Wainuiomata Coast – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Wainuiomata Coast 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.

Current Sea Water Temperature

12.4°C

Today

12.5°C

Yesterday

12.2°C

A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Wainuiomata Coast is about 12°C.

Water Temperature in Wainuiomata Coast: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

❌ Water at this temperature feels cold and is generally suitable only for brief immersion. Swimming without a wetsuit can quickly become uncomfortable, and exposure time is usually short. These conditions are mainly suitable for experienced swimmers or those using proper thermal gear.

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 June 10 to July 10

While water temperatures in Wainuiomata Coast declined overall during the past month, they have shown a noticeable rebound over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Wainuiomata Coast will be 13.2°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
Jul 2	13.1°C	13.0°C
Jul 3	12.6°C	12.5°C
Jul 4	12.2°C	12.5°C
Jul 5	12.2°C	12.5°C
Jul 6	12.1°C	12.8°C
Jul 7	12.1°C	12.8°C
Jul 8	12.4°C	12.8°C
Jul 9	12.5°C	13.0°C
Jul 10	12.4°C	13.0°C	12.4°C
Jul 11		13.5°C	12.5°C
Jul 12		13.0°C	12.6°C
Jul 13		13.0°C	12.7°C
Jul 14		13.0°C	12.8°C
Jul 15		12.3°C	13.0°C
Jul 16		13.5°C	13.1°C
Jul 17		12.5°C	13.2°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 Wainuiomata Coast 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

The Wainuiomata Coast stretches along the rugged southern edge of the Wellington Region, facing into Cook Strait. Sea temperatures here are shaped by strong tidal movement and frequent winds that push cooler water through the strait. In winter, from June to August, the water generally ranges between 10–13°C, which feels very cold and is typically only comfortable for surfers or swimmers in full wetsuits. As spring progresses, temperatures rise gradually to around 13–15°C. Summer, from December to March, brings the mildest conditions, with sea temperatures commonly sitting between 16–19°C during settled weather. Early autumn can still see around 15–17°C before cooling again.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month	Min	Avg	Max
January	14°C	17°C	20°C
February	15°C	18°C	21°C
March	14°C	17°C	20°C
April	14°C	16°C	19°C
May	13°C	15°C	18°C
June	11°C	14°C	16°C
July	11°C	13°C	16°C
August	10°C	13°C	16°C
September	11°C	13°C	16°C
October	11°C	14°C	16°C
November	12°C	14°C	18°C
December	13°C	15°C	20°C

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

Wainuiomata Coast: Weather Forecast

July 11

6°C / 9°C

few clouds: 11-25%

humidity: 74% | wind: 7 kmh

July 12

8°C / 10°C

clear sky

humidity: 74% | wind: 18 kmh

July 13

11°C / 12°C

light rain

humidity: 81% | wind: 32 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed along parts of the Wainuiomata Coast, but conditions can be demanding. This is an exposed and often wild stretch of coastline, with strong currents, noticeable tidal flow and surf that can build quickly depending on wind direction. There are no regular lifeguard patrols, and access can be limited in places, so swimmers need to be experienced and confident in open water. On calm summer days, short swims can be refreshing for those used to cooler temperatures. Outside summer, lower water temperatures and energetic seas make a wetsuit strongly recommended. The Wainuiomata Coast offers a dramatic and scenic ocean setting, but the water environment should always be approached with caution.