Great Lake – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page provides information about the current water temperature at Great 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 Great Lake today is 7°C.
Water Temperature in Great Lake: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ Lake water below 10°C is extremely cold and generally unsuitable for swimming for most people. Even during warm weather, deep lakes retain cold water, making entry uncomfortable and limiting time in the water. Swimming at this temperature is usually limited to quick dips or cold-water enthusiasts. Cool air temperatures or cloudy conditions can make lake swimming particularly harsh.
Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days
Water temperatures in Great Lake 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 Great Lake will be 9.1°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 | 8.0°C | 9.5°C | |
| Apr 29 | 8.0°C | 9.5°C | |
| Apr 30 | 8.0°C | 9.5°C | |
| May 1 | 8.0°C | 9.5°C | |
| May 2 | 8.0°C | 9.5°C | |
| May 3 | 7.6°C | 9.5°C | |
| May 4 | 7.3°C | 9.5°C | |
| May 5 | 7.3°C | 9.5°C | |
| May 6 | 7.2°C | 9.5°C | 7.2°C |
| May 7 | 9.5°C | 7.5°C | |
| May 8 | 9.5°C | 7.8°C | |
| May 9 | 9.5°C | 8.0°C | |
| May 10 | 9.5°C | 8.3°C | |
| May 11 | 9.5°C | 8.6°C | |
| May 12 | 9.5°C | 8.9°C | |
| May 13 | 9.5°C | 9.1°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 | 13°C | 16°C | 19°C |
| February | 12°C | 16°C | 19°C |
| March | 11°C | 14°C | 18°C |
| April | 8°C | 12°C | 14°C |
| May | 6°C | 10°C | 14°C |
| June | 5°C | 8°C | 14°C |
| July | 5°C | 8°C | 14°C |
| August | 5°C | 9°C | 14°C |
| September | 6°C | 10°C | 14°C |
| October | 8°C | 12°C | 14°C |
| November | 10°C | 14°C | 17°C |
| December | 13°C | 16°C | 19°C |
Great Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Seals Shore
Reynolds Neck
Dogger Bank
Whitehorse Shore
Tods Corner
Location & Local Information
Great Lake sits high on the Central Plateau and is strongly shaped by Tasmania’s alpine climate. Water temperatures here are cool for most of the year and change slowly due to the lake’s size and elevation. In summer, the lake typically reaches around 14–18°C, which feels cold at first but can be refreshing on calm, sunny days. Spring and autumn are cooler again, usually sitting between 10–14°C. During winter, water temperatures often drop to about 6–10°C, and icy conditions are not uncommon, especially after frosty nights or snowfall in the surrounding highlands.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming in Great Lake is generally allowed, but it is not especially common. The consistently cold water limits swimming to short dips, even in summer, and conditions can change quickly with wind and weather. On still summer days, some locals and visitors do swim near sheltered shorelines, particularly during warm spells. However, strong winds can whip up waves, and cold shock is a real consideration when entering the water. In winter and cooler months, swimming is usually avoided altogether. Overall, Great Lake is better known for fishing and its dramatic highland scenery than for swimming, with water temperatures that suit only brief, invigorating swims for those comfortable with cold Tasmanian conditions.