Today's Sydney Dive Conditions – Updated Daily
Updated Daily by Local Dive Experts
Welcome to Sydney's most reliable and up-to-date dive conditions page. Every morning, our team checks the tides, visibility, water temperature, swell, and weather to recommend the best local dive sites for the day.
Whether you're planning a weekend dive, checking if today’s conditions are safe, or just dreaming about your next underwater adventure, this is your go-to source. Bookmark this page and check back daily for the latest updates.
Dive Conditions – 19 April 2025
Sydney’s current diving conditions are improving as the day progresses. While the morning might present some challenges with fog in the western suburbs and reduced underwater visibility, conditions are expected to get better throughout the day. With a mostly sunny afternoon and calmer swell as the day goes on, divers can look forward to a more enjoyable experience. Bare Island stands out as today’s recommended site, but it’s wise to thoroughly check conditions at any site before committing.
Conditions at a Glance:
Weather: The chance of morning fog, mainly in the western suburbs. Mostly sunny afternoon. Light winds. Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming, and surfing.
Air Temperature: Max 29°C.png)
Water Temperature: 22°C
Visibility: 4-5m
Swell: 1.3m height (falling), ESE direction, 12-second period
High Tide: at 12:31 pm (1.21m)
Recommended Sites: Bare Island, but check conditions closely before committing. Everywhere is expected to improve as the day progresses.
Sydney is starting the day with some coastal fog lingering in the western suburbs, but the forecast for a mostly sunny afternoon should brighten things up nicely. Light winds and a high of 29°C make for pleasant topside conditions as the day wears on. That said, powerful surf remains a factor, so exercise extreme caution with any shore entries or other coastal activities.
Underwater, the water temperature remains at a steady 22°C, providing consistently comfortable conditions for divers. Visibility is a bit on the lower side at just 4-5 metres, due to the remaining sediment churned up by recent strong surf. However, the good news is that as the swell continues to fall and the water settles through the day, visibility is likely to improve.
The swell sits at 1.3 metres and is steadily dropping, with an ESE direction and a period of 12 seconds. This is much less challenging than previous days, but care is still needed, especially at open or exposed sites. Timing your dives around the high tide at 12:31 pm will help ensure smoother entries and exits and less surge during your underwater exploration.
Enjoy your dives today, and don’t forget to take in the beauty of Sydney’s incredible marine world. Stay mindful of the conditions, and have a fantastic day out in the water!
Latest Dive Report – As Seen Underwater Within the Past 24 Hours
Thanks to our divers at The Steps for today's footage! Thinking about heading out? Book a dive here or start your journey.
Note: As always, it’s important to check out the particular site before committing to it. While we strive to provide the most accurate information, diving conditions can change rapidly. Always check the latest updates before you head out.
When choosing your dive site to get the best conditions, we make the following recommendations:
How Conditions Affect Dive Sites
Lilli Pilli – Best on an incoming tide
Well-protected against all swell. Exposed to strong Westerly winds.
Ship Rock – Best 15 minutes before high tide
Not exposed to any swell. Best on a high slack tide.
Bass & Flinders – Best on an incoming tide
Good except for a NE swell greater than 1.4m.
Oak Park – Best on low tide
Should not be dived if SE to N swell is greater than 0.7m.
VooDoo – Best on high tide
Best with SW to NW swells. All other swells must be under 0.5m.
Cape Solander – Tide has no effect
Best with SW to NW swells. Other swells must be below 0.7m.
The Leap – Best near high tide
Should not be dived if E to S swell is greater than 1m. Best on an incoming tide.
The Steps – Swell-sensitive
Protected, but exposed to E to ESE swells greater than 1m.
Sutherland Point – Best on an incoming tide
Well protected. Only exposed to ESE swell greater than 1.8m.
Bare Island – Best with N swell and incoming tide
Should not be dived if S swell is greater than 1.2m.
Shelly Beach – Sheltered and beginner-friendly
Should not be dived if swell is greater than 0.8m. Protected from all but westerly swell.
Understanding Water Visibility in Sydney
What affects water visibility in Sydney?
Water visibility is influenced by tides, swell direction, weather, and even seasonal algae blooms. After rain or storms, visibility tends to drop due to sediment stirred up in the water.
How do tides impact visibility?
Slack high tide often provides the best visibility, as water movement slows and particles settle. Many Sydney sites are clearest just before high tide.
What’s the typical visibility range?
Visibility usually ranges from 5m to 10m but can exceed 20m in winter or drop below 2m after heavy rain. July to October offers the clearest conditions.
Where are the best spots for good vis?
Sites like Shelly Beach, Bare Island (east side), and Ship Rock are known for consistent visibility—especially during high tide with minimal swell.
Sydney Water Temperatures by Month
Diving in Sydney is great all year, with mild seasonal changes that affect both water temperature and visibility. Whether you prefer warmer dives or crystal-clear winter water, there's always a great dive site to suit the season.
- Water Temperature: Ranges from 15°C (winter) to 25°C (summer)
- Visibility: Typically 5–10m, up to 20m from July to October
- Best Clarity: Winter (July–October), when seas are calm and algae is low
Here’s how Sydney’s sea temperatures shift throughout the year:
| Month | Min °C | Max °C |
|---|---|---|
| January | 21.5 | 25.1 |
| February | 22.1 | 25.3 |
| March | 21.6 | 25.3 |
| April | 20.8 | 24.6 |
| May | 18.8 | 22.6 |
| June | 17.5 | 21.1 |
| July | 17.3 | 20.9 |
| August | 17.4 | 20.2 |
| September | 17.2 | 19.9 |
| October | 17.5 | 20.9 |
| November | 19.1 | 22.1 |
| December | 19.5 | 24.3 |
What to Expect: Sydney offers a diverse diving experience year-round. In summer (Dec–Mar), enjoy warmer waters and active marine life, ideal for newer divers. Autumn and spring bring steady conditions and great critter sightings. Winter (Jul–Oct) delivers the clearest visibility, making it perfect for photography, deep dives, and encounters with weedy sea dragons. With the right gear, every season is dive season in Sydney!
Diving in Sydney: Your Questions Answered
When is the best time to dive in Sydney?
Sydney is great for diving year-round. For the calmest seas and clearest visibility, July to October is ideal. Water is warmer from October to May, making it popular for beginners.
Is Sydney good for beginner divers?
Absolutely! Sites like Shelly Beach and Bare Island offer easy shore entries, shallow depths, and protected conditions — perfect for new divers.
How’s the visibility for diving in Sydney?
Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 10 metres, with the clearest conditions from July to October. After heavy rain, it can drop to 1–2 metres.
What’s the average water temperature for diving in Sydney?
Expect temperatures from around 15°C in winter to 25°C in summer.
Are there strong currents at Sydney’s dive sites?
Most popular sites around Sydney have mild currents, suitable for divers of all levels. Tidal flow can affect some locations, so timing matters.
What marine life can I see while diving in Sydney?
You may spot weedy sea dragons, wobbegong sharks, blue groupers, cuttlefish, octopus, and even seals or dolphins.
Should I wear a wetsuit when diving in Sydney?
Yes. Most divers use a 5–7mm wetsuit year-round. In summer, a 3–5mm suit or shorty is okay for shallow dives, but conditions can vary.
How can I check diving conditions before heading out?
Check this page daily for updated reports. You can also use apps like Seabreeze or WillyWeather for swell, tide, and wind forecasts. Or just call us!
Still have questions?
Contact Us or Ask Our Team
Dive Deeper Into Sydney Diving
Want to better understand Sydney’s tides, visibility, and when to dive? These expert-written articles will help you get more from every dive.
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