Darwin High & Low Tide Today
Northern Territory, Australia · Updated 2h ago · -12.4634°, 130.8456° · Australia/Darwin
© Lance Vanlewen, CC BY-SA 4.0
High & Low Tide Today in Darwin
Today's tide times for Darwin (Wednesday, October 14, 2026): low tide at 12:54 AM (-1.36 m), high tide at 6:24 AM (2.93 m), low tide at 12:55 PM (-2.77 m) and high tide at 7:11 PM (3.40 m).
- High tide today:
- 6:24 AM (2.93 m), 7:11 PM (3.40 m)
- Low tide today:
- 12:54 AM (-1.36 m), 12:55 PM (-2.77 m)
Sea level in Darwin now: about 2.36 m and rising (as of 5:00 AM local time).
Tides tomorrow in Darwin
Tomorrow (Thursday, October 15): low tide at 1:27 AM (-0.91 m), high tide at 6:48 AM (2.70 m), low tide at 1:23 PM (-2.37 m) and high tide at 7:43 PM (2.98 m).
Times are local (Australia/Darwin). Predictions from the Open-Meteo marine model — not for navigation.
Today's Beach Conditions
Tide Curve
Hourly Forecast
| Time | Tide | Temp | Rain | Wind | UV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 AM | -1.1m | 29° | 0 | 7 NW | 0 |
| 1 AM | -1.4m | 29° | 0 | 8 NW | 0 |
| 2 AM | -1.0m | 29° | 0 | 9 NW | 0 |
| 3 AM | 0.0m | 29° | 0 | 8 NW | 0 |
| 4 AM | 1.3m | 28° | 0 | 8 NW | 0 |
| 5 AM | 2.4m | 28° | 0 | 7 N | 0 |
| 6 AM | 3.0m | 28° | 0 | 10 N | 0 |
| 7 AM | 2.9m | 29° | 0 | 10 N | 1 |
| 8 AM | 2.1m | 29° | 0 | 9 N | 2 |
| 9 AM | 0.7m | 30° | 0 | 8 N | 4 |
| 10 AM | -0.7m | 31° | 0 | 8 N | 7 |
| 11 AM | -1.8m | 31° | 0 | 12 N | 8 |
| 12 PM | -2.5m | 31° | 0 | 15 N | 9 |
| 1 PM | -2.8m | 31° | 0 | 17 N | 9 |
| 2 PM | -2.4m | 31° | 0 | 17 N | 8 |
| 3 PM | -1.3m | 30° | 0.2 | 15 N | 7 |
| 4 PM | 0.3m | 30° | 0.1 | 12 N | 5 |
| 5 PM | 1.8m | 29° | 0 | 14 N | 1 |
| 6 PM | 2.9m | 29° | 0 | 9 NW | 0 |
| 7 PM | 3.4m | 30° | 0 | 10 W | 0 |
| 8 PM | 3.2m | 29° | 0 | 7 W | 0 |
| 9 PM | 2.3m | 29° | 0 | 8 SW | 0 |
| 10 PM | 1.1m | 29° | 0 | 7 W | 0 |
| 11 PM | 0.2m | 29° | 0 | 9 W | 0 |
Next 7 Days
About Darwin
Geographic Overview
Darwin sits on a broad peninsula on Australia's north coast, facing the Timor Sea to the west and north. Darwin Harbour is a large, sheltered embayment behind the city; the open coast stretches north through Casuarina Beach and Nightcliff. The coastline is dominated by tidal mudflats, mangrove systems, and rocky outcrops rather than sandy surf beaches. The broader region — Arnhem Land and the Top End — is flat, tropical, and cut by river systems that deliver significant sediment and freshwater to the coast during the wet season.
Tidal Characteristics
Darwin has one of the largest tidal ranges in Australia, regularly reaching 7–8 m during spring tides. The tidal pattern is predominantly semidiurnal with a strong diurnal inequality — the two daily high tides often differ significantly in height. This extreme range means the foreshore can shift hundreds of metres between low and high water, exposing vast tidal flats. Boat skippers and fishermen must plan carefully around tidal windows; many boat ramps become unusable for several hours around low tide.
Best Times to Visit
Darwin has two seasons: the Dry (May to October) and the Wet (November to April). The Dry season is the primary visitor period — low humidity, temperatures around 30 °C, clear skies, and calm seas. The Wet season brings intense monsoonal rain, high humidity, frequent electrical storms, and rough coastal conditions. Fishing peaks in the Dry, particularly April to June and September to October when barramundi and other species are active.
Safety Tips
Box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) and Irukandji jellyfish are present in Darwin's coastal waters from approximately November through May — the Wet season. Stings from box jellyfish can be fatal. Avoid swimming in open coastal water during this period unless at a patrolled stinger-netted enclosure. Estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles inhabit Darwin Harbour, tidal rivers, and mangrove margins year-round; heed all crocodile warning signs and never swim outside designated safe areas. UV index is extreme year-round — SPF 50+ protection is essential.
What Makes It Special
The extreme tidal range creates a dynamic coastal environment unlike anything in southern Australia. Fishing is exceptional — Darwin is a serious destination for barramundi, threadfin salmon, queenfish, and offshore pelagics. The Mindil Beach Sunset Market (Dry season, Thursday and Sunday evenings) draws large crowds to watch the sun drop into the Timor Sea. The wreck of HMAS Sydney's sister ship and the numerous WWII-era submerged aircraft in Darwin Harbour make it a notable site for wreck diving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is high tide in Darwin today?
High tide in Darwin today is at 6:24 AM (2.93 m) and 7:11 PM (3.40 m).
When is low tide in Darwin today?
Low tide in Darwin today is at 12:54 AM (-1.36 m) and 12:55 PM (-2.77 m).
What time is high tide in Darwin tomorrow?
Tomorrow (Thursday, October 15) high tide in Darwin is at 6:48 AM (2.70 m) and 7:43 PM (2.98 m).
What is the sea level in Darwin right now?
As of 5:00 AM local time, the sea level in Darwin is about 2.36 m relative to mean sea level and rising.
What's the water temperature in Darwin?
The current sea surface temperature near Darwin is approximately 30.7°C.
Is today a good beach day in Darwin?
Current conditions in Darwin: 28°C air temperature, UV index 0, wind 7 km/h. Check the detailed forecast above for the full picture.
What's the UV level in Darwin?
The current UV index in Darwin is 0. UV levels are moderate.