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Rottnest Island – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Rottnest Island in Western 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.

Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island © By Dr-ziego, CC0

Current Sea Water Temperature

22.9°C
Today
22.8°C
Yesterday
24.0°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Rottnest Island is about 23°C.

Water Temperature in Rottnest Island: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

✅ This water feels mild to warm and is comfortable for the majority of swimmers. Swimming is enjoyable, though longer stays may feel cooler for some people, especially in windy conditions. These temperatures are well suited to family outings and active swimming, particularly on warm days.

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 Rottnest Island have remained fairly stable over the past 30 days, though a cooler trend has emerged in the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Rottnest Island will be 22.5°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 1223.8°C23.3°C
Mar 1323.9°C23.0°C
Mar 1424.0°C22.8°C
Mar 1523.0°C23.0°C
Mar 1622.7°C23.0°C
Mar 1722.9°C23.3°C
Mar 1822.7°C23.0°C
Mar 1922.8°C23.0°C
Mar 2022.9°C23.0°C22.9°C
Mar 2123.0°C22.8°C
Mar 2223.3°C22.8°C
Mar 2323.3°C22.7°C
Mar 2422.7°C22.7°C
Mar 2523.0°C22.6°C
Mar 2622.3°C22.5°C
Mar 2723.0°C22.5°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 Rottnest Island 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

Rottnest Island sits just offshore from Perth and is famous for its clear water, sheltered bays, and some of the best swimming conditions in Western Australia. Water temperatures here are generally a touch warmer than the mainland coast. In summer, from December to February, the sea usually ranges between 22–25°C, feeling warm and very comfortable for long swims. Autumn remains inviting at around 20–23°C, while winter cools to roughly 17–19°C, which is still manageable for short swims. Spring brings a steady warm-up again, typically sitting between 19–22°C as the weather improves.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January20°C22°C24°C
February20°C23°C26°C
March20°C23°C26°C
April19°C23°C24°C
May19°C22°C24°C
June18°C21°C23°C
July17°C20°C22°C
August17°C19°C21°C
September16°C19°C21°C
October17°C19°C21°C
November17°C19°C22°C
December18°C21°C23°C

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

Rottnest Island: Weather Forecast

March 21

21°C / 28°C
clear sky
humidity: 66% | wind: 14 kmh

March 22

21°C / 26°C
clear sky
humidity: 61% | wind: 22 kmh

March 23

20°C / 29°C
clear sky
humidity: 60% | wind: 18 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Ricey Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
24.0°C

Bathurst Lighthouse

⭐ 3.2/5
23.9°C

Pinky Bay

⭐ 3.2/5
23.0°C

Pearse Lakes

⭐ 3.1/5
22.8°C

Longreach Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
23.0°C

Herschel Lake

⭐ 4.3/5
23.8°C

The Basin

⭐ 4.7/5
23.8°C

Little Parakeet Bay

⭐ 2.9/5
21.8°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming on Rottnest Island is allowed and strongly encouraged, with dozens of bays and beaches suited to all skill levels. Many of the island’s beaches are protected by reefs and headlands, which keeps the water calm, clear, and relatively free of strong currents. These conditions make Rottnest ideal for families, casual swimmers, and snorkelling, especially in summer when the water is at its warmest. Most people swim without wetsuits during the warmer months, while spring and autumn are perfect for relaxed dips. Winter swimming tends to attract locals who are used to cooler water. Overall, Rottnest Island offers some of the safest and most enjoyable swimming in the region, combining mild water temperatures with exceptionally sheltered and scenic coastal settings.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Salmon Point

⭐ 2/5
21.8°C

Chicken Reef

⭐ 2/5
21.9°C

Strickland Bay

⭐ 2/5
22.2°C

Stark Bay

⭐ 2/5
23.6°C

Radar Reef

⭐ 2/5
22.4°C

Cathedral Rock

⭐ 2/5
22.5°C

Cottesloe Beach

⭐ 3/5
23.5°C
19 km away 📍 Beach/groyne

Main Beach

⭐ 2/5
23.3°C
19 km away 📍 Beach/groyne

Leighton Beach

⭐ 1/5
22.1°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Rottnest Island today?
Sea water temperature in Rottnest Island in the Indian Ocean today is 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Rottnest Island during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Rottnest Island typically ranges from 18°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Rottnest Island during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Rottnest Island typically ranges from 19°C to 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Rottnest Island during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Rottnest Island typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Rottnest Island during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Rottnest Island typically ranges from 17°C to 23°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Rottnest Island area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Rottnest Island area include: Thompson Bay Rottnest Island, Ricey Beach, Bathurst Lighthouse, Herschel Lake, Longreach Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Rottnest Island?
Some of the closest surf spots near Rottnest Island include Salmon Point, Chicken Reef, Strickland Bay.