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Port Elliot – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Port Elliot 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.

Port Elliot
Port Elliot © AMEB2003, CC BY-SA 3.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

18.2°C
Today
18.2°C
Yesterday
19.9°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Port Elliot is about 18°C.

Water Temperature in Port Elliot: 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 Port Elliot 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 Port Elliot will be 18.9°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°C19.8°C
Mar 1419.9°C20.0°C
Mar 1518.8°C19.5°C
Mar 1619.3°C19.5°C
Mar 1718.3°C19.8°C
Mar 1818.4°C19.3°C
Mar 1918.2°C19.3°C
Mar 2018.2°C19.3°C18.2°C
Mar 2120.5°C18.3°C
Mar 2220.0°C18.4°C
Mar 2320.0°C18.5°C
Mar 2419.8°C18.6°C
Mar 2519.3°C18.7°C
Mar 2619.3°C18.8°C
Mar 2719.5°C18.9°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 Port Elliot 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

Port Elliot sits on the southern edge of the Fleurieu Peninsula, where headlands create small bays along the Great Australian Bight, and this setting shapes local water temperatures. In summer, the sea is at its most comfortable, usually ranging from about 18–22°C, which suits swimming on warm days without feeling overly warm. Autumn brings a gradual cooling to roughly 16–19°C, while winter is noticeably cooler, often around 13–15°C. Spring sees a steady warm-up, with water temperatures commonly sitting between 14–17°C, influenced by sunshine and coastal winds.

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
August11°C13°C15°C
September12°C14°C16°C
October13°C15°C17°C
November15°C17°C19°C
December16°C19°C21°C

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

Port Elliot: 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

Port Elliot Beach

⭐ 4.4/5
17.8°C

Ladies Beach

⭐ 4.8/5
19.4°C

Ladies Bay

⭐ 2.9/5
19.1°C

Knight Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
19.0°C

Horseshoe Bay

⭐ 5.0/5
19.0°C

Green Bay

⭐ 3.8/5
18.4°C

Rocky Bay

⭐ 3.0/5
17.0°C

Boomer Beach

⭐ 3.9/5
18.4°C

Basham Beach

⭐ 4.6/5
17.5°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Port Elliot and is popular thanks to its protected swimming areas. Horseshoe Bay is well known for its sheltered conditions, with reduced swell and fewer strong currents compared to nearby open beaches, making it suitable for families and casual swimmers when conditions are right. Patrolled areas usually operate during the warmer months, adding an extra level of safety. Outside these sheltered spots, the coastline can be more exposed and challenging. Many swimmers choose wetsuits outside peak summer to stay comfortable in the cooler water. Overall, Port Elliot offers some of the most approachable swimming conditions on this part of the coast, combining cool, clear water with naturally protected bays.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Chicken Run Bashams Beach

⭐ 2/5
17.2°C

Bashams Bommie

⭐ 2/5
19.1°C

Horseshoe Bay 1

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

Frenchman's Rock (Frenchies)

⭐ 3/5
18.9°C

The Dump

⭐ 2/5
17.4°C

Boomer Beach

⭐ 2/5
18.1°C

Middleton Point

⭐ 2/5
19.2°C

Middleton Beach

⭐ 2/5
17.3°C

Dump Beach

⭐ 2/5
17.2°C
4 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Port Elliot today?
Sea water temperature in Port Elliot in the Great Australian Bight today is 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Port Elliot during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Port Elliot typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Port Elliot during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Port Elliot typically ranges from 14°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Port Elliot during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Port Elliot typically ranges from 12°C to 19°C.
What is the water temperature in Port Elliot during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Port Elliot typically ranges from 11°C to 17°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Port Elliot area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Port Elliot area include: Port Elliot Beach, Ladies Beach, Rocky Bay, Green Bay, Horseshoe Bay.
What are the nearest surf spots to Port Elliot?
Some of the closest surf spots near Port Elliot include Chicken Run Bashams Beach, Bashams Bommie, Horseshoe Bay 1.