Australian Capital Territory – Water Temperature Overview
The Australian Capital Territory has no coastline, with water temperature data focused on rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Seasonal changes strongly influence swimming conditions in inland waters around Canberra.
Current Water Temperature in Lakes and Rivers
The Australian Capital Territory has no coastline, and all swimming takes place in inland rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Water temperatures in the ACT are strongly seasonal and closely tied to air temperature. During summer, inland water temperatures commonly range from about 18–24 °C, with shallower lakes and slower-moving sections of rivers warming more quickly on hot days. These conditions can be comfortable for swimming, particularly during heatwaves, when daytime air temperatures regularly rise well above 30 °C.
Outside the summer months, water temperatures drop quickly. In autumn, inland waters often fall below 18 °C, while winter temperatures commonly sit in the low teens or even below 10 °C in some locations. Spring brings gradual warming, but water remains cool well into early summer. Rainfall and water flow also influence swimming conditions, with higher flows after rain leading to cooler and less stable temperatures. Overall, the ACT offers a relatively short swimming season, with late spring through early autumn providing the most suitable and comfortable inland water temperatures.
Popular Lakes
- Lake Burley Griffin9°C
- Lake Macquarie15°C
- Lake Hume11°C
- Lake McKenzie17°C
- Great Lake5°C
- Lake Bonney Riverland14°C
- Lake St Clair6°C
- Lake Cootharaba17°C
- Lake Eacham18°C
- Smiths Lake14°C
- Myall Lakes15°C
- Lake Tinaroo17°C
Popular Rivers
- Hawkesbury River13°C
- Murrumbidgee River11°C
- Murray River12°C
- Derwent River6°C
- Parramatta River12°C
- Hopkins River10°C
- Swan River15°C
- Goulburn River11°C
- Karuah River12°C
- Huon River9°C
- Georges River12°C
- Brisbane River16°C