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Darby Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Darby Beach 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.

Darby Beach
Darby Beach © Julia B

Current Sea Water Temperature

17.9°C
Today
18.0°C
Yesterday
18.2°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Darby Beach is about 18°C.

Water Temperature in Darby Beach: 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 Darby Beach 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 Darby Beach will be 18.7°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 1218.8°C19.5°C
Mar 1318.7°C18.8°C
Mar 1418.2°C18.8°C
Mar 1518.1°C19.0°C
Mar 1618.0°C19.0°C
Mar 1717.8°C19.0°C
Mar 1817.9°C18.5°C
Mar 1918.0°C18.8°C
Mar 2017.9°C18.8°C17.9°C
Mar 2119.0°C18.0°C
Mar 2218.7°C18.1°C
Mar 2319.0°C18.2°C
Mar 2419.0°C18.3°C
Mar 2518.7°C18.5°C
Mar 2619.0°C18.6°C
Mar 2718.7°C18.7°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 Darby Beach 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

Darby Beach lies on the East Coast of Victoria within Wilsons Promontory, facing the open waters of the Bass Strait, and water temperatures here are shaped by the cool southern ocean. In summer, the sea generally warms to around 18–22 °C, which feels refreshing but comfortable for swimming on sunny days. Autumn often remains mild, with temperatures commonly between 16–20 °C, while spring is cooler at roughly 14–18 °C as the water gradually warms after winter. During winter, water temperatures typically drop to about 11–14 °C, which is cold and usually 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.

Darby Beach: 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

Cotters Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
19.0°C

Whisky Bay Beach

⭐ 4.2/5
18.1°C

Leonard Bay

⭐ 3.5/5
17.3°C

Squeaky Beach

⭐ 4.2/5
18.1°C

Norman Beach

⭐ 4.6/5
18.0°C

Tidal River

⭐ 4.2/5
17.1°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Darby Beach is allowed and can be enjoyable when conditions are settled. The wide, sandy beach offers easy access to the water, but it is fully exposed to Bass Strait swells, so waves and currents are common and can change quickly with weather and tide. This means swimming is best suited to confident swimmers, particularly in summer when the water is at its warmest and winds are lighter. On calm days, the water can be clear and inviting, offering a refreshing swim in a dramatic natural setting. In cooler months, most visitors keep swims brief or skip swimming altogether. Overall, Darby Beach offers clean water, clear seasonal temperature changes, and rewarding swimming when conditions are favourable.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Darbys (Wilsons Promontory)

⭐ 2/5
17.6°C

Buckleys Reef (Wilsons Promontory)

⭐ 2/5
17.4°C

Picnic Bay (Wilsons Promontory)

⭐ 2/5
17.1°C

Squeaky Beach (Wilsons Promontory)

⭐ 2/5
16.8°C

Norman Bay (Wilsons Promontory)

⭐ 2/5
18.4°C

Oberon Bay (Wilsons Promontory)

⭐ 2/5
18.8°C

Sealers Cove (Wilsons Promontory)

⭐ 2/5
18.6°C

Sandy Point

⭐ 2/5
18.2°C

Walkerville

⭐ 2/5
18.6°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Darby Beach today?
Sea water temperature in Darby Beach in the Bass Strait today is 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Darby Beach during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Darby Beach typically ranges from 15°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Darby Beach during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Darby Beach typically ranges from 14°C to 21°C.
What is the water temperature in Darby Beach during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Darby Beach typically ranges from 11°C to 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Darby Beach during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Darby Beach typically ranges from 10°C to 16°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Darby Beach area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Darby Beach area include: Wilsons Promonotory National Park, Cotters Beach, Whisky Bay Beach, Leonard Bay, Squeaky Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Darby Beach?
Some of the closest surf spots near Darby Beach include Darbys (Wilsons Promontory), Buckleys Reef (Wilsons Promontory), Picnic Bay (Wilsons Promontory).