Roper River – current river water temperature and swimming conditions
This page shows the current river water temperature at Roper River in Northern Territory. You can explore recent temperature trends, typical monthly ranges, and historical averages for this date. The page also includes a 7-day water temperature forecast, local weather conditions, and an overview of how suitable the river is for swimming.
Current Water Temperature
The water temperature in Roper River today is 27°C.
Water Temperature in Roper River: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
✅ River temperatures above 25°C feel warm and are well suited to leisurely swimming and floating. Comfort remains high even if air temperatures are slightly cooler, though hot weather can make the water feel less refreshing. In slower-flowing rivers, very warm water may feel stagnant, especially during heatwaves. Weather conditions such as strong sun or high humidity can further influence how pleasant the swim feels.
Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days
While water temperatures in Roper River declined overall during the past month, they have shown a noticeable rebound over the last week.
According to our forecast, the water temperature in Roper River will be 27.8°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.
Table of Daily Water Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 28 | 27.1°C | 28.0°C | |
| Apr 29 | 27.0°C | 28.0°C | |
| Apr 30 | 24.2°C | 28.0°C | |
| May 1 | 24.0°C | 28.0°C | |
| May 2 | 26.6°C | 28.0°C | |
| May 3 | 26.7°C | 28.0°C | |
| May 4 | 26.7°C | 28.0°C | |
| May 5 | 26.7°C | 28.0°C | |
| May 6 | 26.7°C | 28.0°C | 26.7°C |
| May 7 | 28.0°C | 26.9°C | |
| May 8 | 28.0°C | 27.0°C | |
| May 9 | 28.0°C | 27.2°C | |
| May 10 | 28.0°C | 27.4°C | |
| May 11 | 28.0°C | 27.5°C | |
| May 12 | 28.0°C | 27.7°C | |
| May 13 | 28.0°C | 27.8°C |
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast
Actual river water temperatures may vary by several degrees from the reported values, particularly after heavy rainfall or periods of changing weather. Rainfall, river flow rates, and runoff from cooler upstream areas can significantly affect water temperature, especially in flowing sections and shaded stretches. Air temperature and cloud cover also play an important role, with warm, sunny conditions helping rivers warm up more quickly. As a result, noticeable temperature differences can occur along the same river.
Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that takes into account real-time river temperature changes, historical data, seasonal patterns, river flow conditions, recent rainfall, and local air temperature. We also factor in broader weather conditions specific to each region of Australia to improve accuracy.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Today | Yesterday | A Week Ago |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C | 30°C | 31°C |
| February | 29°C | 30°C | 31°C |
| March | 28°C | 30°C | 31°C |
| April | 24°C | 29°C | 31°C |
| May | 22°C | 28°C | 31°C |
| June | 25°C | 28°C | 29°C |
| July | 26°C | 29°C | 31°C |
| August | 27°C | 29°C | 31°C |
| September | 28°C | 30°C | 31°C |
| October | 29°C | 30°C | 31°C |
| November | 29°C | 30°C | 31°C |
| December | 29°C | 30°C | 31°C |
Roper River: Water Temperature by Location
🔗 Mataranka
Location & Local Information
Source confluence Waterhouse River and Roper Creek
• location east of Mataranka
• coordinates 14°55′58″S 133°08′59″E
• elevation 126 m (413 ft)
Mouth Limmen Bight
• location Gulf of Carpentaria
• coordinates 14°42′40″S 135°19′42″E
• elevation 0 m (0 ft)
Length 400 km (250 mi)
The Roper River flows through the south-east of the Northern Territory into the Gulf of Carpentaria, and its water temperature is shaped by a hot tropical climate with strong wet and dry seasons. During the Wet Season, roughly from December to March, water temperatures are usually warm, commonly around 26–30°C, sometimes dipping briefly when heavy rain and fresh runoff push through the system. In the Dry Season, from about May to September, conditions are more settled and the river typically sits between 24–28°C. Even in the cooler months, the water rarely feels cold, especially in deeper pools that hold water year-round and change temperature slowly.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming in the Roper River is generally allowed, but it needs to be approached with care. In the Dry Season, locals and travellers may swim in permanent waterholes where flows are low and the water is clear, and the warm temperature makes it comfortable for more than a quick dip. However, the Roper is crocodile habitat, and saltwater crocodiles are known to occur, particularly in the lower and middle reaches and after wet seasons. Strong currents during the Wet Season, steep banks and submerged timber also add risk. Because of this, swimming is best limited to well-known spots and only with current local advice, making caution more important than temperature alone.