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

14.6°C

Today

14.2°C

Yesterday

15.2°C

A Week Ago

The water temperature in Snowy River at Jindabyne today is 15°C.

Water Temperature in Snowy River at Jindabyne: 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

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 17.8°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
Mar 12	16.7°C	17.8°C
Mar 13	15.0°C	17.8°C
Mar 14	15.2°C	17.8°C
Mar 15	15.2°C	17.8°C
Mar 16	14.8°C	17.8°C
Mar 17	16.5°C	17.8°C
Mar 18	16.4°C	17.8°C
Mar 19	14.2°C	17.8°C
Mar 20	14.6°C	17.8°C	14.6°C
Mar 21		17.8°C	15.1°C
Mar 22		17.8°C	15.5°C
Mar 23		17.8°C	16.0°C
Mar 24		17.8°C	16.4°C
Mar 25		17.8°C	16.9°C
Mar 26		17.8°C	17.3°C
Mar 27		17.8°C	17.8°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.

Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current water temperature in Snowy River at Jindabyne?

The water temperature in Snowy River at Jindabyne today is 15°C.

What is the water temperature in Snowy River at Jindabyne during the summer months?

In summer, water temperatures in Snowy River at Jindabyne typically range from 16°C to 24°C.

Is it possible to swim in Snowy River at Jindabyne (New South Wales)?

Yes — you can swim in the Snowy River around Jindabyne, especially in calmer, designated spots and around Lake Jindabyne, but the water is alpine-fed and often very cold even in summer, with strong currents and submerged hazards in places. Always check local signage, water-quality and flow advisories, avoid swimming alone or after heavy rain, and consider a wetsuit or buoyancy aid because most areas are unpatrolled.