Jindabyne – water temperature at Snowy River
This page provides up-to-date information about the water temperature at Jindabyne, located on the Snowy River in New South Wales. Here you can check current conditions, view recent temperature trends, explore typical monthly ranges, and compare today’s reading with historical averages for this date. The page also includes a 7-day water temperature forecast, local weather information, and swimming conditions.
Current Water Temperature
The water temperature in Snowy River at Jindabyne today is 9°C.
Water Temperature in Snowy River at Jindabyne: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ River water below 10°C is very cold and generally unsuitable for swimming for most people. Even on a warm day, rivers at this temperature can quickly cause cold shock and numbness due to flowing water and shaded banks. Swimming is usually limited to brief cold dips or experienced cold-water swimmers. Overcast weather or cool air temperatures make river swimming especially uncomfortable and potentially unsafe.
Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days
Water temperatures in Jindabyne 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 Jindabyne will be 8.8°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 | 10.2°C | 9.3°C | |
| Apr 29 | 9.9°C | 9.3°C | |
| Apr 30 | 9.6°C | 9.3°C | |
| May 1 | 9.4°C | 9.3°C | |
| May 2 | 9.5°C | 9.3°C | |
| May 3 | 9.2°C | 9.3°C | |
| May 4 | 9.6°C | 9.3°C | |
| May 5 | 9.6°C | 9.3°C | |
| May 6 | 9.0°C | 9.3°C | 9.0°C |
| May 7 | 9.3°C | 9.0°C | |
| May 8 | 9.3°C | 9.0°C | |
| May 9 | 9.3°C | 8.9°C | |
| May 10 | 9.3°C | 8.9°C | |
| May 11 | 9.3°C | 8.9°C | |
| May 12 | 9.3°C | 8.9°C | |
| May 13 | 9.3°C | 8.8°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 | 17°C | 21°C | 24°C |
| February | 17°C | 20°C | 23°C |
| March | 14°C | 18°C | 21°C |
| April | 9°C | 14°C | 17°C |
| May | 4°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| June | 1°C | 7°C | 10°C |
| July | 2°C | 5°C | 8°C |
| August | 3°C | 7°C | 9°C |
| September | 6°C | 9°C | 11°C |
| October | 9°C | 13°C | 16°C |
| November | 12°C | 16°C | 20°C |
| December | 16°C | 19°C | 23°C |
Location & Local Information
Jindabyne sits high in the Snowy Mountains, close to the headwaters of the Snowy River, and the river’s water temperature reflects its alpine setting. This is cold water for most of the year. In summer, from December to February, temperatures in the Snowy near Jindabyne typically range from about 12–18°C, occasionally nudging towards 19–20°C in slow, sunlit stretches during heatwaves. Spring and autumn are cooler and changeable, with the river often sitting around 8–14°C. Winter is properly icy, commonly dropping to around 4–7°C, especially after cold nights and snowmelt. Releases from upstream storages can keep the water cooler than the air temperature suggests, even on warm days.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming in the Snowy River around Jindabyne is allowed, but it’s very much for those who don’t mind a shock. In summer, some locals and visitors do take a dip in calmer pools, mainly as a quick cool-off rather than a long swim. The water is usually clear and clean, which makes it inviting despite the cold. That said, cold shock is a real risk, and currents can be stronger than they look, with rocky beds and sudden depth changes. Choosing warm days and sheltered spots makes swimming safer, but it’s always a brisk experience.