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 Griffin17°C
- Lake Macquarie23°C
- Googong Reservoir17°C
- Gippsland Lakes17°C
- Lake Hume18°C
- Lake McKenzie23°C
- Lake Bonney Riverland20°C
- Wallis Lake22°C
- Lake Tinaroo24°C
- Myall Lakes21°C
- Lake Eacham24°C
- Great Lake9°C
Popular Rivers
- Hastings River23°C
- Hawkesbury River23°C
- Clarence River24°C
- Murray River19°C
- Hopkins River16°C
- Goulburn River19°C
- Parramatta River20°C
- Fitzroy River Queensland27°C
- Murrumbidgee River19°C
- Hunter River22°C
- Swan River20°C
- Molonglo River16°C