Bells Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

Water Temperature in Bells Beach: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

⚠️ This is cool water that may feel brisk on entry. Swimming is usually limited to short sessions, and prolonged stays can become uncomfortable without thermal protection. Many swimmers choose a wetsuit, especially for surfing or open-water swimming.

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 Bells Beachfell over the past month, but have levelled out during the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Bells Beach will be 16.6°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

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.