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Cow Bay – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Cow Bay 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.

Cow Bay
Cow Bay © Henry Eustace

Current Sea Water Temperature

22.9°C
Today
23.1°C
Yesterday
23.4°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Cow Bay is about 23°C.

Water Temperature in Cow Bay: 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 Cow Bay 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 Cow Bay 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 1523.2°C24.3°C
Aug 1623.6°C23.8°C
Aug 1723.4°C24.0°C
Aug 1823.3°C23.8°C
Aug 1923.3°C24.0°C
Aug 2023.1°C24.0°C
Aug 2123.0°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 Cow 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

Cow Bay sits along the Daintree coast facing the Coral Sea, where water temperatures stay warm throughout the year thanks to the tropical climate. During the wet season, roughly from November to April, sea temperatures usually range between 27–30 °C, with late summer often feeling especially warm in the shallows. In the drier winter months from May to October, the water cools slightly but remains pleasant, typically around 23–26 °C. Even at its coolest, the sea here rarely feels cold by Australian standards.

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.

Cow Bay: 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

Cow Bay

⭐ 2.9/5
23.6°C

Cow Bay Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
23.2°C

Thornton Beach

⭐ 4.4/5
22.3°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Cow Bay, however, is shaped more by safety conditions than by water temperature. The beach is unpatrolled and backed by rainforest and creeks, making it part of known saltwater crocodile habitat. During the warmer months, marine stingers can also occur in the Coral Sea. Because of these risks, swimming in the open ocean is generally only considered appropriate in designated areas when stinger nets are in place and local advice indicates safe conditions. Outside these periods, entering the water is usually discouraged. Many visitors enjoy Cow Bay for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere rather than frequent ocean swimming, or choose nearby freshwater swimming spots where conditions are more controlled.

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 Cow Bay today?
Sea water temperature in Cow Bay in the Coral Sea today is 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Cow Bay during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Cow Bay typically ranges from 26°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in Cow Bay during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Cow Bay typically ranges from 24°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in Cow Bay during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Cow Bay typically ranges from 23°C to 30°C.
What is the water temperature in Cow Bay during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Cow Bay typically ranges from 21°C to 27°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Cow Bay area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Cow Bay area include: Cow Bay, Cow Bay Beach, Thornton Beach.