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Surf Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Surf 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.

Surf Beach
Surf Beach © Geoff Barber

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 Surf Beach is about 17°C.

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

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Surf 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°C18.3°C
Apr 2917.4°C18.0°C
Apr 3017.3°C16.5°C
May 117.3°C16.5°C
May 217.4°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 Surf 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

Surf Beach on Phillip Island sits right on the edge of the Bass Strait, and water temperatures here reflect the cool, energetic nature of Victoria’s southern coastline. In summer, the ocean usually warms to around 18–22 °C, which feels refreshing rather than warm but is comfortable for swimming on 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 slowly recovers from winter. During winter, water temperatures typically drop to about 11–14 °C, which is quite 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°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.

Surf 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

Beach View

⭐ 2.9/5
18.4°C

Surf Beach Viewing Point

⭐ 3.2/5
17.0°C

Surf

⭐ 3.9/5
18.0°C

Surfies Point East

⭐ 3.9/5
16.9°C

Philip Island Cave

⭐ 3.1/5
17.4°C

Surfies Point West

⭐ 3.0/5
17.6°C

Forrest Caves

⭐ 3.4/5
16.4°C

Sunderland Bay

⭐ 3.9/5
18.4°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in Surf Beach is allowed, though conditions are best suited to confident swimmers. The beach is exposed directly to Bass Strait swells, so waves, rips, and strong currents are a regular feature and can change quickly with weather and tide. This makes swimming more suitable during settled summer conditions, when the water is at its warmest and the sea is calmer. On good days, the water is clean and clear, offering a bracing but enjoyable swim close to shore. In cooler months, most people either keep swims brief or avoid the water altogether. Overall, Surf Beach offers clear seasonal water temperatures and rewarding swimming opportunities when conditions are favourable and approached with care.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Surf Beach

⭐ 3/5
18.0°C

Forrest Caves (Phillip Island)

⭐ 3/5
17.8°C
1 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Sunderland Bay

⭐ 3/5
17.2°C

Surfies Point

⭐ 3/5
16.7°C

Express Point

⭐ 3/5
17.4°C

Smiths Beach

⭐ 2/5
18.1°C
3 km away 📍 Beach and point

Ocean Reach

⭐ 3/5
18.3°C
3 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Anzacs

⭐ 3/5
18.1°C

Woolamai

⭐ 3/5
16.7°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Surf Beach today?
Sea water temperature in Surf Beach in the Bass Strait today is 17°C.
What is the water temperature in Surf Beach during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Surf Beach typically ranges from 15°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Surf Beach during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Surf Beach typically ranges from 14°C to 21°C.
What is the water temperature in Surf Beach during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Surf Beach typically ranges from 11°C to 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Surf Beach during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Surf Beach typically ranges from 10°C to 16°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Surf Beach area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Surf Beach area include: Beach View, Surf, Surfies Point East, Surf Beach Viewing Point, Special Shorebirds Conservation Area.
What are the nearest surf spots to Surf Beach?
Some of the closest surf spots near Surf Beach include Surf Beach, Forrest Caves (Phillip Island), Sunderland Bay.