Little Blue Lake – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page provides information about the current water temperature at Little Blue Lake 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

14.4°C

Today

15.3°C

Yesterday

15.2°C

A Week Ago

The water temperature in Little Blue Lake today is 14°C.

Water Temperature in Little Blue Lake: 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

Water temperatures in Little Blue Lake 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 Little Blue Lake will be 13.9°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
Apr 28	15.8°C	13.8°C
Apr 29	15.8°C	13.8°C
Apr 30	15.2°C	13.8°C
May 1	15.8°C	13.8°C
May 2	15.8°C	13.8°C
May 3	15.2°C	13.8°C
May 4	15.2°C	13.8°C
May 5	15.3°C	13.8°C
May 6	14.4°C	13.8°C	14.4°C
May 7		13.8°C	14.3°C
May 8		13.8°C	14.3°C
May 9		13.8°C	14.2°C
May 10		13.8°C	14.1°C
May 11		13.8°C	14.0°C
May 12		13.8°C	14.0°C
May 13		13.8°C	13.9°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	14°C	18°C	24°C
February	13°C	18°C	24°C
March	13°C	17°C	21°C
April	13°C	15°C	18°C
May	11°C	14°C	16°C
June	9°C	13°C	15°C
July	9°C	13°C	15°C
August	11°C	14°C	16°C
September	11°C	14°C	16°C
October	11°C	15°C	18°C
November	11°C	17°C	21°C
December	13°C	18°C	23°C

Location & Local Information

Little Blue Lake sits in a former volcanic crater near Mount Schank and is known for its striking blue colour and clear water. Despite its appearance, the lake is consistently cold throughout the year. In summer, water temperatures typically sit around 14–17°C, which can feel quite chilly even on hot days. Spring and autumn are similar, usually ranging between 12–15°C, while winter sees temperatures drop further to about 9–12°C. Because the lake is deep and sheltered, it warms very slowly and never reaches what most people would consider warm swimming temperatures.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in Little Blue Lake is officially allowed, but it is suited only to confident swimmers who are comfortable in cold water. There are no currents or waves, but access involves a steep descent, and the cold temperature can be a shock on entry. For this reason, swims are usually short and refreshing rather than relaxed or prolonged. The water is generally clean and clear, which makes swimming appealing from a visual point of view, but safety is strongly dependent on conditions and personal experience. Overall, Little Blue Lake offers a unique cold-water swimming experience, best enjoyed in summer by strong swimmers who understand the risks and are prepared for consistently low water temperatures.

Nearby Lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current water temperature in Little Blue Lake?

The water temperature in Little Blue Lake today is 14°C.

What is the water temperature in Little Blue Lake during the summer months?

In summer, water temperatures in Little Blue Lake typically range from 13°C to 24°C.

Is it possible to swim in Little Blue Lake (South Australia)?

No — swimming at Little Blue Lake in South Australia is generally not recommended (and may be prohibited) because it’s a deep, steep‑sided sinkhole with very cold water, no lifeguards and other hidden hazards, so you must obey all signs and barriers. If you’re keen to swim, stick to supervised beaches or public pools and check with the local council for current access rules and safety advice.