Gordon River – current river water temperature and swimming conditions
This page shows the current river water temperature at Gordon 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 Gordon River today is 15°C.
Water Temperature in Gordon River: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ River water between 10 and 15°C is cold but manageable for short swims, especially on sunny days with warm air temperatures. The moving nature of a river can make the water feel colder than the actual reading, particularly in shaded or deeper sections. Casual swimming is usually brief, with wetsuits often preferred. Windy or cool weather can significantly reduce comfort, even when the air temperature is mild.
Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days
While water temperatures in Gordon River declined overall during the past month, they have shown a noticeable rebound over the last week.
According to our forecast, the water temperature in Gordon River will be 15.4°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 | 15.4°C | 15.5°C | |
| Mar 13 | 15.4°C | 15.5°C | |
| Mar 14 | 13.9°C | 15.5°C | |
| Mar 15 | 14.9°C | 15.5°C | |
| Mar 16 | 14.8°C | 15.5°C | |
| Mar 17 | 14.8°C | 15.5°C | |
| Mar 18 | 14.6°C | 15.5°C | |
| Mar 19 | 14.7°C | 15.5°C | |
| Mar 20 | 14.9°C | 15.5°C | 14.9°C |
| Mar 21 | 15.5°C | 15.0°C | |
| Mar 22 | 15.5°C | 15.1°C | |
| Mar 23 | 15.5°C | 15.1°C | |
| Mar 24 | 15.5°C | 15.2°C | |
| Mar 25 | 15.5°C | 15.3°C | |
| Mar 26 | 15.5°C | 15.4°C | |
| Mar 27 | 15.5°C | 15.4°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 | 12°C | 19°C | 23°C |
| February | 12°C | 18°C | 21°C |
| March | 10°C | 16°C | 19°C |
| April | 8°C | 12°C | 16°C |
| May | 7°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| June | 5°C | 7°C | 9°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 | 12°C | 17°C |
| November | 9°C | 15°C | 20°C |
| December | 11°C | 17°C | 21°C |
Location & Local Information
Source King William Range
• location Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
• coordinates 42°18′48″S 146°12′56″E
• elevation 570 m (1,870 ft)
Mouth Southern Ocean
• location Wrights Bay
• coordinates 42°25′57″S 145°30′25″E
• elevation 0 m (0 ft)
Length 172 km (107 mi)
The Gordon River is a proper icon of the Tasmanian wilderness, snaking through the ancient rainforests of the West Coast. Because it’s fed by the heavy rains of the rugged interior and shaded by towering Huon pines, the water temperature is invigorating even when the sun is out. During a cracking summer, you’re looking at water temperatures peaking between 15°C and 18°C, which is definitely enough to give you a sharp wake-up call. In the winter months, the mercury takes a proper dive, often sitting between a brisk 4°C and 9°C. It’s the kind of fresh that’ll make your heart skip a beat, so you won’t see many folks jumping in without a very thick steamer and a fair bit of grit.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming is technically allowed, but it’s not your average day at the beach. Most people experience the Gordon from the deck of a cruise boat because the river is deep, dark with tannins, and remote as all get-out. If you do fancy a dip, you’ve got to keep your wits about you; the current can be sneaky, and the water is often much deeper than it looks. It’s a top-notch spot for a quick, wild splash to say you’ve done it, but the main reason people stay dry is the sheer cold and the lack of sandy entries. As long as you stick to the calmer banks near Heritage Landing and don’t mind the tannin-stained chill, it’s a legendary way to feel connected to the prehistoric heart of Tassie.