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Spirits Bay – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Spirits Bay in Northland 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.

Spirits Bay
Spirits Bay © By Williams photographynz, CC BY 3.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

21.2°C
Today
21.2°C
Yesterday
21.1°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Spirits Bay is about 21°C.

Water Temperature in Spirits Bay: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

✅ This water feels mild to warm and is comfortable for the majority of swimmers. Swimming is enjoyable, though longer stays may feel cooler for some people, especially in windy conditions. These temperatures are well suited to family outings and active swimming, particularly on warm days.

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 Spirits Bay have been on a steady rise over the past month and have continued to climb over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Spirits Bay will be 19.0°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 2221.2°C20.0°C
Mar 2321.1°C20.0°C
Mar 2421.1°C20.3°C
Mar 2521.2°C20.3°C
Mar 2621.3°C20.0°C
Mar 2721.0°C20.0°C
Mar 2821.1°C20.3°C
Mar 2921.2°C20.0°C
Mar 3021.2°C20.0°C21.2°C
Mar 3120.0°C20.9°C
Apr 120.0°C20.6°C
Apr 219.0°C20.3°C
Apr 319.0°C20.0°C
Apr 417.0°C19.7°C
Apr 518.0°C19.3°C
Apr 617.0°C19.0°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 Spirits Bay 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

Spirits Bay, located at the northern tip of the Northland Region on the Tasman Sea side, is known for its remote setting and sweeping sandy shoreline. Water temperatures here follow a typical far-north New Zealand pattern, with noticeable seasonal variation. During summer, from December to February, sea temperatures usually range between 19°C and 22°C, occasionally climbing a little higher in settled weather. In autumn, the sea often remains pleasant at around 18–20°C before gradually cooling. Winter temperatures generally drop to about 14–16°C, while spring sees a steady warming from roughly 15°C up towards 18°C by November. These conditions reflect the influence of subtropical currents that reach the upper North Island, keeping the water milder than in many southern parts of the country.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January18°C21°C23°C
February19°C22°C24°C
March18°C21°C23°C
April17°C20°C23°C
May16°C19°C21°C
June15°C17°C19°C
July14°C16°C18°C
August13°C16°C18°C
September14°C16°C18°C
October14°C17°C19°C
November15°C18°C20°C
December16°C19°C22°C

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

Spirits Bay: Weather Forecast

March 30

17°C / 21°C
light rain
humidity: 86% | wind: 18 kmh

March 31

16°C / 19°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 77% | wind: 18 kmh

April 1

13°C / 21°C
clear sky
humidity: 78% | wind: 11 kmh

April 2

12°C / 21°C
clear sky
humidity: 74% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Spirits Bay

⭐ 4.2/5
20.3°C

Tom Bowling Bay

⭐ 3.0/5
22.3°C

Pandora Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
22.2°C

Tapotupotu Bay

⭐ 4.2/5
21.6°C

Sandy Bay

⭐ 3.1/5
21.3°C

Cape Reinga

⭐ 3.1/5
21.8°C

Twilight Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
21.9°C

Te Werahi Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
21.0°C

Te Pua Reserve

⭐ 3.1/5
21.9°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Spirits Bay and can be enjoyable in calm summer and early autumn conditions, particularly when winds are light and the sea is relatively settled. However, the beach is exposed to ocean swells and can experience strong currents and surf, so swimmers should take care and assess conditions before entering the water. There are typically no lifeguards on patrol due to the bay’s remote nature, which means personal responsibility is essential. On warm days with gentle surf, the clear water and broad sandy beach offer a refreshing and scenic spot for a swim.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Spirits Bay

⭐ 2/5
21.9°C

Tapotupoto Bay

⭐ 2/5
22.2°C

Scott Point

⭐ 2/5
20.2°C
13 km away 📍 Beach and point

Tom Bowling Bay

⭐ 2/5
20.7°C

Te Paki

⭐ 2/5
21.6°C

Twilight Beach

⭐ 2/5
21.4°C

Herangi Beach

⭐ 2/5
22.4°C

Parengarenga Harbour Bar

⭐ 2/5
21.2°C

The Bluff-North Side

⭐ 2/5
22.1°C

Location, Type and Nearby Places

Address: HRFW+QP, Cape Reinga, New Zealand

Place Tags:BeachSurf Spot

Water Temperature in Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Spirits Bay today?
Sea water temperature in Spirits Bay in the Tasman Sea today is 21°C.
What is the water temperature in Spirits Bay during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Spirits Bay typically ranges from 16°C to 24°C.
What is the water temperature in Spirits Bay during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Spirits Bay typically ranges from 16°C to 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Spirits Bay during spring?
During spring, the water temperature in Spirits Bay typically ranges from 14°C to 20°C.
What is the water temperature in Spirits Bay during winter?
During winter, the water temperature in Spirits Bay typically ranges from 13°C to 19°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Spirits Bay area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Spirits Bay area include: Tom Bowling Bay, Pandora Beach, Spirits Bay, Tapotupotu Bay, Sandy Bay.
What are the nearest surf spots to Spirits Bay?
Some of the closest surf spots near Spirits Bay include: Spirits Bay, Tapotupoto Bay, Scott Point, Te Paki, Tom Bowling Bay.