Lake Bonney Riverland – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page provides information about the current water temperature at Lake Bonney Riverland in South 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 Bonney Riverland today is 14°C.
Water Temperature in Lake Bonney Riverland: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ Lake temperatures between 10 and 15°C are cold but can be manageable for short swims on sunny, warm days. Shallow areas may feel slightly warmer, while deeper sections remain cold and slow to warm up. Most swimmers keep sessions brief, and wetsuits are often used for comfort. Wind and cooler air temperatures can quickly reduce how pleasant the swim feels.
Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days
While water temperatures in Lake Bonney Riverland declined overall during the past month, they have shown a noticeable rebound over the last week.
According to our forecast, the water temperature in Lake Bonney Riverland will be 14.9°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 | 13.9°C | 14.8°C | |
| Jun 14 | 14.0°C | 14.8°C | |
| Jun 15 | 14.0°C | 14.8°C | |
| Jun 16 | 14.0°C | 14.8°C | |
| Jun 17 | 14.2°C | 14.8°C | |
| Jun 18 | 14.2°C | 14.8°C | |
| Jun 19 | 14.2°C | 14.8°C | |
| Jun 20 | 14.3°C | 14.8°C | |
| Jun 21 | 14.4°C | 14.8°C | 14.4°C |
| Jun 22 | 14.8°C | 14.5°C | |
| Jun 23 | 14.8°C | 14.6°C | |
| Jun 24 | 14.8°C | 14.6°C | |
| Jun 25 | 14.8°C | 14.7°C | |
| Jun 26 | 14.8°C | 14.8°C | |
| Jun 27 | 14.8°C | 14.9°C | |
| Jun 28 | 14.8°C | 14.9°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 | 20°C | 23°C | 28°C |
| February | 21°C | 24°C | 30°C |
| March | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C |
| April | 19°C | 21°C | 22°C |
| May | 10°C | 16°C | 20°C |
| June | 10°C | 15°C | 18°C |
| July | 10°C | 14°C | 16°C |
| August | 12°C | 15°C | 19°C |
| September | 13°C | 17°C | 22°C |
| October | 16°C | 19°C | 24°C |
| November | 18°C | 20°C | 26°C |
| December | 18°C | 22°C | 28°C |
Location & Local Information
Lake Bonney, sitting pretty right next to the town of Barmera in South Australia’s Riverland, is a massive freshwater playground that’s a real hit with the locals. When it comes to the water temperature, the lake is a proper seasonal mixed bag; during a cracking summer, the shallow, sun-drenched waters can hit a balmy 24°C to 27°C, which is absolute gold for a long afternoon soak. However, when the winter chill rolls in, the mercury takes a proper dive, often sitting between a brisk 12°C and 15°C. Because it’s relatively shallow, the sun warms it up fast, but it’ll also lose that heat just as quickly when a cold front moves through from the Bight.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming is definitely allowed and is a top-tier way to spend a weekend, with the sandy foreshore at Barmera being a legendary spot for a splash. It’s a ripper choice for families because the water is generally calm and safe, and you don’t have to worry about the salties or heavy rips you’d find at the coast. While taking a soak is fine, you’ve got to keep your wits about you regarding the water quality; since it’s a natural lake system fed by the Murray, things can get a bit murky or see a blue-green algae bloom when it’s been stinking hot for too long. As long as you check the local health signs and don't mind a bit of a wade, it’s a gold-standard spot to cool off and watch the sunset over the gums.