Lake George – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page provides information about the current water temperature at Lake George in New South Wales. 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 George today is 20°C.
Water Temperature in Lake George: 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
While water temperatures in Lake George 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 George will be 20.1°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 12 | 20.9°C | 20.0°C | |
| Mar 13 | 20.8°C | 20.0°C | |
| Mar 14 | 18.6°C | 20.0°C | |
| Mar 15 | 18.4°C | 20.0°C | |
| Mar 16 | 20.2°C | 20.0°C | |
| Mar 17 | 20.2°C | 20.0°C | |
| Mar 18 | 19.9°C | 20.0°C | |
| Mar 19 | 19.6°C | 20.0°C | |
| Mar 20 | 19.9°C | 20.0°C | 19.9°C |
| Mar 21 | 20.0°C | 19.9°C | |
| Mar 22 | 20.0°C | 20.0°C | |
| Mar 23 | 20.0°C | 20.0°C | |
| Mar 24 | 20.0°C | 20.0°C | |
| Mar 25 | 20.0°C | 20.0°C | |
| Mar 26 | 20.0°C | 20.1°C | |
| Mar 27 | 20.0°C | 20.1°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 | 23°C | 26°C |
| February | 21°C | 22°C | 25°C |
| March | 17°C | 20°C | 22°C |
| April | 12°C | 16°C | 19°C |
| May | 8°C | 11°C | 14°C |
| June | 7°C | 9°C | 12°C |
| July | 7°C | 8°C | 10°C |
| August | 7°C | 10°C | 11°C |
| September | 11°C | 13°C | 16°C |
| October | 14°C | 17°C | 21°C |
| November | 17°C | 20°C | 23°C |
| December | 19°C | 22°C | 25°C |
Location & Local Information
Lake George is a large, shallow lake east of Canberra, known for its wide open landscape and highly variable water levels. Water temperature here is strongly influenced by the inland climate and the lake’s shallowness. In summer, when the lake holds water, temperatures typically reach around 18–22°C, which can feel cool but refreshing on hot days. Spring and autumn are noticeably cooler, usually sitting between 14–18°C. During winter, water temperatures often drop to about 8–12°C, making the lake feel very cold. Because the lake is shallow, temperatures can change quickly with weather conditions, wind, and overnight cooling.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming in Lake George is generally not recommended. While swimming is not formally prohibited, the lake’s shallow depth, strong winds, and sudden temperature changes make conditions unpredictable. Water quality can also vary, particularly after rain or during periods of low water, when the lake may become muddy or saline. In addition, the lakebed can be uneven, with soft sediment that makes footing difficult. As a result, Lake George is not managed as a recreational swimming destination, and most visitors do not swim there. Overall, Lake George is better known for its scenery and birdlife than for swimming, with its cool and changeable waters limiting its suitability for safe recreational use.