Temperature:

Your Favorite Locations:

Your favorites list is empty.

Portsea – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Portsea in Victoria. 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.

Portsea
Portsea © By Aenneken, CC BY 2.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

17.3°C
Today
17.6°C
Yesterday
17.6°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Portsea is about 17°C.

Water Temperature in Portsea: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

⚠️ This is cool water that may feel brisk on entry. Swimming is usually limited to short sessions, and prolonged stays can become uncomfortable without thermal protection. Many swimmers choose a wetsuit, especially for surfing or open-water swimming.

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 April 6 to May 6

Water temperatures in Portsea 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 Portsea will be 16.7°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
Apr 2817.6°C18.5°C
Apr 2917.5°C18.5°C
Apr 3017.6°C17.0°C
May 117.6°C17.0°C
May 217.6°C17.0°C
May 317.6°C16.8°C
May 417.7°C16.8°C
May 517.6°C16.5°C
May 617.3°C16.5°C17.3°C
May 716.5°C17.2°C
May 816.3°C17.1°C
May 916.5°C17.1°C
May 1016.0°C17.0°C
May 1116.3°C16.9°C
May 1216.5°C16.8°C
May 1316.0°C16.7°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 Portsea 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

Portsea sits at the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula, where Port Phillip Bay narrows toward the Bass Strait, and this location shapes both water temperature and swimming conditions. In summer, water temperatures usually range from about 18–22 °C, feeling refreshing but comfortable on warm days. Autumn often stays mild, with temperatures commonly around 16–20 °C, while spring is cooler at roughly 14–18 °C as the water slowly warms after winter. During winter, temperatures typically drop to around 11–14 °C, which feels cold and generally limits swimming to short dips or those wearing wetsuits.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January15°C19°C22°C
February17°C19°C22°C
March17°C19°C21°C
April15°C17°C20°C
May14°C16°C18°C
June12°C14°C16°C
July10°C13°C15°C
August10°C13°C14°C
September11°C13°C15°C
October11°C14°C16°C
November13°C16°C18°C
December15°C17°C21°C

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

Portsea: Weather Forecast

May 7

12°C / 15°C
light rain
humidity: 71% | wind: 43 kmh

May 8

15°C / 15°C
light rain
humidity: 73% | wind: 29 kmh

May 9

15°C / 16°C
light rain
humidity: 77% | wind: 18 kmh

May 10

13°C / 16°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 77% | wind: 14 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Weroona Bay

⭐ 4.6/5
17.6°C

Shelly Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
18.2°C

Cadet Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
16.2°C

Portsea

⭐ 4.8/5
16.2°C

London Bridge Lookout

⭐ 2.9/5
16.2°C

London Bridge Beach 2

⭐ 2.9/5
17.4°C

London Bridge Beach 1

⭐ 2.9/5
17.3°C

Beach 274

⭐ 2.9/5
16.3°C

Beach 273

⭐ 2.9/5
17.3°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in Portsea is allowed and offers a clear contrast between calm and challenging conditions. Inside Port Phillip Bay, beaches are relatively sheltered, with smaller waves and gentler water that suits families and relaxed swimmers, particularly in summer when the water is at its warmest. Closer to the heads and the open Bass Strait, currents can be strong and conditions change quickly, making swimming better suited to confident and experienced swimmers only. On calm days, the water is clean and clear, and swimming can be very enjoyable. In cooler months, most locals keep swims brief or rely on wetsuits. Overall, Portsea provides clean water, noticeable seasonal temperature changes, and a mix of easy bay swimming and more demanding open-water conditions depending on location and weather.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Portsea Back Beach

⭐ 3/5
16.6°C

Spooks

⭐ 3/5
16.3°C

Quarantine

⭐ 5/5
16.6°C

Pearses Beach

⭐ 3/5
17.3°C

Point Lonsdale

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

Rye Ocean Beach

⭐ 3/5
17.5°C
10 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Allisons

⭐ 2/5
17.0°C

St Andrews Beach

⭐ 2/5
18.2°C

13th Beach-The Bluff

⭐ 3/5
16.8°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Portsea today?
Sea water temperature in Portsea in the Bass Strait today is 17°C.
What is the water temperature in Portsea during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Portsea typically ranges from 15°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Portsea during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Portsea typically ranges from 14°C to 21°C.
What is the water temperature in Portsea during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Portsea typically ranges from 11°C to 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Portsea during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Portsea typically ranges from 10°C to 16°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Portsea area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Portsea area include: Weroona Bay, Shelly Beach, Cadet Beach, Beach 274, London Bridge Beach 1.
What are the nearest surf spots to Portsea?
Some of the closest surf spots near Portsea include Portsea Back Beach, Spooks, Quarantine.