Archer River – current river water temperature and swimming conditions
This page shows the current river water temperature at Archer River in Queensland. You can explore recent temperature trends, typical monthly ranges, and historical averages for this date. The page also includes a 7-day water temperature forecast, local weather conditions, and an overview of how suitable the river is for swimming.
Current Water Temperature
The water temperature in Archer River today is 29°C.
Water Temperature in Archer River: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
✅ River temperatures above 25°C feel warm and are well suited to leisurely swimming and floating. Comfort remains high even if air temperatures are slightly cooler, though hot weather can make the water feel less refreshing. In slower-flowing rivers, very warm water may feel stagnant, especially during heatwaves. Weather conditions such as strong sun or high humidity can further influence how pleasant the swim feels.
Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days
Water temperatures in Archer Riverfell over the past month, but have levelled out during the last week.
According to our forecast, the water temperature in Archer River will be 29.9°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.
Table of Daily Water Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 12 | 29.0°C | 30.0°C | |
| Mar 13 | 29.0°C | 30.0°C | |
| Mar 14 | 29.0°C | 30.0°C | |
| Mar 15 | 29.0°C | 30.0°C | |
| Mar 16 | 29.0°C | 30.0°C | |
| Mar 17 | 29.0°C | 30.0°C | |
| Mar 18 | 29.0°C | 30.0°C | |
| Mar 19 | 29.0°C | 30.0°C | |
| Mar 20 | 29.0°C | 30.0°C | 29.0°C |
| Mar 21 | 30.0°C | 29.1°C | |
| Mar 22 | 30.0°C | 29.3°C | |
| Mar 23 | 30.0°C | 29.4°C | |
| Mar 24 | 30.0°C | 29.5°C | |
| Mar 25 | 30.0°C | 29.6°C | |
| Mar 26 | 30.0°C | 29.8°C | |
| Mar 27 | 30.0°C | 29.9°C |
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast
Actual river water temperatures may vary by several degrees from the reported values, particularly after heavy rainfall or periods of changing weather. Rainfall, river flow rates, and runoff from cooler upstream areas can significantly affect water temperature, especially in flowing sections and shaded stretches. Air temperature and cloud cover also play an important role, with warm, sunny conditions helping rivers warm up more quickly. As a result, noticeable temperature differences can occur along the same river.
Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that takes into account real-time river temperature changes, historical data, seasonal patterns, river flow conditions, recent rainfall, and local air temperature. We also factor in broader weather conditions specific to each region of Australia to improve accuracy.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Today | Yesterday | A Week Ago |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 30°C | 31°C |
| February | 30°C | 30°C | 31°C |
| March | 29°C | 30°C | 30°C |
| April | 28°C | 29°C | 30°C |
| May | 26°C | 27°C | 28°C |
| June | 25°C | 25°C | 26°C |
| July | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C |
| August | 25°C | 26°C | 27°C |
| September | 27°C | 27°C | 29°C |
| October | 29°C | 30°C | 31°C |
| November | 31°C | 31°C | 32°C |
| December | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C |
Archer River: Water Temperature by Location
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Location & Local Information
Source McIlwraith Range
• location north of Coen
• elevation 138 m (453 ft)
Mouth Gulf of Carpentaria
• location Archer Bay
• coordinates 13°25′12″S 141°43′9″E
• elevation 0 m (0 ft)
Length 268 km (167 mi)
The Archer River flows across the heart of Cape York Peninsula, draining tropical savannah country before reaching the Gulf of Carpentaria. Water temperature here is strongly influenced by the monsoonal climate. During the Wet Season, roughly from December to March, the river runs high and fast, and water temperatures are usually warm, commonly around 26–32°C. Heavy rain and fresh runoff can cool the water briefly, but once flows settle it warms quickly again. In the Dry Season, from about May to September, conditions are calmer and water temperatures generally sit between 22–28°C. Even in winter, the Archer rarely feels cold, particularly in deeper waterholes that hold water year-round.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming in the Archer River is generally allowed, but it depends very much on location, season and local knowledge. In the Dry Season, people often swim in permanent inland waterholes where the water is clear and the temperature is comfortable for more than a quick dip. However, this is crocodile country. Saltwater crocodiles are known to inhabit the river system, especially in lower reaches and after wet seasons when they move further upstream. Water quality can also decline late in the dry season, and banks are often steep or muddy. For these reasons, swimming is best limited to well-known spots and only when current local advice suggests conditions are suitable.