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Middleton – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Middleton in South Australia. You can view recent sea temperature trends on a 30-day chart, check typical monthly water temperature ranges, and compare today’s reading with historical averages for this date. The page also includes a 7-day water temperature forecast, nearby beaches with similar conditions, local weather information, and a summary of swimming conditions to help you assess how suitable the water is for swimming.

Middleton
Middleton © David Shirley

Current Sea Water Temperature

18.0°C
Today
18.1°C
Yesterday
18.1°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Middleton is about 18°C.

Water Temperature in Middleton: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

⚠️ This is cool water that may feel brisk on entry. Swimming is usually limited to short sessions, and prolonged stays can become uncomfortable without thermal protection. Many swimmers choose a wetsuit, especially for surfing or open-water swimming.

It’s important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in settled weather. When air temperatures drop below 20°C — and sometimes even below 25°C — swimming can feel uncomfortable, even when water temperatures are relatively high.

Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days

From April 6 to May 6

Water temperatures in Middleton have been gradually cooling over the past month, with a further drop recorded during the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Middleton will be 17.2°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.

Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data

Date Current Average Forecast
Apr 2818.3°C19.5°C
Apr 2918.3°C19.5°C
Apr 3018.1°C19.5°C
May 118.2°C18.5°C
May 218.1°C18.3°C
May 318.1°C18.0°C
May 418.1°C17.8°C
May 518.1°C17.5°C
May 618.0°C17.5°C18.0°C
May 717.3°C17.9°C
May 817.0°C17.8°C
May 917.3°C17.6°C
May 1017.3°C17.5°C
May 1117.0°C17.4°C
May 1216.8°C17.3°C
May 1317.5°C17.2°C

* Current - Actual water temperature value

** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years

*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast

Actual near-shore water temperatures in Middleton can vary by several degrees from the values shown, particularly after heavy rain, strong southerlies, or prolonged windy conditions. Certain wind patterns can trigger upwelling, where cooler, deeper water is pushed to the surface and replaces the warmer top layer, leading to noticeable short-term changes in water temperature.

Our water temperature forecast is produced using a proprietary mathematical model that combines real-time measurements with long-term historical patterns, local weather conditions, wind strength and direction, and air temperature specific to each coastal region. To improve accuracy, we cross-check data from nearby locations and use multiple sources, including offshore buoys, satellite-based sea surface maps, and observations provided by local authorities.

Annual Water Temperature Overview by Month

Monthly Water Temp Ranges

30°C
25°C
20°C
15°C
10°c
5°C
0°C

Annual Water Temperature Trend

Middleton sits on the open Fleurieu Peninsula coast, facing straight into the Great Australian Bight, and this exposure keeps water temperatures relatively cool year-round. In summer, the sea is usually at its warmest, typically around 18–21°C, which feels refreshing rather than warm on hot days. Autumn brings a gradual cooling to roughly 16–19°C, while winter is noticeably cold, often around 13–15°C. Spring sees a slow warm-up, with water temperatures commonly sitting between 14–17°C, influenced by sunshine, wind direction and passing weather systems.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January17°C20°C22°C
February18°C20°C22°C
March17°C20°C22°C
April16°C19°C21°C
May14°C17°C19°C
June13°C15°C17°C
July12°C14°C16°C
August11°C13°C15°C
September12°C14°C16°C
October13°C15°C17°C
November15°C17°C19°C
December16°C19°C21°C

* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.

Middleton: Weather Forecast

May 7

12°C / 13°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 68% | wind: 18 kmh

May 8

14°C / 17°C
light rain
humidity: 79% | wind: 18 kmh

May 9

13°C / 15°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 78% | wind: 11 kmh

May 10

14°C / 15°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 74% | wind: 14 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Middleton Beach

⭐ 3.8/5
17.4°C

Basham Beach

⭐ 4.6/5
19.1°C

Ladies Beach

⭐ 4.8/5
18.9°C

Ladies Bay

⭐ 2.9/5
18.7°C

Knight Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
18.1°C

Horseshoe Bay

⭐ 5.0/5
17.5°C

Green Bay

⭐ 3.8/5
17.5°C

Rocky Bay

⭐ 3.0/5
17.5°C

Port Elliot Beach

⭐ 4.4/5
16.8°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Middleton, but conditions are closely tied to surf and swell. The beach is long and open, with regular waves, strong currents and rips, making it more suitable for confident swimmers who are comfortable in surf conditions. During the warmer months, patrolled areas improve safety, and swimming between the flags is strongly recommended when available. On calmer summer days, swimming can be enjoyable despite the cooler water, while many people choose wetsuits outside peak summer to stay comfortable for longer. Overall, Middleton offers clean, energetic ocean water in a wide coastal setting, with swimming best enjoyed by those who respect the power of the Great Australian Bight.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Middleton Point

⭐ 2/5
17.4°C

Middleton Beach

⭐ 2/5
18.4°C

Bashams Bommie

⭐ 2/5
17.7°C

Frenchman's Rock (Frenchies)

⭐ 3/5
17.3°C

Chicken Run Bashams Beach

⭐ 2/5
18.3°C

Horseshoe Bay 1

⭐ 2/5
16.8°C
4 km away 📍 Beach and reef

The Dump

⭐ 2/5
18.7°C

Boomer Beach

⭐ 2/5
17.0°C

Goolwa Beach

⭐ 2/5
17.7°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Middleton today?
Sea water temperature in Middleton in the Great Australian Bight today is 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Middleton during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Middleton typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Middleton during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Middleton typically ranges from 14°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Middleton during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Middleton typically ranges from 12°C to 19°C.
What is the water temperature in Middleton during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Middleton typically ranges from 11°C to 17°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Middleton area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Middleton area include: Middleton Beach, Basham Beach, Ladies Beach, Ladies Bay, Rocky Bay.
What are the nearest surf spots to Middleton?
Some of the closest surf spots near Middleton include Middleton Point, Middleton Beach, Bashams Bommie.