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Tunkalilla Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Tunkalilla Beach 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.

Tunkalilla Beach
Tunkalilla Beach © eciR ttocS

Current Sea Water Temperature

19.2°C
Today
19.3°C
Yesterday
19.9°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Tunkalilla Beach is about 19°C.

Water Temperature in Tunkalilla Beach: 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 February 18 to March 20

Water temperatures in Tunkalilla Beach 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 Tunkalilla Beach will be 19.8°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 1219.6°C20.5°C
Mar 1320.1°C20.0°C
Mar 1419.9°C20.3°C
Mar 1519.7°C20.0°C
Mar 1619.5°C20.0°C
Mar 1719.5°C20.0°C
Mar 1819.3°C19.5°C
Mar 1919.3°C19.5°C
Mar 2019.2°C19.5°C19.2°C
Mar 2120.3°C19.3°C
Mar 2220.0°C19.4°C
Mar 2319.7°C19.4°C
Mar 2419.7°C19.5°C
Mar 2520.0°C19.6°C
Mar 2620.0°C19.7°C
Mar 2719.7°C19.8°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 Tunkalilla 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

Tunkalilla Beach lies on the southern Fleurieu Peninsula, facing directly into the Great Australian Bight, and its water temperatures reflect this fully exposed ocean setting. In summer, the sea is at its warmest, typically sitting around 18–21°C, which feels refreshing but still cool even on hot days. Autumn brings a gradual drop to roughly 16–19°C, while winter is noticeably cold, often around 13–15°C. Spring is slow to warm, with water temperatures commonly in the 14–17°C range, and sudden cool changes can occur after strong southerly winds and swell.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January17°C20°C22°C
February18°C20°C22°C
March17°C20°C22°C
April16°C19°C21°C
May14°C17°C19°C
June13°C15°C17°C
July12°C14°C16°C
August11°C14°C15°C
September12°C14°C16°C
October13°C15°C17°C
November15°C17°C19°C
December16°C19°C21°C

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

Tunkalilla Beach: Weather Forecast

March 21

16°C / 23°C
clear sky
humidity: 65% | wind: 7 kmh

March 22

17°C / 26°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 60% | wind: 4 kmh

March 23

18°C / 26°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 59% | wind: 4 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Tunkalilla Beach

⭐ 2.5/5
19.7°C

Callawonga Beach

⭐ 3.7/5
19.6°C

Ballaparudda Beach

⭐ 3.7/5
19.4°C

Coolawang Beach

⭐ 2.5/5
18.4°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed at Tunkalilla Beach, but it is not considered an easy or family-friendly swimming location. The beach is known for powerful surf, strong rips and fast-changing conditions, which can make the water hazardous even when it looks calm. There are no regular patrols, so swimmers need to rely on experience and careful judgement before entering the water. On rare calm days in summer, short swims close to shore can be enjoyable, though many people wear wetsuits even then due to the cool water and wind exposure. Overall, Tunkalilla offers clean, wild ocean water in a dramatic natural setting, with swimming best suited to confident ocean users who respect the strength of the southern ocean.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Tunkalilla

⭐ 2/5
18.6°C

Parsons Beach

⭐ 2/5
18.6°C
13 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Waitpinga

⭐ 1/5
18.1°C
16 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Rapid Bay

⭐ 2/5
19.5°C

Petrel Cove

⭐ 2/5
17.5°C
26 km away 📍 Beach and reef

Victor Harbour (Shark Alley)

⭐ 3/5
17.3°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Tunkalilla Beach today?
Sea water temperature in Tunkalilla Beach in the Great Australian Bight today is 19°C.
What is the water temperature in Tunkalilla Beach during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Tunkalilla Beach typically ranges from 16°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Tunkalilla Beach during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Tunkalilla Beach typically ranges from 14°C to 22°C.
What is the water temperature in Tunkalilla Beach during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Tunkalilla Beach typically ranges from 12°C to 19°C.
What is the water temperature in Tunkalilla Beach during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Tunkalilla Beach typically ranges from 11°C to 17°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Tunkalilla Beach area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Tunkalilla Beach area include: Tunkalilla Beach, Callawonga Beach, Ballaparudda Beach, Coolawang Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Tunkalilla Beach?
Some of the closest surf spots near Tunkalilla Beach include Tunkalilla, Parsons Beach, Waitpinga.