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Clifton Springs – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Clifton Springs 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.

Clifton Springs
Clifton Springs © By Michaelbeckham, CC BY 2.5

Current Sea Water Temperature

19.4°C
Today
19.6°C
Yesterday
20.1°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Clifton Springs is about 19°C.

Water Temperature in Clifton Springs: 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

Over the past 30 days, water temperatures in Clifton Springs have generally increased, although a slight cooling trend has set in over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Clifton Springs will be 19.3°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°C19.3°C
Mar 1420.1°C18.8°C
Mar 1519.8°C19.0°C
Mar 1619.5°C19.8°C
Mar 1719.5°C19.3°C
Mar 1819.5°C18.8°C
Mar 1919.6°C18.8°C
Mar 2019.4°C18.8°C19.4°C
Mar 2118.3°C19.4°C
Mar 2218.8°C19.4°C
Mar 2319.0°C19.4°C
Mar 2418.3°C19.4°C
Mar 2519.3°C19.4°C
Mar 2619.3°C19.3°C
Mar 2718.5°C19.3°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 Clifton Springs 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

Clifton Springs sits on the western side of Port Phillip Bay, and its water temperatures reflect the bay’s relatively sheltered and shallow conditions. In summer, the water is at its warmest, usually ranging from about 19–23°C, which makes it comfortable for swimming and paddling on hot days. Autumn brings a gradual cooling to roughly 17–20°C, while winter is cooler but still milder than the open ocean, often around 13–15°C. Spring sees a steady warm-up, with water temperatures commonly sitting between 15–18°C, influenced by sunshine and local winds.

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°C13°C14°C
September11°C13°C15°C
October12°C14°C16°C
November13°C16°C18°C
December15°C17°C21°C

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

Clifton Springs: 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

Clifton Springs East

⭐ 3.6/5
20.2°C

Hermsley

⭐ 3.1/5
20.3°C

Point Richards West

⭐ 3.6/5
18.9°C

Grand Scenic Beach

⭐ 4.3/5
18.4°C

Portarlington Beach

⭐ 4.3/5
18.2°C

Portarlington Jetty

⭐ 4.6/5
19.0°C

Seabrae-Sands

⭐ 4.3/5
18.8°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Clifton Springs, although it tends to be more popular for relaxed dips rather than energetic surf swimming. The bay here is generally calm, with minimal wave action and no strong surf, making it suitable for casual swimmers and those looking for sheltered conditions. The shallow shoreline means the water can feel warmer in summer, but it can also be affected by tides and seagrass, which may limit swimming at times. Many locals swim during the warmer months when conditions are clearest. Outside peak summer, wetsuits are sometimes used for comfort. Overall, Clifton Springs offers gentle, bay-style swimming with relatively warm water by southern Victorian standards.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Raffs Beach

⭐ 3/5
19.1°C

13th Beach-The Bluff

⭐ 3/5
19.0°C

Point Lonsdale

⭐ 5/5
18.0°C
17 km away 📍 Beach and reef

13th Beach-The Beacon

⭐ 3/5
19.5°C

Quarantine

⭐ 5/5
19.9°C

Spooks

⭐ 3/5
17.9°C

Bancoora

⭐ 5/5
17.5°C

Portsea Back Beach

⭐ 3/5
18.5°C

Point Impossible

⭐ 2/5
18.3°C
24 km away 📍 Reef and point

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Clifton Springs today?
Sea water temperature in Clifton Springs in the Bass Strait today is 19°C.
What is the water temperature in Clifton Springs during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Clifton Springs typically ranges from 15°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Clifton Springs during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Clifton Springs typically ranges from 14°C to 21°C.
What is the water temperature in Clifton Springs during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Clifton Springs typically ranges from 11°C to 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Clifton Springs during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Clifton Springs typically ranges from 10°C to 16°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Clifton Springs area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Clifton Springs area include: Clifton Springs Main Beach, Clifton Springs East, Clifton Springs West Beach, Hermsley, Point Richards West.
What are the nearest surf spots to Clifton Springs?
Some of the closest surf spots near Clifton Springs include Raffs Beach, 13th Beach-The Bluff, Point Lonsdale.