South West Rocks today: waves, weather and sun
- Best time to fish 2:20–4:20 pm average day · 5/10
- Beach day 10:00 am–3:00 pm Good beach day · 7/10
- Waves · water 3.4 ft · 69 °F slight · 7.6 s from the south-southeast
- Wind · air 3 mph · 66 °F from the W, gusts 11 · clear sky
- Surf today 1.7–2.7 ft Fair day · 4/10 · 7:00–7:34 pm
- Sun 5:55 am–7:09 pm 13 h 14 min of daylight
- Moon 89% · 10:52 pm waning gibbous · rises at 10:52 pm
- Best time to dive 9:30 am–12:30 pm great day · 10/10
Today, Thursday, October 29, in South West Rocks the sun rises at 5:55 am and sets at 7:09 pm: 13 h 14 min of daylight. The moon is 89% illuminated (waning gibbous) and rises at 10:52 pm. Major solunar periods run from 1:46 am to 3:46 am and from 2:18 pm to 4:18 pm. The next spring tides arrive from October 27 to 29. The sea is slight, with 3.4 ft waves. There's a light air from the west (3 mph). Clear sky, 66 °F.
Fishing in South West Rocks today
Best time to fish
Solunar activity today: medium- Major period 2:18–4:18 pm
- Rising pressure (+0.20 inHg in 24 h), light onshore wind (10 mph) and some swell (3.6 ft waves) to stir the water
- Waning gibbous: a bit more activity than at the quarters
Your day at a glance
The best window, 2:20 pm to 4:20 pm, combines a major period, a light onshore breeze and some swell, though with rising pressure. Also worth a try from 1:50 am to 3:50 am, with a major period and some swell, though with rising pressure. Also worth a try from 5:30 am to 6:30 am, with sunrise and some swell, though with rising pressure.
Species with the most records nearby: Australasian snapper, bluefish, yellowtail amberjack and John Dory. October is one of the months when these are seen most: Australasian snapper and John Dory. What you can catch
We don't show the tide for South West Rocks, so it doesn't count in the rating. How it works · Next 7 days · Fishing rules
Beach day in South West Rocks
Is it a beach day?
8 good hours- Sunny
- Feels like 75 °F: mild
- Onshore breeze (9 mph)
- Water at 69 °F (cool)
- Calm for swimming: 3.4 ft waves; moderate rip current risk
- UV 10 (very high): SPF 50 sunscreen
Today, hour by hour
- Swimming Calm · 3.4 ft
3.4 ft waves: calm for swimming. Moderate rip current risk. Always follow the lifeguard's flags.
- Water 69 °F
Cool: refreshing on a hot day.
- Sun & sunscreen UV 10 · SPF 50
Max UV 10 (very high): SPF 50 sunscreen, reapplied every 2 hours. Seek shade 11:00 am–2:00 pm (very high UV).
- Wind 10 mph
Onshore breeze (10 mph).
- Tide & sand
We don't show the tide for South West Rocks, so it doesn't count in the rating.
The best window, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, brings sunshine and little wind, though with very high UV.
We don't have data on jellyfish, sargassum or beach closures: ask the lifeguard or check with the local beach authority. How it works · The next 7 days
Beaches near South West Rocks
Map: OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles · © OpenStreetMap contributors
- Horseshoe Bay 0.2 mi · N
- Lifeguard
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Parking
- Back Beach 0.7 mi · NW
- Parking
- Front Beach 0.9 mi · E
- Lifeguard
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Parking
- Little Bay Beach 2.0 mi · E
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Parking
- Gap Beach 2.6 mi · SE
- Restrooms
- Parking
- Cobble 3.0 mi · SE
- North Smokey 3.3 mi · SE
- North Smoky Beach 3.4 mi · SE
- Restrooms
- Parking
- Nudity allowed
Named beaches within 6.2 mi, nearest first. Amenities from OpenStreetMap: some may be missing or out of date. View on OpenStreetMap · Add or fix on OpenStreetMap
Beaches and amenities: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Webcams near South West Rocks
Webcams provided by windy.com — add a webcam
Tides in South West Rocks
Tides in South West Rocks: not available yet
There is no tide station near South West Rocks, and we can't rely on the global tide model on this coast: for now we don't show its tide.
