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Tumby Bay – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Tumby Bay 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.

Tumby Bay
Tumby Bay © By Yewenyi, CC BY-SA 3.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

18.1°C
Today
18.9°C
Yesterday
19.0°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Tumby Bay is about 18°C.

Water Temperature in Tumby Bay: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

⚠️ Water in this range feels cool but still manageable for many swimmers. Short to moderate swims are comfortable, especially in warm weather. Some people may prefer a wetsuit for longer stays, particularly when swimming actively or outside peak summer conditions.

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 Tumby Bay have been gradually cooling over the past month, with a further drop recorded during the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Tumby Bay will be 17.4°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 2819.2°C19.8°C
Apr 2919.0°C19.3°C
Apr 3019.0°C18.3°C
May 119.1°C18.0°C
May 219.1°C18.3°C
May 318.9°C18.0°C
May 418.9°C17.3°C
May 518.9°C17.8°C
May 618.1°C17.8°C18.1°C
May 718.0°C18.0°C
May 818.3°C17.9°C
May 916.5°C17.8°C
May 1017.0°C17.7°C
May 1117.8°C17.6°C
May 1217.3°C17.5°C
May 1317.8°C17.4°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 Tumby Bay 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

Tumby Bay sits on the eastern side of the Eyre Peninsula, overlooking the calm waters of Spencer Gulf, and this sheltered setting gives it relatively mild water temperatures through the year. In summer, the sea is at its warmest, usually around 20–24°C, which feels comfortable and inviting on hot days. Autumn brings a gradual cooling to roughly 18–21°C, while winter is cooler but still manageable, often sitting between 14–16°C. Spring sees a steady warm-up, with water temperatures commonly in the 17–20°C range, helped by sunshine and the gulf’s generally calm conditions.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January16°C20°C22°C
February17°C20°C22°C
March16°C20°C23°C
April16°C19°C21°C
May14°C17°C20°C
June13°C16°C18°C
July12°C15°C17°C
August11°C14°C17°C
September11°C14°C17°C
October12°C15°C18°C
November13°C17°C19°C
December16°C18°C21°C

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

Tumby Bay: Weather Forecast

May 7

13°C / 15°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 62% | wind: 22 kmh

May 8

15°C / 17°C
light rain
humidity: 77% | wind: 18 kmh

May 9

16°C / 17°C
light rain
humidity: 74% | wind: 14 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Tumby Island

⭐ 3.5/5
18.8°C

Wisemans Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
17.6°C

Lipson Cove

⭐ 4.2/5
17.7°C

Mcleod Landing

⭐ 2.6/5
17.4°C

Shell Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
19.2°C

Barry Beach

⭐ 2.6/5
19.1°C

Cowleys Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
18.9°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Tumby Bay and is popular, particularly during the warmer months. The gulf waters here are typically gentle, with little surf and a shallow, sandy shoreline that suits casual swimmers and families when conditions are settled. The jetty area also provides easy access to the water, and the calm conditions make it suitable for relaxed swimming rather than energetic surf activity. Outside peak summer, some swimmers choose wetsuits for longer sessions, especially on cooler days. Overall, Tumby Bay offers easy and enjoyable swimming, with relatively warm water by South Australian standards and a relaxed coastal environment well suited to everyday recreational use.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Sleaford Bay (Wreck Beach)

⭐ 2/5
16.9°C

Thistle Island (False Creek)

⭐ 2/5
17.8°C

Greenly Beach (Coles Point)

⭐ 1/5
18.4°C

Red Banks Reefs

⭐ 2/5
20.7°C

Flatrock

⭐ 3/5
17.6°C

Drummond Point

⭐ 1/5
16.8°C
82 km away 📍 Beach reef and point

Monument

⭐ 3/5
17.9°C

Coffin Bay Peninsula

⭐ 1/5
17.9°C

Location, Type and Nearby Places

Address: District Council of Tumby Bay

Place Tags:Coastal Town

Water Temperature in Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Tumby Bay today?
Sea water temperature in Tumby Bay in the Spencer Gulf today is 18°C.
What is the water temperature in Tumby Bay during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Tumby Bay typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Tumby Bay during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Tumby Bay typically ranges from 14°C to 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Tumby Bay during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Tumby Bay typically ranges from 11°C to 19°C.
What is the water temperature in Tumby Bay during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Tumby Bay typically ranges from 11°C to 18°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Tumby Bay area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Tumby Bay area include: Tumby Island, Wisemans Beach, Lipson Cove, Mcleod Landing, Shell Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Tumby Bay?
Some of the closest surf spots near Tumby Bay include Sleaford Bay (Wreck Beach), Thistle Island (False Creek), Greenly Beach (Coles Point).