Ballarat – water temperature and nearby swimming conditions
This page covers water temperature conditions in and around Ballarat in Victoria. You can check current water temperatures, review recent trends, explore typical monthly ranges, and compare today’s values with historical averages for this date. The page also includes a 7-day water temperature forecast, nearby swimming locations, and local weather conditions.
Current Water Temperature
The water temperature in Ballarat today is 12°C.
Water Temperature in Ballarat: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ River water between 10 and 15°C is cold but manageable for short swims, especially on sunny days with warm air temperatures. The moving nature of a river can make the water feel colder than the actual reading, particularly in shaded or deeper sections. Casual swimming is usually brief, with wetsuits often preferred. Windy or cool weather can significantly reduce comfort, even when the air temperature is mild.
Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days
Over the last 30 days, water temperatures in Ballarat have trended upward, with conditions remaining relatively stable over the past week.
According to our forecast, the water temperature in Ballarat will be 9.8°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15 | 12.0°C | 9.5°C | |
| Aug 16 | 12.0°C | 9.5°C | |
| Aug 17 | 12.0°C | 9.5°C | |
| Aug 18 | 12.0°C | 9.5°C | |
| Aug 19 | 12.0°C | 9.5°C | |
| Aug 20 | 12.0°C | 9.5°C | |
| Aug 21 | 12.0°C | 9.5°C | |
| Aug 22 | 12.0°C | 9.5°C | |
| Aug 23 | 12.0°C | 9.5°C | 12.0°C |
| Aug 24 | 9.5°C | 11.7°C | |
| Aug 25 | 9.5°C | 11.4°C | |
| Aug 26 | 9.5°C | 11.1°C | |
| Aug 27 | 9.5°C | 10.8°C | |
| Aug 28 | 9.5°C | 10.4°C | |
| Aug 29 | 9.5°C | 10.1°C | |
| Aug 30 | 9.5°C | 9.8°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 | 18°C | 20°C | 22°C |
| February | 16°C | 20°C | 22°C |
| March | 14°C | 17°C | 20°C |
| April | 11°C | 14°C | 16°C |
| May | 8°C | 11°C | 13°C |
| June | 6°C | 9°C | 11°C |
| July | 6°C | 8°C | 9°C |
| August | 7°C | 10°C | 12°C |
| September | 10°C | 12°C | 14°C |
| October | 12°C | 14°C | 17°C |
| November | 14°C | 17°C | 21°C |
| December | 17°C | 19°C | 25°C |
Location & Local Information
Ballarat is a historic goldfields city where the water bodies are more about the view and the rowing than taking a plunge. Lake Wendouree is the city's centerpiece, but don't go jumping in for a soak—swimming is actually not recommended there due to poor water quality and a healthy population of leeches. When the sun is cracking the flags in summer, the water in the shallow lake can warm up to around 20°C or 22°C, but it’s strictly for the boaties and the swans. During the winter, the mercury drops off a cliff, often sitting between 8°C and 11°C, making the mist over the water look a lot better from the shore with a hot coffee in hand.
Swimming Conditions
If you’re dead set on a freshwater dip in the wild, you’ll have to head about twenty minutes west to Lake Burrumbeet. It’s a massive, shallow lake where swimming is allowed, provided the blue-green algae isn't acting up. In the height of summer, the water is a ripper, usually hovering between 21°C and 24°C, though the levels can get pretty low if it’s been a dry spell. The local rivers, like the Yarrowee, aren't really for swimming as they're mostly for walking trails and wildlife. For a proper, safe swim in town, most folks stick to the heated outdoor pools at Eureka or Buninyong, as the natural lakes around here are better for a bit of fishing or a sunset stroll than a head-first dive.