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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

28.6°C
Today
29.1°C
Yesterday
29.8°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Cow Bay is about 29°C.

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

✅ Water at this temperature is very warm and feels almost tropical. Swimming is comfortable for most people, even for long periods, with no sensation of cold. These conditions are ideal for relaxed swimming, floating, and water play, especially for families and casual swimmers. However, during very hot weather, the water may feel less refreshing, and short breaks are often welcome.

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 Cow 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 Cow Bay will be 29.0°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 1229.3°C29.5°C
Mar 1329.3°C29.5°C
Mar 1429.8°C29.5°C
Mar 1529.8°C29.5°C
Mar 1629.7°C29.3°C
Mar 1729.5°C29.5°C
Mar 1829.0°C29.0°C
Mar 1929.1°C29.0°C
Mar 2028.6°C29.0°C28.6°C
Mar 2128.8°C28.7°C
Mar 2229.0°C28.7°C
Mar 2329.0°C28.8°C
Mar 2428.8°C28.8°C
Mar 2529.0°C28.9°C
Mar 2629.3°C28.9°C
Mar 2729.0°C29.0°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

March 21

24°C / 25°C
light rain
humidity: 95% | wind: 7 kmh

March 22

24°C / 27°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 86% | wind: 11 kmh

March 23

22°C / 28°C
light rain
humidity: 87% | wind: 11 kmh

March 24

22°C / 29°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 78% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Cow Bay

⭐ 2.9/5
28.7°C

Cow Bay Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
27.7°C

Thornton Beach

⭐ 4.4/5
28.8°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 29°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.