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Parsons Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Parsons Beach 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.

Parsons Beach
Parsons Beach © Andrew Lesty

Current Sea Water Temperature

14.0°C
Today
13.9°C
Yesterday
14.0°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Parsons Beach is about 14°C.

Water Temperature in Parsons Beach: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

⚠️ Water at this temperature feels cold and is generally suitable only for brief immersion. Swimming without a wetsuit can quickly become uncomfortable, and exposure time is usually short. These conditions are mainly suitable for experienced swimmers or those using proper thermal gear.

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 July 23 to August 22

Water temperatures in Parsons Beachfell over the past month, but have levelled out during the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Parsons Beach will be 13.7°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
Aug 1413.9°C13.3°C
Aug 1513.9°C13.3°C
Aug 1614.0°C13.5°C
Aug 1714.0°C13.5°C
Aug 1814.0°C13.3°C
Aug 1914.0°C13.5°C
Aug 2014.0°C13.5°C
Aug 2113.9°C13.3°C
Aug 2214.0°C13.3°C14.0°C
Aug 2313.3°C14.0°C
Aug 2413.5°C13.9°C
Aug 2513.5°C13.9°C
Aug 2613.3°C13.8°C
Aug 2713.5°C13.8°C
Aug 2813.5°C13.7°C
Aug 2913.5°C13.7°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 Parsons Beach 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

Parsons Beach sits along the southern coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, facing the open waters of the Great Australian Bight, and its water temperatures reflect this exposed southern ocean environment. In summer, the sea is at its warmest, usually ranging from about 18–21°C, which feels refreshing but still cool on hot days. Autumn brings a gradual cooling to roughly 16–19°C, while winter is noticeably cold, often around 13–15°C. Spring warms slowly, 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
August12°C14°C15°C
September12°C14°C16°C
October13°C15°C17°C
November14°C17°C19°C
December16°C19°C21°C

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

Parsons Beach: Weather Forecast

August 23

11°C / 17°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 70% | wind: 7 kmh

August 24

12°C / 16°C
light rain
humidity: 86% | wind: 11 kmh

August 25

8°C / 13°C
clear sky
humidity: 83% | wind: 14 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Parsons Beach

⭐ 3.0/5
14.2°C

Coolawang Beach

⭐ 2.5/5
14.6°C

Waitpinga Beach

⭐ 4.2/5
12.9°C

Waitpinga Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
14.4°C

Ballaparudda Beach

⭐ 3.7/5
15.1°C

Callawonga Beach

⭐ 3.7/5
14.2°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Parsons Beach, but it is best suited to experienced and confident swimmers. The beach is open and energetic, with regular surf, strong rips and shifting sandbars that can make conditions challenging. There are no permanent patrols, so entering the water requires careful judgement and an understanding of local conditions. On calm summer days, short swims can be enjoyable despite the cooler water, while many swimmers choose wetsuits outside peak summer to stay comfortable. Overall, Parsons Beach offers clean, powerful ocean water in a natural setting, with swimming that rewards awareness and respect for the southern ocean.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Parsons Beach

⭐ 2/5
14.2°C
1 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Waitpinga

⭐ 1/5
14.7°C
2 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Tunkalilla

⭐ 2/5
13.1°C

Petrel Cove

⭐ 2/5
13.6°C
13 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Victor Harbour (Shark Alley)

⭐ 3/5
12.9°C

Dump Beach

⭐ 2/5
13.9°C
19 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Chiton Rocks

⭐ 2/5
13.9°C

Boomer Beach

⭐ 2/5
14.6°C

Horseshoe Bay 1

⭐ 2/5
14.0°C
22 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Parsons Beach today?
Sea water temperature in Parsons Beach in the Great Australian Bight today is 14°C.
What is the water temperature in Parsons Beach during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Parsons Beach typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Parsons Beach during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Parsons Beach typically ranges from 14°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Parsons Beach during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Parsons Beach typically ranges from 12°C to 19°C.
What is the water temperature in Parsons Beach during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Parsons Beach typically ranges from 12°C to 17°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Parsons Beach area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Parsons Beach area include: Parsons Beach, Coolawang Beach, Waitpinga Beach, Waitpinga Beach, Ballaparudda Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Parsons Beach?
Some of the closest surf spots near Parsons Beach include Parsons Beach, Waitpinga, Tunkalilla.