Surf Beach in Narooma on the NSW South Coast.

Best time to visit Narooma

Whether you’re coming to the South Coast to escape the city, relax on quiet beaches or even swim with the local seals, we recommend visiting during the late summer months, from mid-January until the end of February. For the majority of activities in Narooma, you’ll want the best weather possible and this is when you’ll get it.

Best time to visit Narooma for great weather

With summer temperatures hovering in the low- to mid-20s, the weather in Narooma doesn’t often get too hot. Being far down the coast, days with temperatures over 30 degrees are actually quite rare. That means you can go out and enjoy the beaches, coastal walks and outdoor eateries without breaking much of a sweat.

Although the driest months are July, August and September, we still believe a summertime visit is best in this area.

Admittedly, we haven’t stayed in Narooma during the winter, but we have visited other parts of the South coast (including Jervis Bay, Ulladulla and Merimbula) and much preferred them in the warmer months.

MonthMaximum Temperature (Celcius)Minimum Temperature (Celcius)
January23.716.8
February23.716.8
March22.915.5
April21.213.2
May19.010.3
June16.98.2
July16.46.9
August17.17.5
September18.79.2
October19.711.4
November20.813.4
December22.115.3
Source: Elder’s Weather
A seal playing in the clear-blue water in Narooma on the South Coast of New South Wales.
Image: Alex Keshen

Narooma weather in summer: Our favourite time to visit

With our Narooma hit list being beaches, seal swims and coastal walks, summer was the time to visit. As we mentioned above, temperatures around here only reach the low- to mid-20s. If it’s any colder, getting in the water would have been a bit tougher.

Also, some of the dining venues we went to (including The Farmer’s Daughter) only had outdoor seating, which is much more pleasant in warmer weather.

(Okay, admitedly this is the only time of year we’ve visited. But, considering it was just perfect, we’ll probably aim to return during the summer before trying out a different season.)

✅ We’ve been this time of year!

Narooma weather in autumn

In early autumn, you’ll probably get temperatures that are similar enough to summer and the water shouldn’t have cooled down too much. So, if you’re thinking of an Easter getaway to Narooma, it’s still a lovely time to visit. You may just need an extra layer or two, especially for the evenings.

A big draw during the autumn months though is the Narooma Oyster Festival. The next one is 2-3 May, 2025 and will feature live music, local eats, cooking demonstrations, fireworks and, of course, plenty of oysters. Now, this is something that would get us into town outside of summer.

Narooma weather in winter

Narooma gets a bit chilly in the winter, with temperatures only reaching the low- to mid-teens during the day and dipping into the single digits at night.

Some tour operators do shut down in the winter months. So, if you have your heart set on any specific adventures, it’s worth double checking before you book your trip.

Narooma weather in spring

With temperatures starting to warm up, but water temperatures still chilly, spring may be a good time to visit if you’re not keen on swimming. If you are though, there is a perk of visiting in the spring. According to Underwater Safaris, humpback whales pass by Barunguba Montague Island from September to November. (If you’re not planning on joining a seal swim, you can still go out to the island on a tour.)

Montague Island as seen from the water.
Image: Alex Keshen

Best time to visit Narooma for attractions

Swimming with seals

Our favourite thing to do in Narooma is actually available year-round. But, we’re babies when it comes to cold water, so visiting in the summer when both the air and sea is at its peak, was the best time to visit.

No matter what time of year you go, you will get a pretty thick wetsuit. And you’re going to need it. Even when we joined a tour in late January we were very grateful to have the extra layer.

Some operators close down in winter, too. Here’s a sample of which operators run year round and which ones don’t:

  • Montague Island Adventures (November to June)
  • Narooma Charters (year-round)
  • Underwater Safaris (year-round)

Fishing

Although fishing isn’t our thing, it is a popular activity in Narooma. We saw plenty of locals fishing off the walkway along the Mill Bay Boardwalk. There’s also a few companies offering fishing charters in the area, including Narooma Charters and Charter Fish Narooma.

We did come across Fishing Booker website (where you can also book tours) with some helpful data around which months you can find which fish. November to January do seem to offer the greatest range in the greatest numbers of fish.

Oyster Festival

Narooma’s annual oyster festival takes place every May. It attracts local farmers, musicians, food producers and plenty more to the area for a weekend-long homage to the delicious mollusc.


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