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Cape Tribulation – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Cape Tribulation in Queensland. 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.

Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation © By Luxure, CC BY 3.0 au

Current Sea Water Temperature

22.9°C
Today
23.1°C
Yesterday
23.3°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Cape Tribulation is about 23°C.

Water Temperature in Cape Tribulation: 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 July 23 to August 22

Water temperatures in Cape Tribulation have remained fairly stable over the past 30 days, though a cooler trend has emerged in the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Cape Tribulation will be 23.5°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
Aug 1523.1°C24.3°C
Aug 1623.6°C23.8°C
Aug 1723.3°C24.0°C
Aug 1823.3°C23.8°C
Aug 1923.4°C24.0°C
Aug 2023.1°C24.0°C
Aug 2123.1°C23.8°C
Aug 2223.1°C23.5°C
Aug 2322.9°C23.5°C22.9°C
Aug 2424.0°C23.0°C
Aug 2524.5°C23.1°C
Aug 2624.3°C23.2°C
Aug 2724.0°C23.3°C
Aug 2824.5°C23.4°C
Aug 2924.0°C23.4°C
Aug 3024.8°C23.5°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 Cape Tribulation 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

Cape Tribulation lies where the rainforest meets the Coral Sea in Far North Queensland, and the water temperature reflects the area’s fully tropical setting. Through the warmer wet season from around November to April, sea temperatures usually sit between 27–30 °C, making the water feel almost bath-like on calm days. In the drier months from May to October, the Coral Sea cools only slightly, with typical temperatures around 23–26 °C. Even in mid-winter, the water remains mild by Australian standards and rarely feels cold.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January27°C29°C31°C
February27°C29°C31°C
March27°C29°C31°C
April26°C28°C31°C
May24°C26°C28°C
June21°C24°C27°C
July21°C24°C26°C
August22°C24°C26°C
September23°C25°C27°C
October23°C27°C29°C
November25°C28°C30°C
December26°C29°C31°C

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

Cape Tribulation: Weather Forecast

August 23

17°C / 26°C
clear sky
humidity: 76% | wind: 11 kmh

August 24

19°C / 26°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 80% | wind: 7 kmh

August 25

18°C / 27°C
clear sky
humidity: 73% | wind: 7 kmh

August 26

19°C / 28°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 70% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Cape Tribulation

⭐ 5.0/5
22.0°C

Great Barrier Reef Drive

⭐ 3.5/5
22.0°C

Kulki Lookout

⭐ 3.4/5
23.8°C

Myall Beach

⭐ 3.6/5
23.5°C

Emmagen Creek

⭐ 2.5/5
22.4°C

Thornton Beach

⭐ 4.4/5
23.8°C

Swimming Conditions

Despite these comfortable temperatures, swimming at Cape Tribulation is generally restricted and often discouraged. The open beaches are unpatrolled and exposed, with strong currents and changing conditions, and the area is known for saltwater crocodiles, especially near river mouths and mangroves. During the warmer months, marine stingers can also be present. For these reasons, swimming in the ocean is usually only considered in clearly marked areas or at times when conditions are declared safe by local authorities. Many visitors choose instead to enjoy short paddles in designated sections or opt for nearby freshwater creeks where permitted. Overall, while the Coral Sea here stays warm year-round, safety factors play a much bigger role than water temperature in determining whether swimming is suitable.

Location, Type and Nearby Places

Address: Shire of Douglas

Place Tags:BeachCoastal Town

Water Temperature in Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Cape Tribulation today?
Sea water temperature in Cape Tribulation in the Coral Sea today is 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Cape Tribulation during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Cape Tribulation typically ranges from 26°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in Cape Tribulation during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Cape Tribulation typically ranges from 24°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in Cape Tribulation during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Cape Tribulation typically ranges from 23°C to 30°C.
What is the water temperature in Cape Tribulation during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Cape Tribulation typically ranges from 21°C to 27°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Cape Tribulation area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Cape Tribulation area include: Cape Tribulation, Great Barrier Reef Drive, Kulki Lookout, Myall Beach, Emmagen Creek.