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Petrel Cove – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Petrel Cove 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.

Petrel Cove
Petrel Cove © Marc Alfaro

Current Sea Water Temperature

18.3°C
Today
18.4°C
Yesterday
19.9°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Petrel Cove is about 18°C.

Water Temperature in Petrel Cove: 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 Petrel Cove 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 Petrel Cove will be 19.1°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 1219.7°C20.5°C
Mar 1319.4°C20.0°C
Mar 1419.9°C19.8°C
Mar 1518.9°C19.8°C
Mar 1619.3°C19.8°C
Mar 1718.6°C19.8°C
Mar 1818.7°C19.5°C
Mar 1918.4°C19.5°C
Mar 2018.3°C19.5°C18.3°C
Mar 2119.5°C18.4°C
Mar 2220.3°C18.5°C
Mar 2319.3°C18.6°C
Mar 2419.8°C18.7°C
Mar 2519.5°C18.9°C
Mar 2619.5°C19.0°C
Mar 2719.5°C19.1°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 Petrel Cove 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

Petrel Cove sits just west of Victor Harbor along the Fleurieu Peninsula, facing the open waters of the Great Australian Bight, and its water temperatures follow a cool southern pattern throughout the year. In summer, the sea is at its warmest, usually around 18–22°C, which feels refreshing rather than warm on hot days. Autumn brings a gradual drop to roughly 16–19°C, while winter is noticeably cooler, often around 13–15°C. Spring sees a slow warm-up, with water temperatures commonly sitting between 14–17°C, shaped by sunshine, winds 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.

Petrel Cove: 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

Petrel Cove Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
17.4°C

Wright Island Beach

⭐ 2.6/5
17.2°C

Kings Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
17.8°C

Muwerang Kent Reserve

⭐ 3.9/5
17.9°C

Victor Harbor Beach

⭐ 4.2/5
17.3°C

Hayborough Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
19.0°C

Dump Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
18.4°C

Knight Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
19.1°C

Green Bay

⭐ 3.8/5
17.9°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Petrel Cove, but it is best suited to confident swimmers who pay close attention to conditions. The beach is relatively open, with regular surf and currents that can make swimming challenging at times. There are no permanent patrols, so careful judgement is essential before entering the water. On calm summer days, swimming can be enjoyable despite the cooler water, while many people choose wetsuits outside peak summer to stay comfortable for longer. Overall, Petrel Cove offers clean, clear water in a scenic setting, with swimming that rewards awareness and respect for the power of the southern ocean.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Petrel Cove

⭐ 2/5
17.7°C
1 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Victor Harbour (Shark Alley)

⭐ 3/5
17.2°C

Chiton Rocks

⭐ 2/5
18.3°C

Dump Beach

⭐ 2/5
18.1°C
7 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Boomer Beach

⭐ 2/5
18.5°C

The Dump

⭐ 2/5
18.4°C

Horseshoe Bay 1

⭐ 2/5
18.6°C
10 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Frenchman's Rock (Frenchies)

⭐ 3/5
17.9°C

Chicken Run Bashams Beach

⭐ 2/5
17.9°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Petrel Cove today?
Sea water temperature in Petrel Cove in the Great Australian Bight today is 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Petrel Cove during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Petrel Cove typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Petrel Cove during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Petrel Cove typically ranges from 14°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Petrel Cove during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Petrel Cove typically ranges from 12°C to 19°C.
What is the water temperature in Petrel Cove during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Petrel Cove typically ranges from 12°C to 17°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Petrel Cove area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Petrel Cove area include: Petrel Cove Beach, Wright Island Beach, Kings Beach, Muwerang Kent Reserve, Victor Harbor Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Petrel Cove?
Some of the closest surf spots near Petrel Cove include Petrel Cove, Victor Harbour (Shark Alley), Chiton Rocks.