King Island – current water temperature and swimming conditions

Water Temperature in King Island: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

⚠️ This is cool water that may feel brisk on entry. Swimming is usually limited to short sessions, and prolonged stays can become uncomfortable without thermal protection. Many swimmers choose a wetsuit, especially for surfing or open-water swimming.

It’s important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in settled weather. When air temperatures drop below 20°C — and sometimes even below 25°C — swimming can feel uncomfortable, even when water temperatures are relatively high.

Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days

Water temperatures in King Island have remained fairly stable over the past 30 days, though a cooler trend has emerged in the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in King Island will be 17.9°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.

Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data

Annual Water Temperature Overview by Month

Monthly Water Temp Ranges

30°C

25°C

20°C

15°C

10°c

5°C

0°C

Annual Water Temperature Trend

King Island lies in the western Bass Strait between Tasmania and mainland Australia, and its position gives it some of the coolest and most energetic coastal waters in the region. Sea temperatures remain low throughout the year. In summer, from December to February, the water generally reaches around 15–17 °C, which is refreshing but never truly warm. Autumn brings a gradual drop to about 13–15 °C, while winter is coldest, often sitting near 11–12 °C. Spring sees a slow recovery, with temperatures usually ranging between 12–14 °C as weather systems become more settled.