Meanwhile, see the tide in Fishermans Reach · 3.3 mi
The sun, moon, solunar periods and spring tides on this page do apply to this place.
The sea at South West Rocks
Sea stateSea state: slight
The waves you may find
- Most commonMost common1.7 ft
- Significant3.4 ft
- Highest expectedHighest6.9 ft
One wave in seven is higher than the significant height, and about 3 times a day one reaches 6.9 ft. Before heading out, expect waves of up to 6.9 ft.
Wind on the coast and offshore
Offshore wind. The coast faces east and the wind blows from land out to sea: calm shore and clean waves, but watch the drift out to sea.
Wave height, next 7 daysWaves, next 7 days
Waves stay much the same all week. The biggest waves arrive on Saturday 31: 5.6 ft with a period of 6 s, from the northeast (moderate).
Water temperature
Water temperature →Water temperature changes how fish behave: in very cold or very warm water they feed less. The water is steady these days, with no sudden changes.
Water colder than normal for late October (−2.6 °F).
Satellite: NASA MUR (JPL MUR MEaSUREs, PO.DAAC), doi:10.5067/GHGMR-4FJ04. Sources and licenses
Water temperature →Forecast from Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) with models from ECMWF, NOAA, Météo-France, DWD, Copernicus Marine and CAMS. Updated at 8:58 am (local time).
Surf in South West Rocks today
Surf today
Fair- 1.7–2.7 ft surf at the shore, a fun size for most surfers
- 4.1 ft swell at 7 s from the south-southeast, short: weak, messy waves; it hits this coast at an angle
- Almost no wind (3 mph): glassy water
- First or last light of the day
- Light: First light 5:30 am · sunrise 5:55 am · sunset 7:09 pm · last light 7:34 pm
- Tide: We don’t have a reliable tide to show here.
- Water at 68.5 °F: a springsuit or a 2 mm fullsuit.
- Energy: 171 kJ · Medium power
Today’s surf at a glance
The best window, 7:00 pm to 7:34 pm, has a good size and glassy water, though with a short-period swell. 7:00 am to 9:00 am can also work, with light offshore wind, though with a short-period swell.
An estimate for this stretch of coast, not for a specific break: every beach or reef works its own way (its tide, bottom and angle). Check it when you get there.
Follow the flags and the lifeguards, and don’t paddle out if the surf is above your level: this score is a guide, not a substitute for what you see when you get there.
Diving in South West Rocks today
Diving and snorkeling today
Likely visibility: good- 2.9 ft swell at 6 s from the south-southeast: some surge on the bottom
- Almost no wind
- 0.4 mph current toward the north, weak (model)
- Sun high: more light underwater
- Slack water today: none; the tide doesn't count here
- Likely visibility: good. Swell (up to 3.1 ft at 7 s) over the last few days has stirred up the water. Based on the last 24 hours of data.
- Water at 68.5 °F: a 5 mm wetsuit.
- Snorkeling: better not, with these waves, wind or current.
- Night dive: dark from 7:34 pm. Waning gibbous (89%), rising at 10:52 pm: a bright night.
Your diving day at a glance
The best window, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, combines light wind, weak current and the sun high. Also worth a look from 5:30 am to 8:30 am, with light wind, though with current. Also worth a look from 5:30 pm to 7:10 pm, with light wind and weak current, though with some swell.
We don't have a reliable tide for South West Rocks, so slack water doesn't count in the rating.
Never dive alone and check with the local dive shop: this rating is a guide, not a substitute for a professional.
