Lake Baghdad – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page provides information about the current water temperature at Lake Baghdad in Western Australia. 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 Baghdad today is 19°C.
Water Temperature in Lake Baghdad: 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
Over the past 30 days, water temperatures in Lake Baghdad have generally increased, although a slight cooling trend has set in over the last week.
According to our forecast, the water temperature in Lake Baghdad will be 21.5°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 7 | 19.4°C | 22.0°C | |
| Oct 8 | 18.7°C | 22.0°C | |
| Oct 9 | 19.4°C | 22.0°C | |
| Oct 10 | 19.4°C | 22.0°C | |
| Oct 11 | 20.0°C | 22.0°C | |
| Oct 12 | 19.8°C | 22.0°C | |
| Oct 13 | 19.9°C | 22.0°C | |
| Oct 14 | 19.3°C | 22.0°C | |
| Oct 15 | 19.3°C | 22.0°C | 19.3°C |
| Oct 16 | 22.0°C | 19.6°C | |
| Oct 17 | 22.0°C | 19.9°C | |
| Oct 18 | 22.0°C | 20.2°C | |
| Oct 19 | 22.0°C | 20.6°C | |
| Oct 20 | 22.0°C | 20.9°C | |
| Oct 21 | 22.0°C | 21.2°C | |
| Oct 22 | 22.0°C | 21.5°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 | 21°C | 22°C | 24°C |
| February | 21°C | 22°C | 24°C |
| March | 21°C | 22°C | 24°C |
| April | 21°C | 21°C | 21°C |
| May | 21°C | 21°C | 21°C |
| June | 21°C | 22°C | 24°C |
| July | 21°C | 22°C | 24°C |
| August | 21°C | 22°C | 24°C |
| September | 21°C | 22°C | 24°C |
| October | 21°C | 22°C | 24°C |
| November | 21°C | 22°C | 24°C |
| December | 21°C | 22°C | 24°C |
Location & Local Information
Lake Baghdad is one of the striking permanent salt lakes tucked away in the interior of Rottnest Island, or Wadjemup, just off the coast of Perth. Being a hypersaline lake, the water is significantly saltier than the surrounding Indian Ocean, which influences how it holds onto the sun's rays. During a cracking summer, the shallow waters can warm up quickly, often sitting between 24°C and 28°C. However, because it’s a salt lake, it can also get quite fresh in the winter months when the rains recharge it, with temperatures dipping to around 14°C to 18°C. It’s a real contrast to the ocean bays, as the high salt content means the water density feels different, though you’ll mostly just see the local birdlife like banded stilts enjoying a paddle.
Swimming Conditions
When it comes to having a splash, you’ve got to keep your boots on—swimming is not allowed in Lake Baghdad or any of the other salt lakes on the island. The main reason is to protect the fragile ecosystem and the important habitat it provides for migratory birds. These lakes are also hypersaline, meaning even if you did jump in, the salt would be so intense it’d give any little scratch or nick on your skin a proper sting. If you’re dead set on a soak, you’re spoilt for choice with over sixty white-sand beaches just a short bike ride away, like The Basin or Little Parakeet Bay. As it stands, Lake Baghdad is a spot for soaking up the view and snapping a few photos of the samphire flats rather than going for a head-first dive.