°C	20°C
June	14°C	17°C	18°C
July	13°C	15°C	17°C
August	12°C	15°C	16°C
September	13°C	15°C	17°C
October	12°C	15°C	17°C
November	15°C	17°C	20°C
December	16°C	19°C	22°C

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

Mount Maunganui: Weather Forecast

May 15

9°C / 15°C

clear sky

humidity: 74% | wind: 4 kmh

May 16

8°C / 15°C

clear sky

humidity: 73% | wind: 4 kmh

May 17

10°C / 16°C

scattered clouds: 25-50%

humidity: 69% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed and extremely popular along the main beach, which is patrolled by lifeguards during the busy summer season. However, as an exposed surf beach, conditions can vary with swell, wind and tide, and rips may form at times. On settled days, the combination of moderate sea temperatures and clean, sandy shoreline makes Mount Maunganui a favourite for families, bodyboarders and swimmers alike. As always in New Zealand, it’s wise to swim between the flags and check conditions before heading into the water.