Sea temperatures, water sports and vacation activities near Cook Strait

Water temperatures throughout the year and general information about Cook Strait...

Cook Strait is a geographical landform. The water temperature around Cook Strait changes moderately during the year. The temperature ranges from 9°C (48.2°F) in August up to 15.8°C (60.4°F) in the month of January, as illustrated below. The average water temperature throughout the year is 14°C (56°F) and the best time for water activities is winter, since Cook Strait is located in the southern hemisphere.
Hover over the bars to see temperature for each month in Celsius and Fahrenheit.

What is the current water temperature near Cook Strait?

The current water temperature in the month of May in the waters near Cook Strait is about:

Are there surf spots close by?

Yes, there are a few surf spots in proximity to Cook Strait. The nearest one is The Island Island Bay, which is just 15.9km (10miles) away from Cook Strait. Click here for more information on The Island Island Bay and its current water temperature. Other fun surfspots near Cook Strait are Houghton Bay, which is approximately 16.1km (10miles) away, and Lyall Bay, located roughly 16.8km (10.4miles) from Cook Strait.

Are there beaches near by?

There are not many beaches in close proximity to Cook Strait. The next good one is Worser Bay, which is 17.8km (11.1miles) away from Cook Strait. Another gorgeous beach near Cook Strait is Paraparaumu Beach, which is roughly 35.2km (21.8miles) away.

What kind of wetsuit thickness do I need for Cook Strait?

The sea temperature at Cook Strait is pretty cold, reaching up to 16°C (60°F) in the months of December, January, and February. During this time, in the summer, a 3-4mm wetsuit is required to be able to stay in the water for a significant amount of time, but some might even be ok with a good 2/3mm suit for surfing, swimming, snorkelling, or scuba diving . Nevertheless, during July, August, and September, sea temperatures cool down to approximately 9°C (48°F). In this season, a 4-5mm wetsuit is required to be able to stay in the water for a significant amount of time, but some people might even be fine with a very good 4/3mm suit for short periods of time . For very windy conditions and cold mornings/evenings, it might be advisable to have a pair of boots, a hoodie and a gloves.

How is the diving and fishing near Cook Strait?

Due to comparatively large water temperature changes during the year, fishing and diving conditions alter a lot depending on the season. The temperature ranges from 9 to 14°C (48-57°F) during summer. Haddock, Pollock, and Atlantic Cod can usually be found in waters of this temperature range. However, the conditions change during winter when temperatures go up to 11 to 16°C (51-60°F). Fish which love this water temperature include: Atlantic Mackerel, Winter Flounder, and Tautog.

Directions to Cook Strait: How do I get there?

Please follow the directions in the map below.

Some fun facts about Cook Strait...

Do you know what the the city Villa Collemandina in Italy, the city lEscala in Spain, and the city Meluwiting in Indonesia have in common with Cook Strait? Click on the links to find out...