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Carpenter Rocks – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Carpenter Rocks in South Australia. 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.

Carpenter Rocks
Carpenter Rocks © Phil Ackland

Current Sea Water Temperature

15.5°C
Today
15.8°C
Yesterday
16.9°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Carpenter Rocks is about 16°C.

Water Temperature in Carpenter Rocks: 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

From February 18 to March 20

Water temperatures in Carpenter Rocks 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 Carpenter Rocks will be 17.7°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 1216.8°C19.0°C
Mar 1316.7°C18.3°C
Mar 1416.9°C18.5°C
Mar 1516.0°C18.5°C
Mar 1616.0°C18.5°C
Mar 1715.6°C18.8°C
Mar 1815.6°C18.3°C
Mar 1915.8°C19.0°C
Mar 2015.5°C19.0°C15.5°C
Mar 2119.3°C15.8°C
Mar 2219.3°C16.1°C
Mar 2319.3°C16.4°C
Mar 2419.3°C16.7°C
Mar 2519.3°C17.1°C
Mar 2619.0°C17.4°C
Mar 2718.7°C17.7°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 Carpenter Rocks 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

Carpenter Rocks sits on South Australia’s far south-east coast, facing the cool waters of the Great Australian Bight, and this exposed position keeps sea temperatures fairly low throughout the year. In summer, the water reaches its most comfortable range, usually around 18–21°C, which feels cool but refreshing on warm days. Autumn brings a gradual drop to roughly 16–19°C, while winter is noticeably colder, often around 13–15°C. Spring is a slow warm-up period, with water temperatures commonly sitting between 14–17°C, depending on weather patterns and prevailing winds.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January15°C20°C23°C
February17°C20°C23°C
March17°C19°C22°C
April15°C18°C21°C
May13°C16°C18°C
June11°C14°C16°C
July10°C12°C15°C
August10°C12°C14°C
September10°C12°C14°C
October11°C14°C17°C
November14°C16°C19°C
December15°C19°C21°C

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

Carpenter Rocks: Weather Forecast

March 21

16°C / 20°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 69% | wind: 11 kmh

March 22

15°C / 20°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 66% | wind: 7 kmh

March 23

15°C / 21°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 73% | wind: 18 kmh

March 24

18°C / 24°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 67% | wind: 14 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Bucks Bay

⭐ 3.8/5
15.7°C

Gerloff Bay

⭐ 3.5/5
14.6°C

Cape Banks

⭐ 3.5/5
15.2°C

Bungaloo Bay

⭐ 2.9/5
14.6°C

Pelican Point

⭐ 2.9/5
16.2°C

Blackfellows Caves

⭐ 3.1/5
14.8°C

Admella Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
16.0°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Carpenter Rocks and is popular when conditions are calm. The town has some more sheltered areas around the bay and boat ramp, where waves are smaller and swimming is more approachable than on fully open stretches of coast. Even so, the influence of the Great Australian Bight means swell and currents can pick up quickly, so conditions should always be checked before entering the water. Outside these protected spots, swimming is better suited to confident swimmers. Wetsuits are commonly used outside peak summer to stay comfortable in the cooler water. Overall, Carpenter Rocks offers clean, clear water and decent swimming opportunities, particularly in sheltered areas during settled weather.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Carpenters Rocks

⭐ 3/5
14.9°C
2 km away 📍 Reef and bombora

Cape Northumberland

⭐ 3/5
17.2°C

Location, Type and Nearby Places

Address: District Council of Grant

Place Tags:Surf SpotCoastal Town

Water Temperature in Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Carpenter Rocks today?
Sea water temperature in Carpenter Rocks in the Great Australian Bight today is 16°C.
What is the water temperature in Carpenter Rocks during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Carpenter Rocks typically ranges from 15°C to 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Carpenter Rocks during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Carpenter Rocks typically ranges from 13°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Carpenter Rocks during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Carpenter Rocks typically ranges from 10°C to 19°C.
What is the water temperature in Carpenter Rocks during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Carpenter Rocks typically ranges from 10°C to 16°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Carpenter Rocks area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Carpenter Rocks area include: Bucks Bay, Gerloff Bay, Cape Banks, Pelican Point, Bungaloo Bay.
What are the nearest surf spots to Carpenter Rocks?
Some of the closest surf spots near Carpenter Rocks include Carpenters Rocks, Cape Northumberland.