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 May 2025
Sydney’s diving conditions are highly challenging today, with cloudy weather, a very high chance of showers, and hazardous surf conditions. Only well-protected dive sites such as Shelly Beach, Camp Cove, or Lilli Pilli are recommended. Visibility is poor, ranging from 3-4 metres, with a water temperature of 20°C.
Conditions at a Glance:
- Weather: Cloudy. Very high chance of showers, becoming less likely during the morning. The chance of a thunderstorm along the coastal fringe this morning. Winds southerly 25 to 35 km/h. Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
- Air Temperature: Max 19°C
- Water Temperature: 20°C
- Visibility: 2-4metres
- Swell: 2.3m height, SSE direction, 9.1-second period.
- High Tide: at 1:15 pm (1.27m).
- Recommended Sites: Only well-protected dive sites such as Shelly Beach, Camp Cove, or Lilli Pilli are recommended.
Detailed Report
Today’s forecast calls for cloudy skies and a very high chance of showers, particularly in the morning. Thunderstorms are a possibility along the coastal fringe early in the day, and strong southerly winds of 25-35 km/h will contribute to rough and hazardous surf conditions. The maximum air temperature is 19°C, making it a cool day for outdoor activities, especially near the water.
Underwater, visibility ranges from 3-4 metres due to the turbulent conditions caused by the strong 2.3-metre southerly swell with a 9.1-second period. While the water temperature remains steady at 20°C, the challenging surf makes most coastal sites unsafe for entry and exit. Divers should avoid exposed areas and prioritise safety by choosing sheltered locations.
The best spots for today are Shelly Beach, Camp Cove, and Lilli Pilli, which are protected from the hazardous swell. Plan your dives around the high tide at 1:15 pm for the most stable underwater conditions. Always prioritise your safety when conditions are rough, and ensure all equipment is checked before heading out—a good day to stay out of the water.
Remember to check out the dive calendar to see what’s coming up!
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.
View site details →
Ship Rock – Best 15 minutes before high tide
Not exposed to any swell. Best on a high slack tide.
View site details →
Bass & Flinders – Best on an incoming tide
Good except for a NE swell greater than 1.4m.
View site details →
Oak Park – Best on low tide
Should not be dived if SE to N swell is greater than 0.7m.
View site details →
VooDoo – Best on high tide
Best with SW to NW swells. All other swells must be under 0.5m.
View site details →
Cape Solander – Tide has no effect
Best with SW to NW swells. Other swells must be below 0.7m.
View site details →
The Leap – Best near high tide
Should not be dived if E to S swell is greater than 1m. Best on an incoming tide.
View site details →
The Steps – Swell-sensitive
Protected, but exposed to E to ESE swells greater than 1m.
View site details →
Sutherland Point – Best on an incoming tide
Well protected. Only exposed to ESE swell greater than 1.8m.
View site details →
Bare Island – Best with N swell and incoming tide
Should not be dived if S swell is greater than 1.2m.
View site details →
Shelly Beach – Sheltered and beginner-friendly
Should not be dived if swell is greater than 0.8m. Protected from all but westerly swell.
View site details →
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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