Dive sites, wrecks and dive shops nearby
Map: OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles · © OpenStreetMap contributors
Within 12 mi. Some may be missing or closed; marine reserves usually need a permit. Open the map on OpenStreetMap · Missing one? Add it to OpenStreetMap
Sites: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Weather in South West Rocks
Now in South West Rocks
- Low / high
- 53 / 73 °F
- Rain
- 0.00 in · 1%
- Clouds
- 0%
- Humidity
- 67%
- Dew pointDew point
- 55 °F
- Visibility
- 15 mi
- UV indexUV
- 4 · moderate
- Air qualityAir
- Fair · 26
- Saharan dust
- No
Pressure and fishing
- ↗ RisingRising · now Anglers say fish bite less for a while
- → SteadySteady Anglers expect normal activity
- ↘ FallingFalling Anglers say fish feed more before the change
Rising now (+0.06 inHg in 3 hours). Over the next 48 hours: −0.04 inHg. Rising pressure: anglers say fish bite less for a while. Fast changes, either way, tend to affect fishing.
Today, hour by hourHour by hour
Bars: mean wind. Dashed line: gusts. Arrows point where the wind blows to.
| Time | 12:00 am | 3:00 am | 6:00 am | 9:00 am | 12:00 pm | 3:00 pm | 6:00 pm | 9:00 pm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sky | Clear | Clear | Clear sky | Clear sky | Clear sky | Clear sky | Clear sky | Clear |
| Temperature | 59° | 54° | 56° | 66° | 73° | 71° | 68° | 62° |
| Wind (mph) | 4 SW | 6 W | 5 W | 3 W | 5 SE | 10 ESE | 6 ESE | 1 W |
| Gusts | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 22 | 15 | 4 |
| Waves | 3.1 ft | 3.3 ft | 3.4 ft | 3.4 ft | 3.3 ft | 3.6 ft | 4.2 ft | 4.7 ft |
| Rain | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in |
- 9:00 am 66° 3 W 3.4 ft
- 12:00 pm 73° 5 SE 3.3 ft
- 3:00 pm 71° 10 ESE 3.6 ft
- 6:00 pm 68° 6 ESE 4.2 ft
- 9:00 pm 62° 1 W 4.7 ft
- 12:00 am 57° 5 WNW 5.0 ft
- 3:00 am 55° 5 W 5.1 ft
- 6:00 am 55° 4 W 5.0 ft
Next 14 daysComing days
| Day | Sky | Low / high | Max wind | Max wave |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today · 29 | 53 / 73 °F | 10 mph S | 4.9 ft | |
| Fri 30 | 53 / 73 °F | 9 mph NE | 5.1 ft | |
| Sat 31 | 61 / 74 °F | 17 mph NNE | 5.6 ft | |
| Sun 1 | 64 / 79 °F | 12 mph N | 5.5 ft | |
| Mon 2 | 63 / 73 °F | 11 mph S | 3.5 ft | |
| Tue 3 | 66 / 77 °F | 9 mph N | 3.3 ft | |
| Wed 4 | 65 / 76 °F | 9 mph N | 3.1 ft | |
| Thu 5 | 62 / 84 °F | 8 mph NNW | 2.8 ft | |
| Fri 6 | 60 / 76 °F | 15 mph SW | 3.4 ft | |
| Sat 7 | 60 / 76 °F | 12 mph NE | 3.1 ft | |
| Sun 8 | 61 / 75 °F | 17 mph S | — | |
| Mon 9 | 61 / 71 °F | 12 mph SE | — | |
| Tue 10 | 58 / 75 °F | 13 mph NNE | — | |
| Wed 11 | 63 / 75 °F | 18 mph NNE | — |
- Fri 30 Overcast 53° / 73° 5.1 ft
- Sat 31 Overcast 61° / 74° 5.6 ft
- Sun 1 Heavy drizzle 64° / 79° 5.5 ft
- Mon 2 Drizzle 63° / 73° 3.5 ft
- Tue 3 Thunderstorm 66° / 77° 3.3 ft
- Wed 4 Overcast 65° / 76° 3.1 ft
- Thu 5 Light drizzle 62° / 84° 2.8 ft
Each day comes from the best model covering this spot: regional ones first (HRRR and NBM in the U.S., AROME, ICON-EU), then ECMWF; day 16, NOAA GFS. Waves: Météo-France up to day 10, then ECMWF WAM, coarser and further offshore.
