Parramatta River – current river water temperature and swimming conditions
This page shows the current river water temperature at Parramatta River in New South Wales. 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 Parramatta River today is 13°C.
Water Temperature in Parramatta River: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ River water between 10 and 15°C is cold but manageable for short swims, especially on sunny days with warm air temperatures. The moving nature of a river can make the water feel colder than the actual reading, particularly in shaded or deeper sections. Casual swimming is usually brief, with wetsuits often preferred. Windy or cool weather can significantly reduce comfort, even when the air temperature is mild.
Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days
Water temperatures in Parramatta River have been on a steady rise over the past month and have continued to climb over the last week.
According to our forecast, the water temperature in Parramatta River will be 12.1°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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15 | 12.4°C | 12.0°C | |
| Aug 16 | 12.6°C | 12.0°C | |
| Aug 17 | 12.3°C | 12.0°C | |
| Aug 18 | 12.4°C | 12.0°C | |
| Aug 19 | 12.4°C | 12.0°C | |
| Aug 20 | 12.5°C | 12.0°C | |
| Aug 21 | 12.6°C | 12.0°C | |
| Aug 22 | 12.6°C | 12.0°C | |
| Aug 23 | 12.7°C | 12.0°C | 12.7°C |
| Aug 24 | 12.0°C | 12.6°C | |
| Aug 25 | 12.0°C | 12.5°C | |
| Aug 26 | 12.0°C | 12.4°C | |
| Aug 27 | 12.0°C | 12.4°C | |
| Aug 28 | 12.0°C | 12.3°C | |
| Aug 29 | 12.0°C | 12.2°C | |
| Aug 30 | 12.0°C | 12.1°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 | 15°C | 24°C | 26°C |
| February | 21°C | 24°C | 26°C |
| March | 19°C | 22°C | 24°C |
| April | 16°C | 18°C | 20°C |
| May | 11°C | 15°C | 18°C |
| June | 10°C | 12°C | 14°C |
| July | 9°C | 11°C | 13°C |
| August | 10°C | 12°C | 14°C |
| September | 12°C | 15°C | 18°C |
| October | 16°C | 18°C | 19°C |
| November | 18°C | 20°C | 24°C |
| December | 13°C | 23°C | 25°C |
Parramatta River: Water Temperature by Location
🔗 Sydney
🔗 Rose Bay
🔗 Queens Beach
🔗 Milk Beach
🔗 Shark Beach
🔗 Parsley Bay Beach
Location & Local Information
Source Toongabbie Creek
• locationOld Toongabbie
• coordinates 33°47′56″S 150°59′47″E
Mouth Port Jackson
• location Greenwich and Birchgrove
Length 13.7 km (8.5 mi)
The Parramatta River is a legendary Sydney waterway that’s currently making a massive comeback as a local swimming hole. For years, folks only looked at it from the ferry, but things are changing fast. If you’re checking the water temperature, it’s a tropical treat in the summer, usually sitting between 23°C and 26°C. It’s perfect for a splash when the western Sydney heat is cranking. In the winter, the mercury drops down to a brisk 15°C or 18°C, so you’d want to be pretty keen (or wearing a decent steamer) to jump in then. The water is generally warmer the further east you go towards the harbour, but even up towards Parramatta, it’s rarely what you’d call freezing.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming is definitely allowed and is becoming a real staple again at designated spots like Lake Parramatta, Bayview Park, and the newly opened Bedlam Bay. The reason it’s back on the cards is thanks to a huge cleanup effort to get rid of the old industrial nasties and monitor the water quality properly. You’ve still got to be smart, though; the general rule is to steer clear for about three days after a heavy downpour because the runoff can make things a bit murky and spike the bacteria levels. As long as you stick to the netted enclosures and check the RiverWatch alerts, it’s a ripper way to cool off without trekking all the way to the coast.