Diving Conditions Report for Sydney, 25 March 2025
Weather: Cloudy with a medium chance of showers in the morning and early afternoon. Light winds turning easterly (15–20 km/h) by midday, easing in the evening.
Air Temperature: Max 27°C
Water Temperature: 21°C
Visibility Range: 4–8m (varies by location and tide).
Swell: 0.4m (S) with a long 16-second period, barely noticeable offshore or at surf beaches.
High Tide: 6:33 pm (1.3m)
Recommended Sites: All sites are favourable, with Shelly Beach and The Steps standing out for shore dives, while boat dives offer superior visibility.
Sydney’s divers can look forward to a pleasant day above the surface, though overcast skies will dominate. There’s a medium chance of light showers in the morning and early afternoon, but nothing to dampen the spirit of a well-planned day of underwater exploration. Winds will remain light, shifting easterly by midday with speeds of 15–20 km/h before settling down again in the evening. A maximum air temperature of 27°C ensures warmth during surface intervals, making for comfortable pre- and post-dive preparations.
Beneath the waves, conditions are stable and inviting. The water rests at a constant 21°C, perfect for extended bottom times without excessive chill. Visibility will vary between 4m to 8m depending on your chosen location and the timing around tides. A diminutive 0.4m south swell with an impressive 16-second period creates incredibly calm waters, minimising surge and allowing easy entries and exits. High tide at 6:33 pm is the optimal window for clearer visibility, especially at near-shore sites.
For site recommendations, all the signs point to a great day of underwater exploration. Shore divers should consider Shelly Beach for its sheltered positioning and excellent opportunities to spot the vibrant marine life buzzing around its rocky reefs. The Steps at Kurnell is another top pick, providing rich biodiversity and dependable conditions for most divers. Boat dives remain the pinnacle for visibility today, so deeper sites like Magic Point are ideal to maximise underwater clarity and enjoy encounters with pelagic species. Schedule your dives thoughtfully around the tides, and make the most of these tranquil conditions. Safe dives and happy bubbles, everyone!
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:
Should not dive if w swell is greater than 0.8m. Protected from all but a westerly swell
Understanding Water Visibility in the Ocean Around Sydney
Are you a scuba diver getting ready to explore the waters around Sydney? If so, it’s important to understand how water visibility can vary in your area. Understanding local currents, weather conditions and other factors will help you maximise any dive. Knowledge is key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience underwater – so let’s delve into some factors that affect water visibility in Sydney!
When you are planning to dive in the water around Sydney, it is important to understand water visibility. Water visibility is defined as how far down a diver can see in the water. It can vary greatly depending on the area and water conditions like weather, surf and tides. On any day in Sydney, water visibility can range from crystal clear up to muddled with sediment due to storm surges and heavy rains. For example, after a strong storm, wind and heavy rainwater visibility, today might be reduced, resulting in a more difficult time for divers with less environmental awareness than normal. Divers need to observe water visibility before entering the ocean to ensure optimal safety standards are upheld.
Varying environmental factors can largely impact the clarity of the water. Heavy precipitation and strong winds, for instance, may cause the surface to become disturbed, resulting in a build-up of sediment that blocks visibility. Tides also play an essential role in sight - powerful waves disrupt settled particles while slack high tide offers optimal conditions during weak tidal flow as more debris is likely to settle on the ocean floor. If you're looking for optimal visibility, the rivers and Sydney Harbour/Botany Bay regions are where to be – particularly during slack high tide. When diving locations such as Bare Island, the eastern side of this island is often best since here water movement is limited.
Additionally, seasonal algal blooms caused by nutrients in the water body can drastically reduce water visibility over an area. Understanding all these key factors is essential for navigating in any body of water with optimal safety and efficiency.
Visibility can be one of the most important considerations for dive site selection. Reading dive reports is an excellent way to help ensure that dive sites have good visibility conditions. Pay attention to the details of the dive report, such as where there could be a greater sediment concentration or if strong currents or tides were noted. Tides can bring different nutrients and particles into dive sites which may affect visibility, so researching predicted tides in a dive location is necessary. Other factors should also be considered, such as the direction of the surf and the wind direction, which can help remove any suspended particles or sediment from an area. This information can help you select dive sites with higher water visibility conditions.
Overall, understanding water visibility and the factors that cause it is essential for any diver preparing to explore the oceans around Sydney. Different days bring different conditions, so be sure to plan your dive trip accordingly and keep a keen eye on both surf and tides, as they affect visibility greatly. By following these tips, divers in Sydney will be able to find the best sites with the greatest visibility, allowing them to make the most of their time underwater with an experience like no other.
Sydney weather conditions/ diving conditions forecast
The diving conditions in Sydney vary throughout the year.
Water temperatures usually range from 15C to 25C, with visibility from 1m to 20m, with normal visibility from 5m to 10m. Diving in Sydney is good all year round.
Sydney Sea Water Temperatures
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
Frequently asked Question Relating to Diving Conditions in Sydney
When is the best time to dive in Sydney?
Sydney is great for diving all year. I prefer to dive from July to October when the sea is the flattest and the water the clearest, although you do need a good-quality wetsuit, gloves, and a hood. The water is warmer from October to May.
What’s the average water temperature for diving here?
Expect water temperatures in Sydney to range from about 15°C in winter to 25°C in summer.
How’s the visibility for diving in Sydney?
Visibility varies, typically ranging from 5 to 20 meters (16 to 65 feet), with the clearest conditions in the period July to October.
Are there strong currents at Sydney’s dive sites?
Most popular dive sites around Sydney have mild currents, making them suitable for divers of all levels.
Is Sydney good for beginner divers?
Absolutely! Sites like Shelly Beach and Bare Island are perfect for beginners with easy shore entries and shallow waters.
What marine life might I see while diving in Sydney?
You’ll encounter diverse marine life, including weedy sea dragons, cuttlefish, wobbegong sharks, blue groupers, and occasionally dolphins and seals.
Should I wear a wetsuit when diving in Sydney?
Yes, a wetsuit is advised. In winter, a 5-7mm wetsuit works best, while a 3-5mm wetsuit or shorty can be used for warmer summer months, but most divers stick to a 5-7mm wetsuit.
How can I check diving conditions?
Check local dive shop websites like Abyss Scuba Diving for daily updates on conditions. Use marine weather apps like Seabreeze or WillyWeather for forecasts on wind, swell, and tides. Real-time data from buoys and tide charts are helpful, and the Bureau of Meteorology offers detailed forecasts. For the most accurate information, reach out to local dive shops directly.
