Month-specific sea-surface temperature · New Zealand

Goat Island Sea Temperature in January

21.9°C

71.4°F

In January, sea-surface temperature near Goat Island has a historical monthly average of 21.9°C. This is not the reading for any particular holiday date.

Across 2023–2025, the lowest and highest yearly January monthly means were 21.0–22.9°C. These are not daily extremes.

Previous month

December · 20.8°C

Change into January: +1.1°C

Next month

February · 22.4°C

Change into next month: +0.5°C

Can you swim or snorkel in Goat Island in January?

At 21.9°C our temperature-only guide describes the water as cool water. Comfort depends on your cold tolerance, immersion time and wind. A historical average cannot determine whether conditions are safe on any given day.

Do you need a wetsuit?

A 3 mm shorty or full wetsuit will make longer snorkels more comfortable.

Which beach should you choose?

Look for a beach sheltered from the actual forecast waves and wind on your visit. Exposure, currents and entry conditions vary even where water temperatures are similar. Follow local warnings.

Check the current waves, wind and snorkeling forecast →

A live forecast does not predict a future January. Check again close to your trip.

Waves and wind: recorded-model conditions for January

These figures come from a separately modelled, date-specific wind/wave backfill, not the NOAA SST series. A single observed season is not a climatological likelihood or a guarantee of safe conditions.

Morning calm hours

41%

Afternoon calm hours

41%

Historical coverage

January 2026

31 valid days

A “calm hour” meets fixed modelled wave/wind thresholds; neither visibility nor local currents, entry conditions or actual beach safety is measured here. Periods may differ by coast.

Nearby places in January

Comparable historical averages from independent marine grid cells. Warmer water does not imply safe snorkeling.

Data source and limitations

Source: Open-Meteo Marine API, MeteoFrance sea-surface temperature; 2023–2025. Marine model grid near -36.27, 174.80. Based on 3 yearly monthly means and 2166 recorded samples. Source methodology.

Modelled sea-surface temperatures do not establish underwater visibility, wildlife, calm currents or safe entry.