Lake St Clair – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page provides information about the current water temperature at Lake St Clair in Tasmania. 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 St Clair today is 9°C.
Water Temperature in Lake St Clair: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
❌ Lake water below 10°C is extremely cold and generally unsuitable for swimming for most people. Even during warm weather, deep lakes retain cold water, making entry uncomfortable and limiting time in the water. Swimming at this temperature is usually limited to quick dips or cold-water enthusiasts. Cool air temperatures or cloudy conditions can make lake swimming particularly harsh.
Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days
Water temperatures in Lake St Clair 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 St Clair will be 11.1°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 8 | 11.6°C | 11.3°C | |
| Apr 9 | 10.1°C | 11.3°C | |
| Apr 10 | 10.1°C | 11.3°C | |
| Apr 11 | 10.0°C | 11.3°C | |
| Apr 12 | 11.2°C | 11.3°C | |
| Apr 13 | 10.9°C | 11.3°C | |
| Apr 14 | 9.8°C | 11.3°C | |
| Apr 15 | 9.9°C | 11.3°C | |
| Apr 16 | 9.4°C | 11.3°C | 9.4°C |
| Apr 17 | 11.3°C | 9.6°C | |
| Apr 18 | 11.3°C | 9.9°C | |
| Apr 19 | 11.3°C | 10.1°C | |
| Apr 20 | 11.3°C | 10.4°C | |
| Apr 21 | 11.3°C | 10.6°C | |
| Apr 22 | 11.3°C | 10.8°C | |
| Apr 23 | 11.3°C | 11.1°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 | 12°C | 16°C | 23°C |
| February | 12°C | 16°C | 21°C |
| March | 11°C | 14°C | 19°C |
| April | 8°C | 11°C | 16°C |
| May | 6°C | 9°C | 12°C |
| June | 5°C | 8°C | 12°C |
| July | 4°C | 7°C | 12°C |
| August | 6°C | 8°C | 12°C |
| September | 6°C | 9°C | 12°C |
| October | 8°C | 11°C | 17°C |
| November | 10°C | 14°C | 20°C |
| December | 12°C | 15°C | 21°C |
Location & Local Information
Lake St Clair is the crown jewel of Tasmania’s central highlands, famously holding the title of Australia’s deepest freshwater lake. Because it was carved out by ancient glaciers and sits high up in the alpine country, the water temperature is invigorating even when the sun is properly blazing. During a cracking summer, you’re looking at surface temperatures reaching a refreshed 15°C to 18°C. It’s the kind of chill that’ll give you a sharp wake-up call, but it's absolute gold after finishing the long haul of the Overland Track. In the winter months, the mercury takes a proper dive, often sitting between a brisk 4°C and 8°C. It’s a serious bit of cold that’ll make your heart skip a beat, so you won’t see many folks jumping in then without a very thick steamer and a fair bit of grit.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming is definitely allowed and is a legendary way to experience the sleeping water of Leeawuleena, but you’ve got to keep your wits about you. Most people stick to the sandy edge of Cynthia Bay where it’s a bit shallower and more protected. The reason it’s such a top-tier swim is the sheer purity of the water—it’s some of the cleanest you’ll ever find—but you’ve got to remember the bottom drops off like a cliff into 160-metre depths quite close to shore. There are no lifeguards on duty out here in the wilderness, so it’s best to stay close to the bank and never go for a soak alone. As long as you don't mind the Tassie tingler effect of the alpine water, it’s a gold-standard spot to wash off the dust and soak up the mountain views.