Lake Barrine – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page provides information about the current water temperature at Lake Barrine in Queensland. 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

17.0°C

Today

17.0°C

Yesterday

17.0°C

A Week Ago

The water temperature in Lake Barrine today is 17°C.

Water Temperature in Lake Barrine: 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 Barrinefell over the past month, but have levelled out during the last week.

According to our forecast, the water temperature in Lake Barrine will be 16.1°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
Jun 13	17.0°C	16.0°C
Jun 14	17.0°C	16.0°C
Jun 15	17.0°C	16.0°C
Jun 16	17.0°C	16.0°C
Jun 17	17.0°C	16.0°C
Jun 18	17.0°C	16.0°C
Jun 19	17.0°C	16.0°C
Jun 20	17.0°C	16.0°C
Jun 21	17.0°C	16.0°C	17.0°C
Jun 22		16.0°C	16.9°C
Jun 23		16.0°C	16.8°C
Jun 24		16.0°C	16.6°C
Jun 25		16.0°C	16.5°C
Jun 26		16.0°C	16.4°C
Jun 27		16.0°C	16.3°C
Jun 28		16.0°C	16.1°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	27°C
February	21°C	21°C	22°C
March	19°C	21°C	23°C
April	17°C	18°C	19°C
May	16°C	17°C	20°C
June	16°C	16°C	17°C
July	15°C	17°C	18°C
August	18°C	19°C	21°C
September	21°C	22°C	23°C
October	23°C	24°C	25°C
November	21°C	25°C	27°C
December	22°C	24°C	27°C

Location & Local Information

Lake Barrine sits on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland and is a volcanic crater lake surrounded by dense rainforest. Despite the tropical latitude, its elevation keeps water temperatures moderate rather than hot. In summer, Lake Barrine typically sits around 22–26°C, which feels comfortable and refreshing without being overly warm. Spring and autumn usually fall in the 20–24°C range, while winter water temperatures tend to cool slightly to about 18–21°C. Because the lake is deep and sheltered, temperatures remain fairly stable and don’t fluctuate sharply from day to night.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in Lake Barrine is generally allowed, but it is not the lake’s main draw. The water is fresh, calm, and free from currents or waves, which technically makes it suitable for swimming. However, the lake is better known for canoeing, walking tracks, and its natural setting, so swimming is relatively quiet and low-key. In warmer months, some visitors do enjoy a short swim, especially in settled weather. After heavy rain, the water can feel cooler and visibility may reduce slightly. Overall, Lake Barrine offers safe but understated swimming opportunities, best suited to relaxed dips in warm weather rather than long or energetic swims, with its appeal lying more in its peaceful rainforest atmosphere than active water recreation.

Nearby Lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current water temperature in Lake Barrine?

The water temperature in Lake Barrine today is 17°C.

What is the water temperature in Lake Barrine during the summer months?

In summer, water temperatures in Lake Barrine typically range from 21°C to 27°C.

Is it possible to swim in Lake Barrine (Queensland)?

Yes — people do swim in Lake Barrine; it’s a freshwater crater lake in the Atherton Tablelands and offers a pleasant, informal swimming spot, but you should always follow park signage and any advice from rangers. The water tends to be cool year‑round (refreshing in summer) and, being freshwater, marine stingers aren’t a concern, though you should still supervise children, check conditions and take care on slippery edges.