Temperature:

Your Favorite Locations:

Your favorites list is empty.

Cat Bay – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Cat Bay 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.

Cat Bay
Cat Bay © Chryshan Kurukulasuriya

Current Sea Water Temperature

18.9°C
Today
19.0°C
Yesterday
19.4°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Cat Bay is about 19°C.

Water Temperature in Cat Bay: 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 Cat Bay 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 Cat Bay will be 19.0°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 1219.1°C19.5°C
Mar 1319.3°C19.0°C
Mar 1419.4°C19.0°C
Mar 1519.2°C19.3°C
Mar 1618.8°C19.3°C
Mar 1718.6°C19.3°C
Mar 1818.6°C18.8°C
Mar 1919.0°C19.0°C
Mar 2018.9°C19.0°C18.9°C
Mar 2119.0°C18.9°C
Mar 2218.7°C18.9°C
Mar 2319.0°C18.9°C
Mar 2419.0°C18.9°C
Mar 2518.7°C19.0°C
Mar 2619.0°C19.0°C
Mar 2718.7°C19.0°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 Cat Bay 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

Cat Bay sits on the northern side of Phillip Island, looking out over the Bass Strait, and its water temperatures reflect the cooler conditions of Victoria’s southern coastline. In summer, the sea usually warms to around 18–22 °C, which feels refreshing but comfortable for swimming on warm, sunny days. Autumn often remains mild, with water temperatures commonly between 16–20 °C, while spring is cooler at roughly 14–18 °C as the water gradually warms after winter. During winter, temperatures typically drop to about 11–14 °C, which feels quite cold and generally limits swimming to short dips or those wearing wetsuits.

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
May14°C16°C18°C
June12°C14°C16°C
July10°C13°C15°C
August10°C12°C14°C
September11°C13°C15°C
October12°C14°C16°C
November14°C16°C18°C
December15°C18°C21°C

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

Cat Bay: Weather Forecast

March 21

15°C / 18°C
clear sky
humidity: 77% | wind: 14 kmh

March 22

17°C / 19°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 71% | wind: 7 kmh

March 23

17°C / 19°C
clear sky
humidity: 69% | wind: 11 kmh

March 24

18°C / 19°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 79% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Shelly

⭐ 3.6/5
20.0°C

Cowrie Bay

⭐ 3.9/5
18.0°C

Flynn Beach

⭐ 3.9/5
18.3°C

Summerland Bay

⭐ 5.0/5
19.2°C

Farm

⭐ 3.1/5
18.7°C

Woolshed

⭐ 3.1/5
19.2°C

Kitty Miller Bay

⭐ 3.9/5
18.6°C

Angelina Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
20.0°C

Thorny

⭐ 3.5/5
17.9°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in Cat Bay is allowed and is often more relaxed than on the island’s exposed southern beaches. The bay’s position provides some protection from direct Bass Strait swells, so waves are usually smaller and conditions can be calmer, especially in settled weather. This makes Cat Bay suitable for casual swimmers and families during summer, when the water is at its warmest. Conditions can still change with wind and tide, so care is needed, particularly further from shore. In cooler months, most swimmers keep sessions brief or opt for wetsuits. Overall, Cat Bay offers clean water, clear seasonal temperature changes, and accessible swimming opportunities in a quieter, more sheltered part of Phillip Island.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Right Point (Cat Bay)

⭐ 4/5
19.9°C

Cowrie Beach

⭐ 3/5
18.4°C

Left Point

⭐ 4/5
20.0°C

Cat Bay (Shelly Beach)

⭐ 4/5
17.8°C

Centre Crack

⭐ 4/5
18.3°C

Flynns Reef

⭐ 4/5
19.0°C

Summerland Bay

⭐ 2/5
19.7°C

Kitty Miller Bay

⭐ 3/5
18.6°C
4 km away 📍 Beach and point

Berrys Beach

⭐ 2/5
20.0°C

Location, Type and Nearby Places

Address: 1065 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands VIC 3922

Place Tags:BeachSurf Spot

Water Temperature in Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Cat Bay today?
Sea water temperature in Cat Bay in the Bass Strait today is 19°C.
What is the water temperature in Cat Bay during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Cat Bay typically ranges from 15°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Cat Bay during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Cat Bay typically ranges from 14°C to 21°C.
What is the water temperature in Cat Bay during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Cat Bay typically ranges from 11°C to 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Cat Bay during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Cat Bay typically ranges from 10°C to 16°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Cat Bay area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Cat Bay area include: Shelly, Summerland Bay, Cowrie Bay, Flynn Beach, Farm.
What are the nearest surf spots to Cat Bay?
Some of the closest surf spots near Cat Bay include Right Point (Cat Bay), Cat Bay (Shelly Beach), Left Point.