Elliott Heads – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page shows the current water temperature at Elliott Heads 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.
Current Sea Water Temperature
The average sea water temperature today in Elliott Heads is about 24°C.
Water Temperature in Elliott Heads: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
✅ Water in this range is comfortably warm and widely considered ideal for swimming. Most people can stay in the water for a long time without feeling cold. It works well for families, recreational swimming, and active water sports such as swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding.
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
Water temperatures in Elliott Heads 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 Elliott Heads will be 23.9°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 28 | 24.5°C | 26.0°C | |
| Apr 29 | 24.5°C | 26.0°C | |
| Apr 30 | 24.2°C | 24.3°C | |
| May 1 | 23.9°C | 24.0°C | |
| May 2 | 23.8°C | 24.8°C | |
| May 3 | 23.7°C | 24.5°C | |
| May 4 | 23.7°C | 24.3°C | |
| May 5 | 23.8°C | 24.3°C | |
| May 6 | 23.8°C | 24.3°C | 23.8°C |
| May 7 | 24.3°C | 23.8°C | |
| May 8 | 24.8°C | 23.8°C | |
| May 9 | 24.0°C | 23.9°C | |
| May 10 | 24.3°C | 23.9°C | |
| May 11 | 24.5°C | 23.9°C | |
| May 12 | 24.0°C | 23.9°C | |
| May 13 | 24.0°C | 23.9°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 Elliott Heads 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
Annual Water Temperature Trend
Elliott Heads sits at the mouth of the Elliott River on Queensland’s Central Coast, where the Coral Sea keeps water temperatures fairly mild across the year. In summer, from around December to March, sea temperatures usually range between 25 and 27 °C, making the water comfortable for swimming even on hot, humid days. During winter, typically June to August, temperatures ease back to about 19–21 °C, which can feel cool at first but is still swimmable in sunny, calm conditions. Spring and autumn often strike the best balance, with water temperatures commonly sitting between 22–24 °C and more settled weather.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C | 27°C | 29°C |
| February | 25°C | 27°C | 30°C |
| March | 25°C | 27°C | 29°C |
| April | 23°C | 26°C | 28°C |
| May | 21°C | 24°C | 26°C |
| June | 19°C | 22°C | 24°C |
| July | 18°C | 21°C | 24°C |
| August | 18°C | 21°C | 23°C |
| September | 19°C | 22°C | 24°C |
| October | 21°C | 23°C | 26°C |
| November | 22°C | 24°C | 27°C |
| December | 23°C | 26°C | 28°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
Elliott Heads: Weather Forecast
May 7
May 8
May 9
Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots
Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures
Elliot Heads Beach
Barolin Point
Coral Reef Park
Turtle Cove Park
Nudibranch Park
Swimming Conditions
Swimming at Elliott Heads is allowed and popular, with the area offering a mix of ocean beach and calmer river mouth conditions. Many swimmers prefer the sheltered spots near the river, where currents are gentler and waves are reduced compared with the open beach. As with much of coastal Queensland, marine stingers may be present during the warmer months, usually from November to May, so swimmers often wear stinger suits or choose calmer, shallower areas. Outside the stinger season, the combination of mild water temperatures, sandy beaches, and relaxed coastal setting makes Elliott Heads well suited to casual swimming when conditions are right.
🏄♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures
Elliott Heads
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Location, Type and Nearby Places
Address: Bundaberg Region
Place Tags:Surf SpotCoastal TownEstuary
Water Temperature in Nearby Places
