Princess Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

Water Temperature in Princess 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

While water temperatures in Princess 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 Princess 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

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

Princess Beach lies on Wellington’s exposed south coast, facing directly into Cook Strait. Sea temperatures here reflect the strong tidal movement and frequent winds that characterise this stretch of coastline. In winter, from June to August, the water generally ranges between 10–13°C, which feels very cold and is typically 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 settled and mild conditions, with sea temperatures commonly sitting between 16–19°C during calm spells. Early autumn can still see around 15–17°C before the water cools again.