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Bells Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Bells Beach in Victoria. 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.

Bells Beach
Bells Beach © By Michael J Fromholtz, CC BY-SA 4.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

18.5°C
Today
18.6°C
Yesterday
19.0°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Bells Beach is about 19°C.

Water Temperature in Bells Beach: 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

From February 18 to March 20

Water temperatures in Bells Beach 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 Bells Beach will be 18.7°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 1219.0°C19.3°C
Mar 1319.1°C18.8°C
Mar 1419.0°C18.8°C
Mar 1518.8°C18.8°C
Mar 1618.6°C19.3°C
Mar 1718.6°C18.8°C
Mar 1818.5°C18.5°C
Mar 1918.6°C18.8°C
Mar 2018.5°C18.8°C18.5°C
Mar 2118.8°C18.5°C
Mar 2218.3°C18.6°C
Mar 2318.0°C18.6°C
Mar 2418.5°C18.6°C
Mar 2518.8°C18.7°C
Mar 2618.8°C18.7°C
Mar 2718.8°C18.7°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 Bells Beach 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

Bells Beach sits on an exposed stretch of the Surf Coast, facing straight into Bass Strait, and that gives it some of the coolest water temperatures in the region. In summer, the sea is typically around 16–19°C, which can feel quite cold at first but is manageable on warm, sunny days. Autumn sees temperatures ease back to roughly 14–17°C, while winter is distinctly chilly, often sitting between 11–13°C. Spring brings a slow and uneven warm-up, with water temperatures usually hovering around 12–15°C and occasional cold pulses after strong southerly systems.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January15°C19°C22°C
February17°C19°C22°C
March17°C19°C21°C
April15°C18°C20°C
May13°C16°C18°C
June12°C14°C16°C
July10°C13°C15°C
August10°C13°C14°C
September11°C13°C15°C
October12°C14°C16°C
November13°C16°C18°C
December14°C17°C21°C

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

Bells Beach: Weather Forecast

March 21

15°C / 20°C
clear sky
humidity: 74% | wind: 11 kmh

March 22

17°C / 24°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 66% | wind: 4 kmh

March 23

16°C / 22°C
clear sky
humidity: 69% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Addiscot Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
17.7°C

Point Addis Beach

⭐ 4.2/5
18.1°C

Bells Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
17.5°C

Jan Juc Beach

⭐ 4.4/5
17.8°C

Torquay Surf Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
18.1°C

Rocky Point Lookout

⭐ 4.5/5
19.2°C

Cosy Corner Beach

⭐ 4.3/5
17.6°C

Anglesea Cliffs

⭐ 4.5/5
19.4°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Bells Beach, but it is not generally considered a casual swimming spot. The beach is famous for its powerful surf, strong rips and deep water close to shore, which make conditions challenging even for confident swimmers. There are limited sheltered areas, and patrols are not always present, so caution is essential. Most people entering the water do so in wetsuits, even in summer, due to the cooler temperatures and exposure. Overall, Bells Beach offers clean, open-ocean water in a dramatic setting, but swimming here is best suited to experienced ocean users who understand and respect the demanding conditions.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Jarosite Reef

⭐ 3/5
17.9°C

Southside

⭐ 3/5
18.7°C
1 km away 📍 Reef and point

Centreside

⭐ 4/5
18.9°C
1 km away 📍 Reef and point

Bells Beach - Bowl

⭐ 4/5
18.7°C
1 km away 📍 Reef and point

Bells Beach - Rincon

⭐ 5/5
17.5°C
1 km away 📍 Reef and point

Winki Pop

⭐ 4/5
17.5°C
2 km away 📍 Reef and point

Steps

⭐ 2/5
19.0°C

Point Addis

⭐ 4/5
17.6°C

Boobs

⭐ 2/5
18.3°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Bells Beach today?
Sea water temperature in Bells Beach in the Bass Strait today is 19°C.
What is the water temperature in Bells Beach during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Bells Beach typically ranges from 14°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Bells Beach during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Bells Beach typically ranges from 13°C to 21°C.
What is the water temperature in Bells Beach during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Bells Beach typically ranges from 11°C to 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Bells Beach during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Bells Beach typically ranges from 10°C to 16°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Bells Beach area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Bells Beach area include: Addiscot Beach, Point Addis Beach, Bells Beach, Point Addis Marine National Park, Jan Juc Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Bells Beach?
Some of the closest surf spots near Bells Beach include Bells Beach - Rincon, Southside, Centreside.