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Gibson Steps – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Gibson Steps 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.

Gibson Steps
Gibson Steps © Mikel Betelu

Current Sea Water Temperature

17.3°C
Today
17.4°C
Yesterday
18.0°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Gibson Steps is about 17°C.

Water Temperature in Gibson Steps: 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 Gibson Steps 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 Gibson Steps will be 17.3°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 1217.9°C18.5°C
Mar 1317.9°C18.8°C
Mar 1418.0°C18.3°C
Mar 1517.8°C18.0°C
Mar 1617.5°C17.8°C
Mar 1717.5°C18.3°C
Mar 1817.4°C18.3°C
Mar 1917.4°C18.0°C
Mar 2017.3°C18.0°C17.3°C
Mar 2118.8°C17.3°C
Mar 2218.5°C17.3°C
Mar 2318.0°C17.3°C
Mar 2418.5°C17.3°C
Mar 2518.5°C17.3°C
Mar 2617.5°C17.3°C
Mar 2718.0°C17.3°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 Gibson Steps 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

Gibson Steps sits beneath towering limestone cliffs on a dramatic stretch of Victoria’s far western coastline, directly exposed to the Great Australian Bight. This open-ocean position keeps water temperatures cool year-round. In summer, the sea is usually around 16–19°C, which can feel quite cold even on warm days. Autumn brings a gradual drop to roughly 14–17°C, while winter is distinctly chilly, often around 11–13°C. Spring is slow to warm, with water temperatures commonly between 12–15°C, and sudden changes are possible after strong southerly weather.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January15°C19°C21°C
February16°C19°C21°C
March16°C18°C21°C
April15°C17°C19°C
May14°C16°C18°C
June12°C15°C16°C
July11°C14°C15°C
August11°C13°C15°C
September11°C13°C15°C
October12°C14°C16°C
November13°C15°C18°C
December14°C16°C21°C

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

Gibson Steps: Weather Forecast

March 21

14°C / 19°C
clear sky
humidity: 79% | wind: 7 kmh

March 22

16°C / 22°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 64% | wind: 4 kmh

March 23

15°C / 19°C
light rain
humidity: 89% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Gibson Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
18.0°C

Gibson Steps Beach

⭐ 2.5/5
16.4°C

Twelve Apostles Beach

⭐ 2.6/5
16.5°C

Loch Ard Gorge

⭐ 3.6/5
17.9°C

Gibson Steps

⭐ 3.5/5
18.5°C

Princetown Beach

⭐ 3.2/5
16.5°C

Rivernook Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
17.6°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Gibson Steps, but it is not generally recommended for casual swimmers. The beach is narrow, with strong waves, powerful rips and rapidly changing conditions, and access is affected by tides. There are no patrols, and the cliffs limit safe exit points if conditions worsen. Most people who enter the water do so only briefly and usually in wetsuits, even during summer. Overall, Gibson Steps offers clean, wild ocean water in a spectacular setting, but swimming here is best suited to experienced ocean users who carefully assess conditions and understand the risks of this exposed Great Australian Bight coastline.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Gibson Steps

⭐ 3/5
17.3°C

Point Ronald and Princetown

⭐ 3/5
16.4°C

The Jetty

⭐ 3/5
17.6°C

Easter Reef

⭐ 4/5
16.7°C
8 km away 📍 Reef/bombora

Luna Park

⭐ 5/5
16.5°C

The Well

⭐ 3/5
17.0°C

Massacres

⭐ 3/5
17.7°C

Bay of Martyrs

⭐ 3/5
17.4°C

Johanna

⭐ 3/5
16.7°C
30 km away 📍 Beach and point

Location, Type and Nearby Places

Address: National Park, Great Ocean Rd, Port Campbell VIC 3269

Place Tags:BeachSurf Spot

Water Temperature in Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Gibson Steps today?
Sea water temperature in Gibson Steps in the Great Australian Bight today is 17°C.
What is the water temperature in Gibson Steps during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Gibson Steps typically ranges from 14°C to 21°C.
What is the water temperature in Gibson Steps during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Gibson Steps typically ranges from 14°C to 21°C.
What is the water temperature in Gibson Steps during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Gibson Steps typically ranges from 11°C to 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Gibson Steps during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Gibson Steps typically ranges from 11°C to 16°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Gibson Steps area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Gibson Steps area include: Gibson Beach, Gibson Steps Beach, Twelve Apostles Beach, Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell National Park.
What are the nearest surf spots to Gibson Steps?
Some of the closest surf spots near Gibson Steps include Gibson Steps, Point Ronald and Princetown, The Jetty.