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Ōtaki Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Ōtaki 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.

Ōtaki Beach
Ōtaki Beach © By Brett Taylor, CC BY 2.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

17.5°C
Today
17.5°C
Yesterday
17.6°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Ōtaki Beach is about 18°C.

Water Temperature in Ōtaki 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

Water temperatures in Ōtaki Beach 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 Ōtaki Beach will be 14.9°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
Mar 2217.9°C16.5°C
Mar 2317.7°C16.0°C
Mar 2417.6°C16.3°C
Mar 2517.5°C16.3°C
Mar 2617.6°C16.8°C
Mar 2717.6°C16.8°C
Mar 2817.5°C16.5°C
Mar 2917.5°C16.8°C
Mar 3017.5°C16.8°C17.5°C
Mar 3116.8°C17.1°C
Apr 116.0°C16.8°C
Apr 215.8°C16.4°C
Apr 316.5°C16.0°C
Apr 414.0°C15.7°C
Apr 513.8°C15.3°C
Apr 613.8°C14.9°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 Ōtaki 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

Ōtaki Beach lies on the northern Kāpiti Coast in the Wellington Region, facing west into Cook Strait. Sea temperatures here reflect the steady tidal movement and cooler currents that pass through the strait. In winter, from June to August, the water generally ranges between 10–13°C, which feels distinctly cold and is usually only comfortable for hardy swimmers or those in full wetsuits. Through spring, temperatures gradually rise to around 13–15°C. Summer, from December to March, brings the most pleasant conditions, with sea temperatures commonly sitting between 16–19°C during settled, sunny spells. Early autumn can still see 15–17°C before the water cools again heading into winter.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January14°C17°C20°C
February15°C18°C21°C
March14°C17°C20°C
April14°C16°C19°C
May12°C15°C18°C
June11°C14°C16°C
July11°C13°C16°C
August10°C12°C16°C
September11°C13°C16°C
October10°C13°C16°C
November12°C14°C18°C
December13°C15°C20°C

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

Ōtaki 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 Ōtaki Beach and it’s a well-known local spot during the warmer months. The beach is wide and sandy, with a gently shelving shoreline in places, which can make entry into the water straightforward on calmer days. However, it remains an open coast, and swells and rip currents can develop depending on wind direction and tide. In peak summer there are often lifeguard patrols, and swimming between the flags is strongly recommended. Outside the main season, cooler water temperatures mean most swimmers prefer short dips or wear thermal gear. On a fine, settled day, Ōtaki Beach offers a refreshing and scenic Cook Strait ocean swim typical of the Kāpiti Coast.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Otaki Beach

⭐ 1/5
18.7°C

Peka Peka

⭐ 2/5
16.3°C

Waitarere

⭐ 1/5
16.4°C

Paekakariki

⭐ 1/5
16.4°C

Foxton Beach

⭐ 1/5
18.5°C

Pukerua Bay

⭐ 1/5
17.9°C
37 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Himatangi Beach

⭐ 2/5
16.8°C

The Pa Point

⭐ 2/5
16.3°C

The Pa

⭐ 2/5
17.2°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Ōtaki Beach today?
Sea water temperature in Ōtaki Beach in the Cook Strait today is 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Ōtaki Beach during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Ōtaki Beach typically ranges from 13°C to 21°C.
What is the water temperature in Ōtaki Beach during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Ōtaki Beach typically ranges from 12°C to 20°C.
What is the water temperature in Ōtaki Beach during spring?
During spring, the water temperature in Ōtaki Beach typically ranges from 10°C to 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Ōtaki Beach during winter?
During winter, the water temperature in Ōtaki Beach typically ranges from 10°C to 16°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Ōtaki Beach area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Ōtaki Beach area include: .
What are the nearest surf spots to Ōtaki Beach?
Some of the closest surf spots near Ōtaki Beach include: Otaki Beach, Peka Peka, Waitarere, Paekakariki, Foxton Beach.