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 12°C.
Water Temperature in Great 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
While water temperatures in Great Lake declined overall during the past month, they have shown a noticeable rebound over the last week.
According to our forecast, the water temperature in Great Lake will be 14.0°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 | 11.7°C | 14.3°C | |
| Mar 13 | 11.7°C | 14.3°C | |
| Mar 14 | 11.4°C | 14.3°C | |
| Mar 15 | 11.0°C | 14.3°C | |
| Mar 16 | 12.4°C | 14.3°C | |
| Mar 17 | 12.1°C | 14.3°C | |
| Mar 18 | 11.0°C | 14.3°C | |
| Mar 19 | 11.0°C | 14.3°C | |
| Mar 20 | 12.1°C | 14.3°C | 12.1°C |
| Mar 21 | 14.3°C | 12.4°C | |
| Mar 22 | 14.3°C | 12.7°C | |
| Mar 23 | 14.3°C | 12.9°C | |
| Mar 24 | 14.3°C | 13.2°C | |
| Mar 25 | 14.3°C | 13.5°C | |
| Mar 26 | 14.3°C | 13.8°C | |
| Mar 27 | 14.3°C | 14.0°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.