Barham – water temperature at Murray River
This page provides up-to-date information about the water temperature at Barham, located on the Murray River in New South Wales. Here you can check current conditions, view recent temperature trends, explore typical monthly ranges, and compare today’s reading with historical averages for this date. The page also includes a 7-day water temperature forecast, local weather information, and swimming conditions.
Current Water Temperature
The water temperature in Murray River at Barham today is 15°C.
Water Temperature in Murray River at Barham: 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
Water temperatures in Barham have been gradually cooling over the past month, with a further drop recorded during the last week.
According to our forecast, the water temperature in Barham will be 14.1°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 28 | 15.9°C | 14.0°C | |
| Apr 29 | 15.4°C | 14.0°C | |
| Apr 30 | 15.5°C | 14.0°C | |
| May 1 | 16.2°C | 14.0°C | |
| May 2 | 16.0°C | 14.0°C | |
| May 3 | 15.9°C | 14.0°C | |
| May 4 | 15.9°C | 14.0°C | |
| May 5 | 15.9°C | 14.0°C | |
| May 6 | 14.8°C | 14.0°C | 14.8°C |
| May 7 | 14.0°C | 14.7°C | |
| May 8 | 14.0°C | 14.6°C | |
| May 9 | 14.0°C | 14.5°C | |
| May 10 | 14.0°C | 14.4°C | |
| May 11 | 14.0°C | 14.3°C | |
| May 12 | 14.0°C | 14.2°C | |
| May 13 | 14.0°C | 14.1°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 | 24°C | 26°C | 27°C |
| February | 23°C | 25°C | 27°C |
| March | 9°C | 21°C | 25°C |
| April | 0°C | 13°C | 21°C |
| May | 12°C | 14°C | 16°C |
| June | 10°C | 11°C | 15°C |
| July | 8°C | 10°C | 12°C |
| August | 10°C | 11°C | 14°C |
| September | 13°C | 14°C | 16°C |
| October | 16°C | 18°C | 20°C |
| November | 18°C | 23°C | 26°C |
| December | 19°C | 25°C | 27°C |
Location & Local Information
During the scorching summer months, the river is a ripper place to cool off, with water temperatures usually sitting between a comfortable 24°C and 27°C. It’s spot on for a long soak when the sun is beating down. As the seasons shift into winter, things get a bit fresh, and the mercury in the water can drop right down to around 10°C or 12°C, which is a bit of a shock to the system if you're not used to it. Most locals reckon the best time for a dip is from late spring through to early autumn when the water has a bit of warmth in it.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming is definitely allowed and is a massive part of the local lifestyle, though you’ve got to keep your wits about you. There aren't any lifeguards on patrol, and the Murray can be a tricky beast with submerged snags like fallen red gum branches and strong currents that’ll catch you out if you're not careful. It’s a brilliant way to spend an afternoon as long as you treat the river with respect and don't go diving in headfirst. Whether you're splashing about near the sandbars or just floating downstream, it’s the best way to beat the heat in the Riverina.