Dove Lake – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page provides information about the current water temperature at Dove Lake in Tasmania. Here you can view recent temperature trends on a 30-day chart, check typical monthly water temperature ranges, and compare today’s reading with historical averages for this date. A 7-day water temperature forecast, local weather conditions, and an overview of swimming suitability are also included.
Current Water Temperature
The water temperature in Dove Lake today is 12°C.
Water Temperature in Dove Lake: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ Lake temperatures between 10 and 15°C are cold but can be manageable for short swims on sunny, warm days. Shallow areas may feel slightly warmer, while deeper sections remain cold and slow to warm up. Most swimmers keep sessions brief, and wetsuits are often used for comfort. Wind and cooler air temperatures can quickly reduce how pleasant the swim feels.
Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days
Water temperatures in Dove Lakefell over the past month, but have levelled out during the last week.
According to our forecast, the water temperature in Dove Lake will be 13.8°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 | 12.0°C | 14.0°C | |
| Mar 13 | 12.0°C | 14.0°C | |
| Mar 14 | 12.0°C | 14.0°C | |
| Mar 15 | 12.0°C | 14.0°C | |
| Mar 16 | 12.0°C | 14.0°C | |
| Mar 17 | 12.0°C | 14.0°C | |
| Mar 18 | 12.0°C | 14.0°C | |
| Mar 19 | 12.0°C | 14.0°C | |
| Mar 20 | 12.0°C | 14.0°C | 12.0°C |
| Mar 21 | 14.0°C | 12.3°C | |
| Mar 22 | 14.0°C | 12.5°C | |
| Mar 23 | 14.0°C | 12.8°C | |
| Mar 24 | 14.0°C | 13.0°C | |
| Mar 25 | 14.0°C | 13.3°C | |
| Mar 26 | 14.0°C | 13.5°C | |
| Mar 27 | 14.0°C | 13.8°C |
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast
Actual lake water temperatures may differ from the reported values by several degrees, particularly during periods of strong winds or rapid weather changes. Wind can mix surface and deeper layers in a lake, bringing cooler water to the surface, while shallow areas may warm more quickly under direct sunlight. Air temperature, sunshine, and cloud cover strongly influence how quickly a lake heats up or cools down. These factors can lead to noticeable temperature variations across different parts of the lake.
Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that considers real-time lake temperature observations, historical trends, seasonal cycles, wind strength and direction, and region-specific air temperature. To enhance accuracy, we also incorporate data from nearby monitored locations and comparable lakes within Australia.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Today | Yesterday | A Week Ago |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°C | 15°C | 20°C |
| February | 12°C | 15°C | 20°C |
| March | 12°C | 14°C | 17°C |
| April | 10°C | 12°C | 13°C |
| May | 7°C | 11°C | 13°C |
| June | 5°C | 10°C | 13°C |
| July | 5°C | 10°C | 13°C |
| August | 6°C | 10°C | 13°C |
| September | 7°C | 10°C | 13°C |
| October | 8°C | 12°C | 14°C |
| November | 11°C | 13°C | 15°C |
| December | 12°C | 14°C | 19°C |
Location & Local Information
Dove Lake is the crown jewel of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, sitting right under the craggy peaks of Cradle Mountain. Being an alpine lake tucked high up in the Tasmanian wilderness, the water temperature is invigorating at the best of times. During a cracking summer, the mercury usually only nudges up to a refreshed 14°C or 17°C, which is absolute gold for a quick splash after a long hike, but it’ll definitely give you a sharp wake-up call. In the winter months, the temperature plummets down to a brisk 2°C or 6°C, and you’ll often see snow dusting the shoreline. It’s the kind of fresh that’ll make your heart skip a beat, so most folks tend to keep their boots on or just dip a toe in for the photo op.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming is absolutely allowed and is a legendary way to cap off the Dove Lake Circuit, especially if you head over to the little pebbly beaches near the iconic boatshed. While there aren't any big salties or sharks to worry about, you’ve got to keep your wits about you because the weather up here can change faster than a magpie in spring. The water is crystal clear but can be deeper and colder than it looks, so it’s smart to stick to the shallows and keep an eye out for submerged rocks. As long as you don't mind the chill and you’re prepared for a bit of a shiver when you hop out, it’s a gold-standard spot for a wild alpine soak.