Lake Bumbunga – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page provides information about the current water temperature at Lake Bumbunga 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 Bumbunga today is 15°C.
Water Temperature in Lake Bumbunga: 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 Bumbunga 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 Bumbunga will be 12.5°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 28 | 19.2°C | 13.0°C | |
| Apr 29 | 19.3°C | 13.0°C | |
| Apr 30 | 18.2°C | 13.0°C | |
| May 1 | 18.2°C | 13.0°C | |
| May 2 | 18.1°C | 13.0°C | |
| May 3 | 18.1°C | 13.0°C | |
| May 4 | 18.1°C | 13.0°C | |
| May 5 | 18.1°C | 13.0°C | |
| May 6 | 15.4°C | 13.0°C | 15.4°C |
| May 7 | 13.0°C | 15.0°C | |
| May 8 | 13.0°C | 14.6°C | |
| May 9 | 13.0°C | 14.2°C | |
| May 10 | 13.0°C | 13.8°C | |
| May 11 | 13.0°C | 13.3°C | |
| May 12 | 13.0°C | 12.9°C | |
| May 13 | 13.0°C | 12.5°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 | 18°C | 23°C | 33°C |
| February | 15°C | 21°C | 33°C |
| March | 15°C | 19°C | 26°C |
| April | 10°C | 16°C | 24°C |
| May | 8°C | 13°C | 20°C |
| June | 6°C | 11°C | 19°C |
| July | 6°C | 10°C | 14°C |
| August | 8°C | 11°C | 13°C |
| September | 8°C | 12°C | 17°C |
| October | 9°C | 15°C | 18°C |
| November | 12°C | 17°C | 24°C |
| December | 9°C | 18°C | 32°C |
Location & Local Information
Lake Bumbunga is a shallow salt lake north of Adelaide, well known for its changing pink and white colours rather than for recreation. Water temperature here is closely tied to weather and water levels, which can vary widely. For much of the year the lake is partly dry or covered by a thin layer of salty water. When water is present in summer, temperatures can rise quickly to around 25–35°C under strong sun, especially in very shallow sections. In spring and autumn, temperatures are usually closer to 18–25°C, while in winter any standing water may cool to about 10–15°C. Because the lake is shallow and exposed, temperatures can change rapidly from day to day.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming in Lake Bumbunga is not allowed and not suitable. The lake is highly saline, with salt concentrations far higher than seawater, which can irritate skin and eyes and make swimming uncomfortable or unsafe. The soft, uneven lakebed and salt crust also pose a risk of getting bogged or injured. In addition, the lake is not managed as a recreational water body and is valued mainly for its natural and visual qualities. Overall, Lake Bumbunga is best appreciated as a unique landscape feature, with water temperature being largely irrelevant to swimming due to extreme salinity and unsuitable conditions.