Barwon Heads – current water temperature and swimming conditions

Water Temperature in Barwon Heads: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

⚠️ 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.

Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days

Water temperatures in Barwon Heads have been gradually cooling over the past month, with a further drop recorded during the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Barwon Heads will be 18.5°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.

Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data

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

Barwon Heads sits where the Barwon River meets Bass Strait, giving the town a mix of coastal and estuary swimming conditions. Sea temperatures offshore are typically cool, reflecting the influence of the Southern Ocean. In summer, the water usually ranges from about 17–20°C, which suits swimming on warm days without feeling overly warm. During autumn, temperatures ease back to roughly 15–18°C, while winter is noticeably cold, often around 12–14°C. Spring brings a gradual warm-up, with water temperatures commonly sitting between 13–16°C, depending on weather patterns and swell.