- The models Partly agree · medium confidence: unsure about rain on Sunday 1. See the models →
- Outlook The next few weeks look normal for the time of year. See the outlook →
- Normal Today, cooler than normal for late October (−2.0 °F; normal high: 75 °F). Climate by month →
Forecast from Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) with models from ECMWF, NOAA, Météo-France, DWD, Copernicus Marine and CAMS. Updated at 8:58 am (local time).
The sun in South West Rocks
Sunrise and sunset
- First light 5:00 am
- Full dark 8:04 pm
- Civil dawn 5:30 am
- Civil dusk 7:34 pm
- Solar noon 12:32 pm (73° high)
- Daylight 13 h 14 min (+2 min)
- Evening golden hour 6:36 pm
- Full dark 8:04 pm
Golden hour and the day-night map
Today the sun is 92,345,850 mi away and looks 32′ 11″ across.
The moon in South West Rocks
Moon phase and position
Today the moon is 226,459 mi away and looks 32′ 47″ across.
Solunar periods
Today's activity: medium- 1:46–3:46 am Major · the moon passes overhead · high activity
- 2:18–4:18 pm Major · the moon passes underfoot · high activity
- 7:16–8:16 am Minor · moonset · medium activity
- 10:22–11:22 pm Minor · moonrise · medium activity
According to solunar theory, fish feed more when the moon passes overhead or underfoot (major periods, about 2 h) and when it rises or sets (minor periods, 1 h). It works best around new and full moon.
Upcoming moon phases
2026 moon calendar →- Last quarter Mon, Nov 2 · 7:29 amNov 2 in 4 days
- New moon Mon, Nov 9 · 6:03 pmNov 9 in 11 days
- First quarter Tue, Nov 17 · 10:48 pmNov 17 in 19 days
- Full moon Wed, Nov 25 · 1:54 amNov 25 in 27 days
Perigee on October 29, 226,426 mi away, coinciding with the spring tides from October 27 to 29: they will be stronger than usual.
Where to fish in South West Rocks
Piers, ramps and tackle shops nearby
Map: OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles · © OpenStreetMap contributors
- Jetty 1.3 mi
- Jetty 1.4 mi
- Jetty 1.7 mi
- Jetty 1.8 mi
- Back Creek Boat Ramp Facilities: 2 lanes · 11–20 trailer spaces · fish-cleaning table · lighting · free 0.6 mi
- Mattys Flat Boat Ramp Facilities: 2 lanes · 10–20 trailer spaces · restrooms · fish-cleaning table · dock · fuel · lighting · free 1.6 mi
- Trial Bay Boat Ramp Facilities: Shallow at times · 1 lane · 11–20 trailer spaces · restrooms · free 1.7 mi
- Jerseyville Boat Ramp Facilities: 1 lane · up to 10 trailer spaces · restrooms · free 2.9 mi
- Fishermans Reach Boat Ramp Facilities: Shallow at times · 1 lane · up to 10 trailer spaces · free 3.1 mi
- Stuarts Point Boat Ramp Facilities: High tide only · 2 lanes · up to 10 trailer spaces · restrooms · free · in poor condition 5.2 mi
- Summer Island Boat Ramp Facilities: 1 lane · up to 2 trailer spaces · free · in poor condition 7.5 mi
- Rocks Marine Bait & Tackle 0.1 mi
Within 9.3 mi. A spot may be missing or closed. Open the map on OpenStreetMap · Missing one? Add it to OpenStreetMap
Spots: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and Overture Maps. Boat ramp facilities: Transport for NSW (CC BY 4.0).
