Derwent River – current river water temperature and swimming conditions
This page shows the current river water temperature at Derwent River in Tasmania. 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 Derwent River today is 8°C.
Water Temperature in Derwent River: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ River water below 10°C is very cold and generally unsuitable for swimming for most people. Even on a warm day, rivers at this temperature can quickly cause cold shock and numbness due to flowing water and shaded banks. Swimming is usually limited to brief cold dips or experienced cold-water swimmers. Overcast weather or cool air temperatures make river swimming especially uncomfortable and potentially unsafe.
Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days
Water temperatures in Derwent River 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 Derwent River will be 8.3°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 | 8.7°C | 8.3°C | |
| Apr 29 | 8.4°C | 8.3°C | |
| Apr 30 | 8.3°C | 8.3°C | |
| May 1 | 8.7°C | 8.3°C | |
| May 2 | 8.6°C | 8.3°C | |
| May 3 | 8.4°C | 8.3°C | |
| May 4 | 8.3°C | 8.3°C | |
| May 5 | 8.4°C | 8.3°C | |
| May 6 | 7.9°C | 8.3°C | 7.9°C |
| May 7 | 8.3°C | 8.0°C | |
| May 8 | 8.3°C | 8.0°C | |
| May 9 | 8.3°C | 8.1°C | |
| May 10 | 8.3°C | 8.1°C | |
| May 11 | 8.3°C | 8.2°C | |
| May 12 | 8.3°C | 8.2°C | |
| May 13 | 8.3°C | 8.3°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 | 15°C | 18°C | 23°C |
| February | 13°C | 18°C | 21°C |
| March | 11°C | 15°C | 19°C |
| April | 8°C | 11°C | 16°C |
| May | 6°C | 8°C | 11°C |
| June | 5°C | 6°C | 7°C |
| July | 4°C | 6°C | 7°C |
| August | 6°C | 7°C | 9°C |
| September | 6°C | 9°C | 12°C |
| October | 8°C | 11°C | 17°C |
| November | 10°C | 15°C | 20°C |
| December | 13°C | 17°C | 21°C |
Derwent River: Water Temperature by Location
Derwent Bridge
New Norfolk
Location & Local Information
Source Lake St Clair
• location Central Highlands
Mouth Storm Bay
• location Hobart
Length 239 km (149 mi)
The Derwent River, or kanamaluka, is the pride of Hobart, stretching from the central highlands down to a massive, blue estuary that meets the Southern Ocean. If you’re thinking about a dip, you’ve got to be prepared for a bit of a Tassie tingler. In the height of summer, the water temperature usually peaks around 16°C to 19°C. It’s definitely refreshing and will wake you up faster than a hot pie on a frosty morning, but on a stinking hot day, it’s absolute gold. Come winter, the mercury takes a proper dive, often sitting between a brisk 11°C and 13°C. You’ll mostly see the hardcore rowers and yachties out then, as it’s a bit fresh for a casual splash without a thick wetsuit.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming is definitely allowed and is a top-tier way to spend a weekend, with spots like Nutgrove Beach and Kingston Beach being legendary for a soak. These areas are part of the Beach Watch program, which is lucky because the river is a complex beast. The main thing to watch out for is the rain; the local council reckons you should steer clear for at least two to three days after a heavy downpour because the stormwater runoff can make the water quality a bit dodgy. There’s also the old industrial history of the river to consider, so it’s always smart to stick to the monitored sandy beaches in the lower estuary where the water is flushed out by the tide. As long as you check the latest alerts and don’t mind a bit of a chill, it’s a ripper spot to experience the Hobart coastline.