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 – 26 April 2025
Sydney’s current diving conditions are manageable today, with calm waters and moderate visibility offering decent opportunities for a day of underwater exploration. Expect partly cloudy skies, early patchy fog, and a high chance of rain or thunderstorms beginning later in the morning. For the clearest dives, choose ocean-exposed sites like Oak Park.
Conditions at a Glance:
- Weather: Partly cloudy. Patchy fog early this morning. Very high chance of rain, most likely from late this morning, with a chance of thunderstorms. Light winds.
- Air Temperature: Max 26°C
- Water Temperature: 21°C
- Visibility: 4-5 metres
- Swell: 0.8m height, E direction, 10.8-second period
- Low Tide: at 12:54 pm (0.34m).
- Recommended Sites: Ocean sites like Oak Park for better visibility.
Detailed Report
Today’s surface conditions are mild, with light winds and an air temperature of 26°C, making it comfortable for divers preparing onshore. Morning patchy fog adds to the serene coastal setting but could delay some travel. Rain and thunderstorms may disrupt surface conditions starting late this morning, so early dives are recommended. Low tide around midday provides the most convenient timing for dives, especially at sites like Oak Park, where the waves break well before the entry point, leading to smoother entries.
Underwater, the water temperature is a pleasant 21°C, requiring standard thermal protection for a comfortable experience. Visibility is fair, ranging between 4 and 5 metres, and ocean-facing sites like Oak Park stand out as the best option. The site features a wonderful array of colourful sponges, schooling fish, and even occasional visits from larger marine life. The gentle easterly swell of 0.8m combined with a long 10.8-second period ensures a calm and steady underwater environment, ideal for exploring these marine habitats at leisure.
Divers are encouraged to plan their dives around the midday tide schedule for maximum enjoyment at any site out of the bays, where visibility will be adversely affected. Due to its topography, conditions underfoot at Oak Park’s entry point are significantly better at low tide, making it an excellent site for both novices and experienced divers. Rain and thunderstorms later in the day could signal the need for cautious surface travel and thorough post-dive checks. Stay vigilant, respect the ocean’s conditions, and enjoy Sydney's rewarding underwater experience today!
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.
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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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