Water depth
Shallow, gradualShallow, gradual bottom: you need to go 1.6 mi out for 33 ft of water. It reaches 164 ft at 2.2 mi.
From the shoreline (0.3 mi from South West Rocks) out to sea, heading northeast.
How far from shore
- 16 ft deep0.95 mi
- 33 ft deep1.6 mi
- 66 ft deep1.8 mi
- 164 ft deep2.2 mi
For fishing, swimming and diving
- Shore fishing. Shallow, gradual bottom (16 ft at 0.95 mi): cast far from the beach and fish the high tide, when there is more water close in.
- Swimming. A very gentle way in with plenty of shallow water, good for kids. At low tide the water can be far out.
- Diving. Shallow near shore: you only reach 33 ft at 1.6 mi. For dives deeper than 33 ft, go by boat.
Rough estimate: here the data comes in cells of about 0.3 mi and misses details near shore (rocks, sandbars, small coves).
Source: NOAA ETOPO 2022 (CC0), cells of about 0.3 mi; depth below mean sea level. For reference only: not for navigation or anchoring.
Nearest lighthouse
Smoky Cape Lighthouse 3.8 mi southeast
- Light
- 3 white flashes every 20 s · Fl(3) W 20s
- Range
- 25 nautical miles (29 mi)
- Light height
- 420 ft above sea level
- Tower height
- 56 ft
Light details: NGA List of Lights (USA); the rest from Wikidata. For reference only: not for navigation. Wikipedia · Wikidata · Sources and licenses
Tides near South West RocksTides nearby
- Arakoon1.8 mi
- Jerseyville2.2 mi
- Kinchela8.1 mi
- Scotts Head9.9 mi
- Smithtown11 mi
- Hat Head12 mi
- Frederickton14 mi
- Nambucca Heads17 mi
- Kempsey18 mi
- Green Hill19 mi
South West Rocks at a glance
- Town or city of about 4,847 people. Coordinates: 30.886° S, 153.041° E.
- It is 232 mi northeast of Sydney, the main place in New South Wales. The sun rises 3 min earlier and sets 12 min earlier than in Sydney.
- Its coast faces east.
- Beaches and harbors nearby: Back Beach (0.7 mi), Front Beach (0.9 mi), Gap Beach (2.7 mi), North Smoky Beach (3.4 mi).
Questions about South West RocksQuestions
What time is sunset today in South West Rocks?
At 7:09 pm. There is light until the end of civil twilight, at 7:34 pm.
What time is sunrise tomorrow in South West Rocks?
At 5:54 am. First light comes at 4:59 am.
What phase is the moon today?
Waning gibbous, 89% illuminated. New moon on Mon, Nov 9 · 6:03 pm.
When are the next spring tides?
From October 27 to 29, together with the lunar perigee: they will be stronger than usual.
What are today's solunar periods?
Major 1:46–3:46 am, Minor 7:16–8:16 am, Major 2:18–4:18 pm, Minor 10:22–11:22 pm. Today's activity is medium.
What's the weather like today in South West Rocks?
Mainly clear, from 53 °F to 73 °F, with a light air from the west (3 mph) and a 1% chance of rain.
How is the sea today in South West Rocks?
Slight (Douglas 3): 3.4 ft waves with a period of 7.6 s from the south-southeast. The water is 68.7 °F.
When is the best time to visit South West Rocks?
The best time to visit South West Rocks is from September to October: highs of 72 °F to 74 °F, about 7 rainy days a month and 8 hours of sunshine a day.
Can I use this data for navigation?
No. These are predictions for fishing and leisure; for navigation, use the official publications.
Where this data comes from
Sun and moon: our own calculation with astronomy-engine. Places: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Coastline: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).