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Adelaide – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Adelaide in South Australia. You can view recent sea temperature trends on a 30-day chart, check typical monthly water temperature ranges, and compare today’s reading with historical averages for this date. The page also includes a 7-day water temperature forecast, nearby beaches with similar conditions, local weather information, and a summary of swimming conditions to help you assess how suitable the water is for swimming.

Adelaide
Adelaide © Ardash Muradian, CC BY-SA 2.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

21.1°C
Today
21.1°C
Yesterday
21.7°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Adelaide is about 21°C.

Water Temperature in Adelaide: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

✅ This water feels mild to warm and is comfortable for the majority of swimmers. Swimming is enjoyable, though longer stays may feel cooler for some people, especially in windy conditions. These temperatures are well suited to family outings and active swimming, particularly on warm days.

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.

Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days

From February 18 to March 20

Over the past 30 days, water temperatures in Adelaide have generally increased, although a slight cooling trend has set in over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Adelaide will be 20.0°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.

Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data

Date Current Average Forecast
Mar 1219.9°C20.5°C
Mar 1319.9°C21.0°C
Mar 1421.7°C21.0°C
Mar 1521.6°C20.5°C
Mar 1621.2°C20.5°C
Mar 1721.4°C20.5°C
Mar 1821.1°C20.5°C
Mar 1921.1°C20.3°C
Mar 2021.1°C20.3°C21.1°C
Mar 2119.8°C20.9°C
Mar 2220.0°C20.8°C
Mar 2320.5°C20.6°C
Mar 2419.8°C20.5°C
Mar 2519.8°C20.3°C
Mar 2619.5°C20.1°C
Mar 2719.8°C20.0°C

* Current - Actual water temperature value

** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years

*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast

Actual near-shore water temperatures in Adelaide can vary by several degrees from the values shown, particularly after heavy rain, strong southerlies, or prolonged windy conditions. Certain wind patterns can trigger upwelling, where cooler, deeper water is pushed to the surface and replaces the warmer top layer, leading to noticeable short-term changes in water temperature.

Our water temperature forecast is produced using a proprietary mathematical model that combines real-time measurements with long-term historical patterns, local weather conditions, wind strength and direction, and air temperature specific to each coastal region. To improve accuracy, we cross-check data from nearby locations and use multiple sources, including offshore buoys, satellite-based sea surface maps, and observations provided by local authorities.

Annual Water Temperature Overview by Month

Monthly Water Temp Ranges

30°C
25°C
20°C
15°C
10°c
5°C
0°C

Annual Water Temperature Trend

Adelaide sits along the eastern edge of the Great Australian Bight, and its coastal waters follow a mild but distinctly southern seasonal pattern. In summer, the sea is at its warmest and most inviting, usually ranging from about 20–23°C, which suits swimming on hot days without feeling overly warm. Autumn brings a gradual cooling to roughly 18–21°C, while winter is noticeably cooler, often around 14–16°C. Spring sees a steady warm-up, with water temperatures commonly sitting between 16–19°C, influenced by sunshine, winds and calmer weather periods.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January17°C21°C23°C
February18°C21°C23°C
March17°C20°C23°C
April16°C19°C22°C
May15°C18°C20°C
June13°C15°C17°C
July11°C13°C16°C
August11°C13°C15°C
September12°C14°C16°C
October12°C15°C18°C
November15°C17°C20°C
December16°C19°C21°C

* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.

Adelaide: Weather Forecast

March 21

20°C / 25°C
clear sky
humidity: 55% | wind: 7 kmh

March 22

20°C / 27°C
clear sky
humidity: 50% | wind: 7 kmh

March 23

23°C / 28°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 45% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Grange Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
20.8°C

Henley Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
20.9°C

Henley Beach South

⭐ 4.4/5
21.3°C

West Beach

⭐ 4.8/5
20.8°C

Tennyson Dunes

⭐ 4.6/5
20.1°C

Semaphore South Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
21.0°C

Glenelg Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
21.8°C

Glenelg North Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
22.0°C

Semaphore Main Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
20.0°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed along Adelaide’s metropolitan beaches and is a popular year-round activity, particularly during the warmer months. The coastline is generally sandy with gently sloping shores, making swimming approachable for casual swimmers when conditions are calm. Many beaches are patrolled in summer, improving safety as currents and rips can still form at times. The sheltered nature of the gulf side of the coast often results in manageable conditions compared to more exposed southern beaches. Outside peak summer, many swimmers choose wetsuits for comfort. Overall, Adelaide offers reliable and accessible swimming, with clean water and seasonal temperatures that suit regular recreational use close to the city.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Christies Reef

⭐ 3/5
19.0°C

Y-Steps

⭐ 3/5
20.1°C

South Port Adelaide

⭐ 2/5
19.6°C

Triggs Beach Adelaide

⭐ 2/5
19.6°C

Seaford Reef

⭐ 2/5
21.3°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Adelaide today?
Sea water temperature in Adelaide in the Great Australian Bight today is 21°C.
What is the water temperature in Adelaide during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Adelaide typically ranges from 16°C to 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Adelaide during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Adelaide typically ranges from 15°C to 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Adelaide during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Adelaide typically ranges from 12°C to 20°C.
What is the water temperature in Adelaide during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Adelaide typically ranges from 11°C to 17°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Adelaide area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Adelaide area include: Grange Beach, Henley Beach, Henley Beach South, West Beach, Tennyson Dunes.
What are the nearest surf spots to Adelaide?
Some of the closest surf spots near Adelaide include Christies Reef, Y-Steps, South Port Adelaide.