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Darwin – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Darwin in Northern Territory. 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.

Darwin
Darwin © By Hagai Agmon-Snir, CC BY-SA 4.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

27.8°C
Today
27.7°C
Yesterday
27.9°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Darwin is about 28°C.

Water Temperature in Darwin: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

✅ This is warm water that suits almost everyone. Swimming feels easy and pleasant, even for extended stays, and there is little risk of discomfort from cooling. These temperatures are ideal for family swimming, snorkelling, and most water activities, offering a good balance between comfort and refreshment.

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 Darwin 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 Darwin will be 29.9°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 1228.1°C29.8°C
Mar 1327.7°C30.3°C
Mar 1427.9°C29.8°C
Mar 1528.1°C30.3°C
Mar 1627.7°C30.0°C
Mar 1727.6°C29.5°C
Mar 1827.6°C30.0°C
Mar 1927.7°C29.8°C
Mar 2027.8°C29.8°C27.8°C
Mar 2130.0°C28.1°C
Mar 2230.3°C28.4°C
Mar 2330.5°C28.7°C
Mar 2430.5°C29.0°C
Mar 2530.8°C29.3°C
Mar 2630.8°C29.6°C
Mar 2730.8°C29.9°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 Darwin 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

Darwin sits on the Timor Sea and has a fully tropical marine climate, which means the water is warm all year round. Sea temperatures stay high regardless of season. During the wet season and build-up, roughly from November to April, the water typically ranges between 28–31°C, often feeling very warm and sometimes almost bath-like. In the dry season, from May to October, temperatures ease slightly but remain comfortable, usually around 25–27°C. Even at their coolest, Darwin’s sea temperatures are warmer than summer water in most southern parts of Australia.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January28°C31°C32°C
February27°C30°C32°C
March27°C30°C32°C
April27°C30°C32°C
May25°C29°C32°C
June23°C27°C30°C
July22°C26°C28°C
August23°C27°C29°C
September25°C28°C31°C
October24°C30°C33°C
November29°C31°C33°C
December28°C31°C33°C

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

Darwin: Weather Forecast

March 21

25°C / 29°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 82% | wind: 11 kmh

March 22

24°C / 26°C
moderate rain
humidity: 90% | wind: 32 kmh

March 23

26°C / 27°C
light rain
humidity: 83% | wind: 25 kmh

March 24

25°C / 28°C
light rain
humidity: 80% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Mindil Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
28.4°C

Cullen Bay

⭐ 3.5/5
28.3°C

Cullen Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
28.5°C

Kahlin Beach

⭐ 3.0/5
28.0°C

Nebraska Beach

⭐ 2.8/5
28.5°C

Vesteys Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
28.2°C

Lameroo Beach

⭐ 4.3/5
28.6°C

Fannie Bay

⭐ 4.2/5
26.9°C

Sunset Beach

⭐ 4.2/5
28.4°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in Darwin is allowed, but it’s highly location- and season-dependent. Open beaches are generally not recommended for swimming due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles and, in the warmer months, marine stingers. Because of this, locals tend to swim in managed areas such as the Darwin Waterfront Lagoon or during the dry season at times when risks are lower and warnings are not in place. These controlled swimming spots provide safe, calm water despite the natural hazards offshore. Wetsuits are never needed due to the warm water. Overall, Darwin offers consistently warm sea temperatures, but safe swimming relies on choosing the right locations and following local advice rather than heading straight into the open sea.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Fannie Bay

⭐ 2/5
27.4°C

Rapid Creek - Reef

⭐ 3/5
26.5°C

Rapid Creek - Beach

⭐ 3/5
26.4°C

Rapid Creek - Bar

⭐ 3/5
27.2°C

Casuarina (Darwin)

⭐ 2/5
27.1°C

Location, Type and Nearby Places

Place Tags:City

Water Temperature in Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Darwin today?
Sea water temperature in Darwin in the Timor Sea today is 28°C.
What is the water temperature in Darwin during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Darwin typically ranges from 27°C to 33°C.
What is the water temperature in Darwin during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Darwin typically ranges from 25°C to 32°C.
What is the water temperature in Darwin during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Darwin typically ranges from 24°C to 33°C.
What is the water temperature in Darwin during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Darwin typically ranges from 22°C to 30°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Darwin area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Darwin area include: Mindil Beach, Cullen Bay, Cullen Beach, Kahlin Beach, Vesteys Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Darwin?
Some of the closest surf spots near Darwin include Fannie Bay, Rapid Creek - Beach, Rapid Creek - Reef.