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Smiths Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Smiths Beach 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.

Smiths Beach
Smiths Beach © Heinz A

Current Sea Water Temperature

17.3°C
Today
17.5°C
Yesterday
17.3°C
A Week Ago

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

Water Temperature in Smiths Beach: 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 Smiths Beachfell over the past month, but have levelled out during the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Smiths Beach will be 16.4°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 2817.4°C18.5°C
Apr 2917.4°C18.0°C
Apr 3017.3°C16.5°C
May 117.3°C16.8°C
May 217.5°C16.8°C
May 317.4°C16.5°C
May 417.4°C16.8°C
May 517.5°C16.5°C
May 617.3°C16.5°C17.3°C
May 716.3°C17.2°C
May 816.0°C17.0°C
May 916.3°C16.9°C
May 1016.3°C16.8°C
May 1116.0°C16.7°C
May 1216.0°C16.5°C
May 1316.3°C16.4°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 Smiths Beach 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

Smiths Beach sits on Phillip Island’s southern coastline, facing the Bass Strait, and its water temperatures reflect the cooler conditions of Victoria’s exposed coast. In summer, the ocean generally warms to around 18–22 °C, which feels refreshing but comfortable for swimming on clear, sunny days. Autumn often stays mild, with water temperatures commonly between 16–20 °C, while spring is cooler at roughly 14–18 °C as the sea gradually warms after winter. During winter, temperatures typically fall to about 11–14 °C, which is quite cold and usually 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°C18°C20°C
May14°C16°C18°C
June12°C14°C16°C
July10°C13°C15°C
August10°C12°C14°C
September11°C13°C15°C
October12°C14°C16°C
November14°C16°C18°C
December15°C18°C21°C

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

Smiths Beach: Weather Forecast

May 7

12°C / 15°C
light rain
humidity: 69% | wind: 43 kmh

May 8

14°C / 15°C
light rain
humidity: 73% | wind: 36 kmh

May 9

15°C / 15°C
light rain
humidity: 78% | wind: 22 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Ycw

⭐ 3.9/5
16.4°C

Smith's Beach

⭐ 4.9/5
17.4°C

The Gap

⭐ 2.5/5
16.3°C

Jessie

⭐ 2.5/5
16.4°C

Racetrack Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
16.7°C

Surfies Point West

⭐ 3.0/5
16.2°C

Sunderland Bay

⭐ 3.9/5
16.6°C

Surfies Point East

⭐ 3.9/5
16.3°C

Beach View

⭐ 2.9/5
18.1°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Smiths Beach is allowed and popular, particularly in the warmer months. The beach is open to Bass Strait swells, so waves and rips are a regular feature, making conditions better suited to confident swimmers, especially when the surf is up. On calmer summer days, the water can be clean and inviting, with plenty of space along the wide shoreline to find a comfortable entry point. Less experienced swimmers often choose quieter conditions or stay close to shore. In cooler months, locals who enjoy ocean swimming tend to keep sessions brief or use wetsuits. Overall, Smiths Beach offers clear seasonal temperature changes and rewarding swimming opportunities when conditions are favourable and approached with good ocean awareness.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Smiths Beach

⭐ 2/5
16.3°C
1 km away 📍 Beach and point

Express Point

⭐ 3/5
16.2°C

Surfies Point

⭐ 3/5
17.0°C

Sunderland Bay

⭐ 3/5
16.3°C

Surf Beach

⭐ 3/5
16.2°C

Pyramid Rock

⭐ 2/5
17.7°C

Berrys Beach

⭐ 2/5
17.7°C

Forrest Caves (Phillip Island)

⭐ 3/5
16.6°C
5 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Kitty Miller Bay

⭐ 3/5
17.2°C
6 km away 📍 Beach and point

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Smiths Beach today?
Sea water temperature in Smiths Beach in the Bass Strait today is 17°C.
What is the water temperature in Smiths Beach during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Smiths Beach typically ranges from 15°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Smiths Beach during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Smiths Beach typically ranges from 14°C to 21°C.
What is the water temperature in Smiths Beach during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Smiths Beach typically ranges from 11°C to 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Smiths Beach during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Smiths Beach typically ranges from 10°C to 16°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Smiths Beach area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Smiths Beach area include: Smith's Beach, Ycw, The Gap, Sunderland Bay, Jessie.
What are the nearest surf spots to Smiths Beach?
Some of the closest surf spots near Smiths Beach include Smiths Beach, Express Point, Surfies Point.