Cooper Creek – current river water temperature and swimming conditions
This page shows the current river water temperature at Cooper Creek in Australia. You can explore recent temperature trends, typical monthly ranges, and historical averages for this date. The page also includes a 7-day water temperature forecast, local weather conditions, and an overview of how suitable the river is for swimming.
Current Water Temperature
The water temperature in Cooper Creek today is 25°C.
Water Temperature in Cooper Creek: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
✅ River temperatures above 25°C feel warm and are well suited to leisurely swimming and floating. Comfort remains high even if air temperatures are slightly cooler, though hot weather can make the water feel less refreshing. In slower-flowing rivers, very warm water may feel stagnant, especially during heatwaves. Weather conditions such as strong sun or high humidity can further influence how pleasant the swim feels.
Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days
Water temperatures in Cooper Creek 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 Cooper Creek will be 25.8°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 12 | 27.1°C | 26.5°C | |
| Mar 13 | 26.9°C | 26.5°C | |
| Mar 14 | 25.5°C | 26.5°C | |
| Mar 15 | 25.5°C | 26.5°C | |
| Mar 16 | 26.6°C | 26.5°C | |
| Mar 17 | 26.6°C | 26.5°C | |
| Mar 18 | 23.3°C | 26.5°C | |
| Mar 19 | 23.3°C | 26.5°C | |
| Mar 20 | 25.3°C | 26.5°C | 25.3°C |
| Mar 21 | 26.5°C | 25.4°C | |
| Mar 22 | 26.5°C | 25.5°C | |
| Mar 23 | 26.5°C | 25.5°C | |
| Mar 24 | 26.5°C | 25.6°C | |
| Mar 25 | 26.5°C | 25.7°C | |
| Mar 26 | 26.5°C | 25.8°C | |
| Mar 27 | 26.5°C | 25.8°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 | 22°C | 28°C | 32°C |
| February | 22°C | 28°C | 31°C |
| March | 20°C | 27°C | 31°C |
| April | 16°C | 20°C | 26°C |
| May | 13°C | 16°C | 19°C |
| June | 12°C | 14°C | 15°C |
| July | 11°C | 13°C | 14°C |
| August | 13°C | 16°C | 19°C |
| September | 16°C | 18°C | 20°C |
| October | 19°C | 23°C | 26°C |
| November | 21°C | 25°C | 28°C |
| December | 23°C | 27°C | 30°C |
Cooper Creek: Water Temperature by Location
Innamincka
Location & Local Information
The Cooper Creek is one of Australia’s classic outback waterways, spreading across vast floodplains rather than flowing as a single, constant channel. Water temperature here is heavily shaped by extreme inland conditions. In summer, from December to February, temperatures in permanent waterholes often sit around 26–32°C, and during prolonged heat they can feel very warm, especially in shallow edges. Spring and autumn are a bit kinder, with water temperatures generally in the 20–26°C range when fresh flows are present. Winter brings cooler conditions, but even then the water usually stays around 14–18°C, particularly in deeper holes that hold water year-round. Because Cooper Creek is intermittent, temperatures can vary sharply between flooded periods and dry years.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming in Cooper Creek is generally allowed, but it’s very much a case of knowing where and when. Most swimming happens in permanent waterholes near settlements or well-known camping spots. In summer, the warm water can be inviting, especially after a long hot day in the outback. However, conditions demand caution. Water quality can decline during long dry spells, and algae can sometimes be an issue. There are also steep banks, soft mud, submerged timber and wildlife to consider. With good local advice and by sticking to trusted waterholes, swimming can be refreshing, but it’s never something to approach casually in this part of Australia.