Bass Strait – Water Temperature near Australia

Bass Strait is a strait separating the island state of Tasmania from the Australian mainland. Water temperatures here are generally cooler and strongly seasonal, affecting swimming conditions and marine environments.

Jan Juc © By Peterdownunder, CC BY-SA 3.0

Current Water Temperature

16.7°C

minimum

18.7°C

average

20.3°C

maximum

The current water temperature in the Bass Strait today is within the range of 17-20°C. Thus, the average water temperature is about 19°C. Water in this range feels cool but still manageable for many swimmers. Short to moderate swims are comfortable, especially in warm weather. Some people may prefer a wetsuit for longer stays, particularly when swimming actively or outside peak summer conditions.

It’s important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in settled weather. When air temperatures drop below 20°C — and sometimes even below 25°C — swimming can feel uncomfortable, even when water temperatures are relatively high.

Sea Temperature Trends

Water Temperature Over the Last 60 Days

Over the past month, the sea water temperature has remained largely unchanged. Overall, the sea water temperature is within the range expected based on historical data for this month.

Water Temperature and Swimming Conditions by Month

Month	Min	Avg	Max
January	15°C	18.0°C	21°C
February	16°C	19.0°C	21°C
March	16°C	19.0°C	21°C
April	15°C	17.0°C	19°C
May	13°C	16.0°C	18°C
June	11°C	14.0°C	16°C
July	10°C	13.0°C	15°C
August	9°C	12.0°C	15°C
September	10°C	13.0°C	15°C
October	10°C	13.0°C	16°C
November	12°C	15.0°C	18°C
December	13°C	17.0°C	21°C

The Bass Strait separates mainland Australia from Tasmania and is known for some of the coolest coastal water temperatures in the country. Influenced by the Southern Ocean, Bass Strait waters are generally cool year-round. In winter, sea temperatures commonly sit around 10–12°C, while in summer they usually rise to about 15–18°C, with slightly warmer conditions at times along sheltered sections of the Victorian coast. Around northern Tasmania, summer temperatures often remain on the lower end of this range, reflecting the strait’s strong currents and frequent weather changes.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in Bass Strait is allowed, but it is very seasonal and suited mainly to the warmer months. Summer offers the most comfortable conditions, especially during calm weather when the sea settles and air temperatures are higher. Even then, the water can feel cold for many swimmers, and wetsuits are commonly used for longer swims or casual recreation. Outside summer, cold water and rough conditions make swimming less appealing and more challenging. Safer swimming spots are typically found in protected bays, beaches with gentle gradients, or patrolled areas. Overall, Bass Strait swimming is best described as refreshing and invigorating rather than warm, rewarding those who choose their timing and location carefully.

Australian States and Territories Along the Bass Strait

Most Viewed Place in the Bass Strait

Other Australian Seas, Oceans and Straits

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current water temperature in the Bass Strait in Australia?

The current water temperature in the Bass Strait today is within the range of 17-20°C.

What is the average water temperature by month in the Bass Strait in Australia?

Average monthly water temperatures in the Bass Strait range from about 9–11°C in the coldest winter months to around 20–21°C during the warmest summer months, making it one of the cooler marine regions in Australia.

When is the water warmest in the Bass Strait in Australia?

The warmest water temperatures in the Bass Strait usually occur from January to March, when temperatures can reach up to 21°C.

Is the water temperature suitable for swimming in the Bass Strait in Australia?

The water temperature can be suitable for swimming during the warmer months, particularly in summer. Outside this period, cooler water temperatures often make swimming less comfortable for most people.

What is the best time of year to swim in the Bass Strait in Australia?

The best time to swim in the Bass Strait is generally from January to March, when water temperatures are at their highest.

Does water temperature vary across different parts of the Bass Strait in Australia?

Yes, water temperature varies across the Bass Strait. Sheltered coastal areas may be slightly warmer, while more exposed sections experience cooler and more variable conditions.

Do you need a wetsuit to swim in the Bass Strait in Australia?

A wetsuit is commonly used outside peak summer, as water temperatures often remain below 18°C for much of the year.

Where does the water temperature data for Australia come from?

Water temperature data is collected using satellite observations, coastal monitoring stations, and long-term climate records, providing reliable monthly and seasonal averages.