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
- Great Lake12°C
- Little Blue Lake19°C
- Lake Hume22°C
- Tingalpa Reservoir26°C
- Lake Bonney Riverland25°C
- Lake McKenzie25°C
- Lake Bonney SE20°C
- Blue Lake20°C
- Lake Cargelligo25°C
- Lake Ainsworth24°C
- Currimundi Lake24°C
- Avoca Lake24°C
Popular Rivers
- Gordon River15°C
- Goulburn River21°C
- Tweed River21°C
- Nerang River22°C
- Darling River24°C
- Jerrabomberra Creek19°C
- Molonglo River19°C
- Gudgenby River18°C
- Margaret River20°C
- Paroo River26°C
- Cooper Creek26°C
- Warrego River26°C