Murrumbidgee River – current river water temperature and swimming conditions
This page shows the current river water temperature at Murrumbidgee River in Australia. You can explore recent temperature trends, typical monthly ranges, and historical averages for this date. The page also includes a 7-day water temperature forecast, local weather conditions, and an overview of how suitable the river is for swimming.
Current Water Temperature
The water temperature in Murrumbidgee River today is 18°C.
Water Temperature in Murrumbidgee River: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ A river temperature of 15 to 20°C is generally considered cool to comfortable for swimming in Australia. On warm, calm days, this range allows for relaxed swimming and longer time in the water. Comfort depends heavily on air temperature and sunshine, as cooler weather can still make the water feel chilly. This range is popular for river swimming during spring and early autumn.
Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days
Over the past 30 days, water temperatures in Murrumbidgee River have generally increased, although a slight cooling trend has set in over the last week.
According to our forecast, the water temperature in Murrumbidgee River will be 18.1°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 7 | 18.9°C | 18.0°C | |
| Oct 8 | 18.8°C | 18.0°C | |
| Oct 9 | 18.9°C | 18.0°C | |
| Oct 10 | 18.2°C | 18.0°C | |
| Oct 11 | 17.5°C | 18.0°C | |
| Oct 12 | 18.4°C | 18.0°C | |
| Oct 13 | 18.1°C | 18.0°C | |
| Oct 14 | 19.2°C | 18.0°C | |
| Oct 15 | 18.4°C | 18.0°C | 18.4°C |
| Oct 16 | 18.0°C | 18.4°C | |
| Oct 17 | 18.0°C | 18.3°C | |
| Oct 18 | 18.0°C | 18.3°C | |
| Oct 19 | 18.0°C | 18.2°C | |
| Oct 20 | 18.0°C | 18.2°C | |
| Oct 21 | 18.0°C | 18.1°C | |
| Oct 22 | 18.0°C | 18.1°C |
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast
Actual river water temperatures may vary by several degrees from the reported values, particularly after heavy rainfall or periods of changing weather. Rainfall, river flow rates, and runoff from cooler upstream areas can significantly affect water temperature, especially in flowing sections and shaded stretches. Air temperature and cloud cover also play an important role, with warm, sunny conditions helping rivers warm up more quickly. As a result, noticeable temperature differences can occur along the same river.
Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that takes into account real-time river temperature changes, historical data, seasonal patterns, river flow conditions, recent rainfall, and local air temperature. We also factor in broader weather conditions specific to each region of Australia to improve accuracy.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Today | Yesterday | A Week Ago |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22°C | 24°C | 26°C |
| February | 23°C | 24°C | 26°C |
| March | 20°C | 22°C | 25°C |
| April | 15°C | 18°C | 21°C |
| May | 11°C | 13°C | 16°C |
| June | 7°C | 10°C | 12°C |
| July | 8°C | 9°C | 10°C |
| August | 8°C | 11°C | 14°C |
| September | 12°C | 14°C | 16°C |
| October | 16°C | 18°C | 20°C |
| November | 18°C | 21°C | 24°C |
| December | 22°C | 24°C | 25°C |
Murrumbidgee River: Water Temperature by Location
Pine Island Reserve
🔗 Narrandera
Markeys Beach
Island Beach
Broad Beach
Lamonts Beach
Bikini Beach
Long Beach
Horn Beach
Middle Beach
Ski Beach
Coly Ski Beach
Jones Beach
Macca's Beach
Point Beach
Waradgery Beach
Lady Jane Beach
Reserve Beach
Darlington Point
Dolans Beach
Alfies Beach
Beaumont Beach
🔗 Hay
Macca Island
🔗 Balranald
Kohlhagens Beach
🔗 Wagga Wagga
🔗 Gundagai
Location & Local Information
Source Peppercorn Hill
• location Snowy Mountains, NSW
• coordinates 35°35′7″S 148°36′5″E
• elevation 1,560 m (5,120 ft)
Mouth confluence with Murray River
• location near Boundary Bend, NSW/Vic
• coordinates 34°43′43″S 143°13′8″E
• elevation 55 m (180 ft)
Length 1,485 km (923 mi)
The Murrumbidgee River runs through a big slice of southern New South Wales and is a major inland waterway, shaped by both natural flows and upstream dams. Water temperature here changes a fair bit across the year. In summer, especially from December to February, temperatures commonly sit around 20–25°C, and in slower or shallower sections they can creep a little higher during heatwaves. Spring and autumn are more moderate, usually in the 15–20°C range, while winter water temperatures often drop to about 8–12°C, feeling quite brisk even on a sunny day. Releases from dams can sometimes keep the water cooler than you’d expect for the air temperature, particularly upstream.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming in the Murrumbidgee is generally allowed and quite popular in many local spots, especially around towns and established river beaches. In summer, the water temperature is usually comfortable enough for a proper swim, not just a quick dip. That said, conditions can vary a lot from place to place. Strong currents, sudden drop-offs, cold releases from dams and submerged snags mean it’s important to choose known, calmer areas and avoid swimming after heavy rain. With a bit of local knowledge and common sense, the Murrumbidgee offers plenty of opportunities to cool off during the warmer months.