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Tauranga – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Tauranga 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.

Tauranga
Tauranga © By Ulrich Lange, CC BY-SA 3.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

20.5°C
Today
20.8°C
Yesterday
21.0°C
A Week Ago

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

Water Temperature in Tauranga: 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 Tauranga 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 Tauranga will be 18.4°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 2221.0°C20.3°C
Mar 2321.0°C20.8°C
Mar 2421.0°C20.5°C
Mar 2521.0°C20.3°C
Mar 2620.9°C20.8°C
Mar 2720.9°C20.3°C
Mar 2820.9°C20.5°C
Mar 2920.8°C20.5°C
Mar 3020.5°C20.5°C20.5°C
Mar 3120.8°C20.2°C
Apr 120.3°C19.9°C
Apr 219.0°C19.6°C
Apr 318.8°C19.3°C
Apr 417.3°C19.0°C
Apr 517.5°C18.7°C
Apr 617.8°C18.4°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 Tauranga 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

Tauranga, in the sunny Bay of Plenty, sits between the sheltered waters of Tauranga Harbour and the open Pacific Ocean along Mount Maunganui and Papamoa Beach. Sea temperatures here are among the milder in Aotearoa. In summer, especially from January through March, coastal water temperatures usually range between 19–22°C, which most locals consider comfortable for swimming and spending time in the surf. During spring and autumn, the ocean generally sits around 16–19°C, still fine for a swim, though it can feel cool when you first get in. In winter, temperatures often drop to about 13–15°C, making the water noticeably chilly and more suited to surfers in wetsuits or confident cold-water swimmers.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January18°C21°C24°C
February19°C21°C24°C
March18°C21°C23°C
April18°C20°C22°C
May15°C18°C20°C
June14°C17°C18°C
July13°C15°C17°C
August12°C15°C16°C
September13°C15°C17°C
October12°C15°C17°C
November15°C17°C20°C
December16°C19°C22°C

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

Tauranga: Weather Forecast

March 30

15°C / 23°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 78% | wind: 11 kmh

March 31

14°C / 21°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 66% | wind: 14 kmh

April 1

14°C / 17°C
light rain
humidity: 75% | wind: 0 kmh

April 2

13°C / 18°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 78% | wind: 4 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed and very popular throughout Tauranga’s beaches and harbour areas. The open ocean beaches can produce waves and occasional rips, particularly when there’s a decent swell, so it’s safest to swim between the flags during the patrolled summer season. Harbour beaches tend to be calmer, with gentler conditions influenced by the tides. On settled summer days, the combination of warm air temperatures and relatively mild sea conditions makes Tauranga one of the more appealing swimming spots on the North Island coast.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Mount Maunganui

⭐ 3/5
21.1°C

Tay street

⭐ 2/5
21.5°C

Arataki

⭐ 4/5
19.5°C

Blowhole

⭐ 3/5
20.1°C

Papamoa Beach Park

⭐ 2/5
20.4°C

Matakana Island

⭐ 3/5
20.7°C

Motiti Island - Ernies

⭐ 4/5
21.7°C

Motiti Island Right

⭐ 4/5
21.1°C

Motiti Island - Kaiwakawaka ree

⭐ 4/5
20.0°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Tauranga today?
Sea water temperature in Tauranga in the Pacific Ocean today is 21°C.
What is the water temperature in Tauranga during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Tauranga typically ranges from 16°C to 24°C.
What is the water temperature in Tauranga during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Tauranga typically ranges from 15°C to 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Tauranga during spring?
During spring, the water temperature in Tauranga typically ranges from 12°C to 20°C.
What is the water temperature in Tauranga during winter?
During winter, the water temperature in Tauranga typically ranges from 12°C to 18°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Tauranga area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Tauranga area include: .
What are the nearest surf spots to Tauranga?
Some of the closest surf spots near Tauranga include: Mount Maunganui, Tay street, Arataki, Blowhole, Papamoa Beach Park.