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Opossum Bay – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Opossum Bay in Tasmania. 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.

Opossum Bay
Opossum Bay © By Grant Williamson, CC BY-SA 2.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

17.2°C
Today
17.1°C
Yesterday
17.5°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Opossum Bay is about 17°C.

Water Temperature in Opossum Bay: 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 February 18 to March 20

Water temperatures in Opossum Bay 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 Opossum Bay will be 16.7°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
Mar 1217.2°C17.3°C
Mar 1317.1°C17.3°C
Mar 1417.5°C17.3°C
Mar 1517.5°C17.0°C
Mar 1616.8°C17.0°C
Mar 1716.8°C16.8°C
Mar 1817.0°C17.0°C
Mar 1917.1°C17.3°C
Mar 2017.2°C17.3°C17.2°C
Mar 2116.8°C17.1°C
Mar 2217.0°C17.1°C
Mar 2317.0°C17.0°C
Mar 2416.8°C16.9°C
Mar 2517.3°C16.9°C
Mar 2616.5°C16.8°C
Mar 2717.0°C16.7°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 Opossum Bay 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

Opossum Bay sits on the shores of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel in Tasmania’s south-east, where the water is influenced by the Tasman Sea but remains relatively sheltered from heavy ocean swell. Water temperatures here are cool but more forgiving than on exposed coastlines. In summer, from December to February, the sea usually reaches around 16–19 °C, making it comfortable for swimming on warm days. Autumn brings a gradual cooling to about 14–17 °C, while winter is colder, typically around 11–13 °C. During spring, the water slowly warms again, generally sitting between 13–15 °C as conditions become more settled.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January14°C16°C19°C
February15°C17°C20°C
March15°C17°C19°C
April14°C16°C18°C
May11°C14°C17°C
June11°C13°C15°C
July10°C13°C14°C
August10°C12°C14°C
September10°C12°C14°C
October10°C12°C15°C
November11°C14°C16°C
December13°C15°C18°C

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

Opossum Bay: Weather Forecast

March 21

13°C / 19°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 80% | wind: 7 kmh

March 22

12°C / 23°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 70% | wind: 11 kmh

March 23

11°C / 13°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 67% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Musks Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
17.0°C

South Arm Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
16.2°C

Gorringes Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
17.9°C

Fort Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
17.1°C

Tyndall Beach

⭐ 2.6/5
17.2°C

Mortimer Bay

⭐ 3.1/5
16.1°C

Priscilla Park

⭐ 3.6/5
16.0°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in Opossum Bay is allowed and is very popular, especially during summer. The bay’s protected setting means calmer water, smaller waves, and safer conditions for relaxed swims, paddling, and cooling dips close to shore. Even at the height of summer, the water remains refreshing rather than warm, so many swimmers keep sessions fairly short, with wetsuits common outside peak season. Tides and boat traffic can influence conditions at times, so awareness is important. Overall, Opossum Bay offers some of the most approachable swimming conditions in southern Tasmania, particularly for those who prefer sheltered, calm water and clear summer days.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

The Wedge

⭐ 3/5
16.5°C

Rebounds

⭐ 3/5
18.3°C

Cape Direction (Hurdies)

⭐ 2/5
16.7°C

Goats Bluff

⭐ 3/5
17.6°C

Hope Beach

⭐ 3/5
18.1°C

Clifton Beach

⭐ 2/5
16.7°C

Howrah Beach

⭐ 1/5
18.2°C

Lauderdale Point

⭐ 2/5
17.6°C

Cremorne Point

⭐ 2/5
18.0°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Opossum Bay today?
Sea water temperature in Opossum Bay in the Tasman Sea today is 17°C.
What is the water temperature in Opossum Bay during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Opossum Bay typically ranges from 13°C to 20°C.
What is the water temperature in Opossum Bay during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Opossum Bay typically ranges from 11°C to 19°C.
What is the water temperature in Opossum Bay during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Opossum Bay typically ranges from 10°C to 16°C.
What is the water temperature in Opossum Bay during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Opossum Bay typically ranges from 10°C to 15°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Opossum Bay area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Opossum Bay area include: Musks Beach, South Arm Beach, Blessington Coastal Reserve, Fort Beach, Gorringes Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Opossum Bay?
Some of the closest surf spots near Opossum Bay include The Wedge, Cape Direction (Hurdies), Rebounds.