Lake Amadeus – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page provides information about the current water temperature at Lake Amadeus in Northern Territory. 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 Lake Amadeus today is 20°C.
Water Temperature in Lake Amadeus: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ A lake temperature of 15 to 20°C is considered cool to comfortable for swimming in Australia. On warm days with light winds, this range allows for relaxed swimming, especially in shallow or sheltered areas. Comfort depends strongly on air temperature and sunshine, as cooler or overcast weather can still make the water feel chilly. This range is common during spring and early summer.
Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days
Water temperatures in Lake Amadeus 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 Lake Amadeus will be 18.0°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 28 | 24.4°C | 18.0°C | |
| Apr 29 | 24.0°C | 18.0°C | |
| Apr 30 | 23.2°C | 18.0°C | |
| May 1 | 23.2°C | 18.0°C | |
| May 2 | 21.0°C | 18.0°C | |
| May 3 | 21.0°C | 18.0°C | |
| May 4 | 21.0°C | 18.0°C | |
| May 5 | 21.0°C | 18.0°C | |
| May 6 | 19.7°C | 18.0°C | 19.7°C |
| May 7 | 18.0°C | 19.5°C | |
| May 8 | 18.0°C | 19.2°C | |
| May 9 | 18.0°C | 19.0°C | |
| May 10 | 18.0°C | 18.8°C | |
| May 11 | 18.0°C | 18.5°C | |
| May 12 | 18.0°C | 18.3°C | |
| May 13 | 18.0°C | 18.0°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 | 25°C | 28°C | 30°C |
| February | 26°C | 28°C | 30°C |
| March | 24°C | 26°C | 28°C |
| April | 20°C | 23°C | 25°C |
| May | 16°C | 18°C | 21°C |
| June | 13°C | 15°C | 18°C |
| July | 13°C | 15°C | 17°C |
| August | 14°C | 17°C | 19°C |
| September | 17°C | 20°C | 22°C |
| October | 19°C | 23°C | 26°C |
| November | 24°C | 26°C | 28°C |
| December | 25°C | 27°C | 29°C |
Location & Local Information
Lake Amadeus is a vast salt lake in central Australia, west of Uluru, and its water conditions are very different from typical freshwater lakes. For most of the year, Lake Amadeus is completely dry or covered by a salt crust. When heavy rain does arrive, usually after rare desert downpours, shallow water can temporarily collect across the lakebed. During these periods, water temperatures can warm quickly under the desert sun. In summer, any standing water may reach around 25–35°C during the day, while in spring and autumn it is more likely to sit between 18–25°C. In winter, if water is present at all, temperatures can drop to roughly 12–18°C, especially overnight.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming in Lake Amadeus is not allowed and not suitable. The lake is highly saline, with salt concentrations far higher than seawater, making swimming uncomfortable and potentially harmful to skin and eyes. The shallow water, soft mud, and uneven salt crust also create serious safety risks, including the chance of becoming stuck. In addition, water presence is unpredictable and short-lived, and access is limited due to the remote environment. Overall, Lake Amadeus is best understood as a dramatic desert landscape feature rather than a recreational water body, with water temperature being largely irrelevant to swimming due to the lake’s extreme salinity and harsh conditions.