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Semaphore – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Semaphore 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.

Semaphore
Semaphore © By Michael Coghlan, CC BY-SA 2.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

21.1°C
Today
21.0°C
Yesterday
21.8°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Semaphore is about 21°C.

Water Temperature in Semaphore: 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

Over the past 30 days, water temperatures in Semaphore have generally increased, although a slight cooling trend has set in over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Semaphore will be 20.5°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 1219.9°C20.5°C
Mar 1319.9°C21.0°C
Mar 1421.8°C21.0°C
Mar 1521.5°C20.5°C
Mar 1621.1°C20.5°C
Mar 1721.3°C20.5°C
Mar 1821.0°C20.5°C
Mar 1921.0°C20.3°C
Mar 2021.1°C20.3°C21.1°C
Mar 2120.3°C21.0°C
Mar 2220.3°C20.9°C
Mar 2320.7°C20.9°C
Mar 2420.3°C20.8°C
Mar 2520.7°C20.7°C
Mar 2620.3°C20.6°C
Mar 2720.0°C20.5°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 Semaphore 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

Semaphore sits on Adelaide’s north-western coastline, looking out over the waters of the Great Australian Bight, and its sea temperatures follow a clear and gentle seasonal pattern. In summer, the water is at its warmest and most inviting, usually around 20–23°C, making it comfortable for swimming during hot days. Autumn brings a gradual cooling to roughly 18–21°C, while winter is noticeably cooler, often sitting between 14–16°C. Spring marks a steady warm-up, with water temperatures commonly ranging from 16–19°C, influenced by sunshine, light winds and calmer weather spells.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January17°C21°C23°C
February18°C21°C23°C
March17°C20°C23°C
April16°C19°C22°C
May15°C18°C20°C
June13°C15°C17°C
July11°C14°C16°C
August11°C13°C15°C
September12°C14°C16°C
October12°C15°C18°C
November15°C17°C20°C
December16°C19°C21°C

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

Semaphore: Weather Forecast

March 21

20°C / 25°C
clear sky
humidity: 55% | wind: 7 kmh

March 22

20°C / 27°C
clear sky
humidity: 50% | wind: 7 kmh

March 23

23°C / 28°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 45% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Semaphore Main Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
20.7°C

Largs Bay

⭐ 5.0/5
21.1°C

Semaphore South Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
21.8°C

Osborne Beach

⭐ 3.8/5
21.2°C

Tennyson Dunes

⭐ 4.6/5
20.2°C

North Haven Beach

⭐ 4.7/5
20.9°C

Grange Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
20.2°C

Henley Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
19.9°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Semaphore and is popular, particularly in the warmer months. The beach is wide and sandy, with a gently sloping shoreline that often creates approachable swimming conditions close to shore. Compared to more exposed southern beaches, wave energy here is usually moderate, though currents and rips can still form at times. Patrolled areas typically operate in summer, improving safety for swimmers of all experience levels. Outside peak summer, many locals choose wetsuits to stay comfortable in the cooler water. Overall, Semaphore offers easy, urban swimming with clean water and conditions well suited to relaxed recreational swimming close to Adelaide.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Christies Reef

⭐ 3/5
19.6°C

Y-Steps

⭐ 3/5
19.6°C

South Port Adelaide

⭐ 2/5
21.0°C

Triggs Beach Adelaide

⭐ 2/5
19.7°C

Seaford Reef

⭐ 2/5
19.6°C

South Moana Reefs

⭐ 3/5
21.2°C

North Moana Beach

⭐ 2/5
20.3°C

Maslin Beach

⭐ 2/5
21.6°C
44 km away 📍 Beach and reef

The Trough

⭐ 1/5
21.6°C
44 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Location, Type and Nearby Places

Address: City of Port Adelaide Enfield

Place Tags:BeachCoastal Town

Water Temperature in Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Semaphore today?
Sea water temperature in Semaphore in the Great Australian Bight today is 21°C.
What is the water temperature in Semaphore during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Semaphore typically ranges from 16°C to 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Semaphore during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Semaphore typically ranges from 15°C to 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Semaphore during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Semaphore typically ranges from 12°C to 20°C.
What is the water temperature in Semaphore during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Semaphore typically ranges from 11°C to 17°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Semaphore area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Semaphore area include: Semaphore Main Beach, Semaphore South Beach, Largs Bay, Osborne Beach, Tennyson Dunes.
What are the nearest surf spots to Semaphore?
Some of the closest surf spots near Semaphore include Christies Reef, Y-Steps, South Port Adelaide.