Sawtell Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Sunny with very warm air temperatures, feeling like 25 °C / 77 °F once we account for any wind. Sea temperatures (25 °C / 78 °F) very warm too. Staying comfortable in the water at Sawtell won't be a problem, but wear at least a rash-vest to keep the UV off.

Map of current Australia Surface Water Temperatures based on measurements from oceanographic satellites

Map of current Australia Sea Water Temperature Anomalies (compared with long term averages at this time of year)

(click thumbnails to expand)

Below is a graph of Historical Sea Surface Temperature for Sawtell. This has been derived from analysis of two decades of oceanographic satellite measurements of nearby open water. We have calculated the average water temperature variation around the year as well as the extremes that have been observed on each date.

All of the graphs for the surf breaks presented on Surf-Forecast.com are on the same scale to enable comparison between locations around the world.

Sawtell water temperatures peak in the range 24 to 27°C (75 to 81°F) on around the 6th of February and are at their coldest on about the 5th of August, in the range 19 to 21°C (66 to 70°F). Year round warm water temperatures at Sawtell climb to their maximum in the first week of February. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. The coldest Sawtell water temperatures at the beginning of August require something like a 3/2mm fully sealed wetsuit.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Sawtell can vary by several degrees compared with these open water averages. This is especially true after heavy rain, close to river mouths or after long periods of strong offshore winds. Offshore winds cause colder deep water to replace surface water that has been warmed by the sun. Air temperature, wind-chill and sunshine should also be considered before deciding on the kind of wetsuit needed to stay warm when surfing at Sawtell. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.

Latest surface water temperature for the entire globe. Click the image to view a larger version.