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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

18.8°C
Today
18.9°C
Yesterday
19.3°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Parsons Beach is about 19°C.

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

⚠️ Water in this range feels cool but still manageable for many swimmers. Short to moderate swims are comfortable, especially in warm weather. Some people may prefer a wetsuit for longer stays, particularly when swimming actively or outside peak summer conditions.

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 Parsons Beach 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 Parsons Beach will be 19.3°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 1219.5°C20.5°C
Mar 1320.0°C20.0°C
Mar 1419.3°C19.8°C
Mar 1519.4°C19.8°C
Mar 1619.0°C19.8°C
Mar 1719.1°C20.0°C
Mar 1818.8°C19.8°C
Mar 1918.9°C19.8°C
Mar 2018.8°C19.8°C18.8°C
Mar 2119.5°C18.9°C
Mar 2220.3°C18.9°C
Mar 2319.3°C19.0°C
Mar 2419.8°C19.1°C
Mar 2519.5°C19.2°C
Mar 2619.5°C19.2°C
Mar 2719.5°C19.3°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

March 21

16°C / 23°C
clear sky
humidity: 65% | wind: 7 kmh

March 22

17°C / 26°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 60% | wind: 4 kmh

March 23

18°C / 26°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 59% | wind: 4 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Parsons Beach

⭐ 3.0/5
18.8°C

Coolawang Beach

⭐ 2.5/5
18.1°C

Waitpinga Beach

⭐ 4.2/5
17.9°C

Waitpinga Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
18.1°C

Ballaparudda Beach

⭐ 3.7/5
19.7°C

Callawonga Beach

⭐ 3.7/5
19.6°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
18.3°C
1 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Waitpinga

⭐ 1/5
19.1°C
2 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Tunkalilla

⭐ 2/5
19.2°C

Petrel Cove

⭐ 2/5
19.1°C
13 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Victor Harbour (Shark Alley)

⭐ 3/5
19.2°C

Dump Beach

⭐ 2/5
18.0°C
19 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Chiton Rocks

⭐ 2/5
17.3°C

Boomer Beach

⭐ 2/5
18.7°C

Horseshoe Bay 1

⭐ 2/5
18.1°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 19°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.