Charters Towers – water temperature at Burdekin River
This page provides up-to-date information about the water temperature at Charters Towers, located on the Burdekin River in Queensland. Here you can check current conditions, view recent temperature trends, explore typical monthly ranges, and compare today’s reading with historical averages for this date. The page also includes a 7-day water temperature forecast, local weather information, and swimming conditions.
Current Water Temperature
The water temperature in Burdekin River at Charters Towers today is 22°C.
Water Temperature in Burdekin River at Charters Towers: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
✅ River water between 20 and 25°C is ideal for swimming and offers very comfortable conditions for most people. Combined with warm air temperatures and settled weather, this range is perfect for extended swims and family-friendly activities. Rivers may still feel slightly cooler than lakes due to gentle currents, which many swimmers find refreshing. Even on partly cloudy days, swimming remains enjoyable.
Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days
Water temperatures in Charters Towers have been gradually cooling over the past month, with a further drop recorded during the last week.
According to our forecast, the water temperature in Charters Towers will be 23.5°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.
Table of Daily Water Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 28 | 24.0°C | 23.7°C | |
| Apr 29 | 24.0°C | 23.7°C | |
| Apr 30 | 24.0°C | 23.7°C | |
| May 1 | 24.0°C | 23.7°C | |
| May 2 | 24.0°C | 23.7°C | |
| May 3 | 22.0°C | 23.7°C | |
| May 4 | 22.0°C | 23.7°C | |
| May 5 | 22.0°C | 23.7°C | |
| May 6 | 22.0°C | 23.7°C | 22.0°C |
| May 7 | 23.7°C | 22.2°C | |
| May 8 | 23.7°C | 22.4°C | |
| May 9 | 23.7°C | 22.6°C | |
| May 10 | 23.7°C | 22.9°C | |
| May 11 | 23.7°C | 23.1°C | |
| May 12 | 23.7°C | 23.3°C | |
| May 13 | 23.7°C | 23.5°C |
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast
Actual river water temperatures may vary by several degrees from the reported values, particularly after heavy rainfall or periods of changing weather. Rainfall, river flow rates, and runoff from cooler upstream areas can significantly affect water temperature, especially in flowing sections and shaded stretches. Air temperature and cloud cover also play an important role, with warm, sunny conditions helping rivers warm up more quickly. As a result, noticeable temperature differences can occur along the same river.
Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that takes into account real-time river temperature changes, historical data, seasonal patterns, river flow conditions, recent rainfall, and local air temperature. We also factor in broader weather conditions specific to each region of Australia to improve accuracy.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Today | Yesterday | A Week Ago |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C | 29°C | 31°C |
| February | 28°C | 30°C | 31°C |
| March | 28°C | 29°C | 31°C |
| April | 24°C | 27°C | 29°C |
| May | 22°C | 24°C | 27°C |
| June | 19°C | 21°C | 24°C |
| July | 17°C | 21°C | 25°C |
| August | 20°C | 23°C | 26°C |
| September | 22°C | 25°C | 29°C |
| October | 24°C | 27°C | 29°C |
| November | 27°C | 28°C | 31°C |
| December | 27°C | 29°C | 31°C |
Location & Local Information
Charters Towers sits inland from the coast on the upper reaches of the Burdekin River, where the climate is hot and dry for much of the year. Water temperatures here follow the tropical inland seasons. In summer, from December through March, the river around Charters Towers usually sits at about 24–30°C, warming quickly during long hot days. Spring and autumn are slightly milder, with water temperatures generally in the 20–26°C range. Winter is noticeably cooler but still far from cold, with the river often around 16–20°C, especially in deeper pools that hold water year-round. After rain, fresh inflows can cool the river briefly before it warms again.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming in the Burdekin near Charters Towers is generally allowed and does happen, mainly in the upper inland sections where crocodiles are not usually a concern. In summer, the warm water can be very inviting, particularly when air temperatures climb into the high 30s. Locals tend to swim in known, calmer pools and waterholes rather than the main channel. That said, caution is still important. Flow levels can change quickly after storms, and submerged logs, uneven bottoms and strong currents can be an issue. With local knowledge and sensible timing, swimming can be refreshing, but it’s never something to take lightly.