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Goolwa Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Goolwa Beach in South Australia. 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.

Goolwa Beach
Goolwa Beach © Matt Overy

Current Sea Water Temperature

18.0°C
Today
18.2°C
Yesterday
18.1°C
A Week Ago

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

Water Temperature in Goolwa 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 April 6 to May 6

Water temperatures in Goolwa 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 Goolwa Beach will be 17.2°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
Apr 2818.3°C19.5°C
Apr 2918.3°C19.5°C
Apr 3018.1°C19.5°C
May 118.2°C18.5°C
May 218.1°C18.3°C
May 318.1°C18.0°C
May 418.1°C17.8°C
May 518.2°C17.5°C
May 618.0°C17.5°C18.0°C
May 717.3°C17.9°C
May 817.0°C17.8°C
May 917.3°C17.6°C
May 1017.3°C17.5°C
May 1117.0°C17.4°C
May 1216.8°C17.3°C
May 1317.5°C17.2°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 Goolwa 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

Goolwa Beach sits at the mouth of the Murray River, facing the open waters of the Great Australian Bight, and this exposed position keeps water temperatures on the cooler side for much of the year. In summer, the sea is at its warmest, usually ranging from about 18–21°C, which feels refreshing rather than warm on hot days. Autumn brings a gradual cooling to roughly 16–19°C, while winter is noticeably cold, often around 13–15°C. Spring sees a slow warm-up, with water temperatures commonly sitting between 14–17°C, influenced by winds, swell and river outflow.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January17°C20°C22°C
February18°C20°C22°C
March17°C20°C22°C
April16°C19°C21°C
May14°C17°C19°C
June13°C15°C17°C
July12°C14°C16°C
August11°C13°C15°C
September12°C14°C16°C
October13°C15°C17°C
November15°C17°C19°C
December16°C19°C21°C

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

Goolwa Beach: Weather Forecast

May 7

12°C / 13°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 68% | wind: 18 kmh

May 8

14°C / 17°C
light rain
humidity: 79% | wind: 18 kmh

May 9

13°C / 15°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 78% | wind: 11 kmh

May 10

14°C / 15°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 74% | wind: 14 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Goolwa Beach

⭐ 4.7/5
16.9°C

Middleton Beach

⭐ 3.8/5
18.0°C

Basham Beach

⭐ 4.6/5
16.9°C

Ladies Beach

⭐ 4.8/5
18.8°C

Ladies Bay

⭐ 2.9/5
18.3°C

Port Elliot Beach

⭐ 4.4/5
18.0°C

Horseshoe Bay

⭐ 5.0/5
18.0°C

Green Bay

⭐ 3.8/5
17.1°C

Rocky Bay

⭐ 3.0/5
17.9°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Goolwa Beach, but conditions need to be assessed carefully before entering the water. The beach is long and open, with regular surf, strong currents and rips that can form quickly, particularly near the river mouth. There are patrolled areas during the warmer months, and swimming between the flags is strongly advised when patrols are present. On calm summer days, swimming can be enjoyable despite the cooler water, while many people choose wetsuits outside peak summer for comfort. Overall, Goolwa Beach offers clean, energetic ocean swimming in a wide natural setting, best suited to swimmers who respect the power of the southern ocean and changing conditions.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Goolwa Beach

⭐ 2/5
16.8°C

Middleton Beach

⭐ 2/5
18.0°C

Middleton Point

⭐ 2/5
17.8°C

Bashams Bommie

⭐ 2/5
18.0°C

Frenchman's Rock (Frenchies)

⭐ 3/5
18.7°C

Chicken Run Bashams Beach

⭐ 2/5
17.4°C

Horseshoe Bay 1

⭐ 2/5
19.0°C
7 km away 📍 Beach and reef

The Dump

⭐ 2/5
17.1°C

Boomer Beach

⭐ 2/5
18.7°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Goolwa Beach today?
Sea water temperature in Goolwa Beach in the Great Australian Bight today is 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Goolwa Beach during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Goolwa Beach typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Goolwa Beach during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Goolwa Beach typically ranges from 14°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Goolwa Beach during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Goolwa Beach typically ranges from 12°C to 19°C.
What is the water temperature in Goolwa Beach during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Goolwa Beach typically ranges from 11°C to 17°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Goolwa Beach area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Goolwa Beach area include: Goolwa Beach, Middleton Beach, Basham Beach, Ladies Beach, Horseshoe Bay.
What are the nearest surf spots to Goolwa Beach?
Some of the closest surf spots near Goolwa Beach include Goolwa Beach, Middleton Beach, Middleton Point.