Keppel Sands – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page shows the current water temperature at Keppel Sands 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 Keppel Sands is about 23°C.
Water Temperature in Keppel Sands: 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 Keppel Sands 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 Keppel Sands will be 23.6°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 | 24.1°C | 26.0°C | |
| Apr 29 | 24.0°C | 26.0°C | |
| Apr 30 | 23.4°C | 24.8°C | |
| May 1 | 23.2°C | 24.3°C | |
| May 2 | 23.2°C | 24.5°C | |
| May 3 | 23.3°C | 24.8°C | |
| May 4 | 23.3°C | 24.5°C | |
| May 5 | 23.3°C | 24.5°C | |
| May 6 | 23.2°C | 24.5°C | 23.2°C |
| May 7 | 24.0°C | 23.3°C | |
| May 8 | 24.8°C | 23.3°C | |
| May 9 | 24.0°C | 23.4°C | |
| May 10 | 24.5°C | 23.4°C | |
| May 11 | 23.5°C | 23.5°C | |
| May 12 | 23.8°C | 23.6°C | |
| May 13 | 24.3°C | 23.6°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 Keppel Sands 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
Keppel Sands sits on the Capricorn Coast of Queensland’s North Coast, facing the Coral Sea, and enjoys warm water temperatures for most of the year. During summer, from around December to March, the sea is typically between 26 and 28 °C, giving the water a comfortably tropical feel that suits relaxed swimming. In winter, usually June to August, temperatures ease back to about 21–23 °C, which is still pleasant for a swim on sunny, calm days. Spring and autumn often provide very agreeable conditions, with water temperatures commonly sitting around 23–25 °C and lighter coastal winds.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C | 28°C | 30°C |
| February | 25°C | 28°C | 30°C |
| March | 25°C | 27°C | 29°C |
| April | 23°C | 26°C | 28°C |
| May | 20°C | 24°C | 26°C |
| June | 19°C | 22°C | 24°C |
| July | 18°C | 21°C | 22°C |
| August | 18°C | 21°C | 23°C |
| September | 18°C | 22°C | 24°C |
| October | 20°C | 24°C | 26°C |
| November | 22°C | 25°C | 28°C |
| December | 24°C | 27°C | 29°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
Keppel Sands: Weather Forecast
May 7
May 8
May 9
May 10
Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots
Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures
Muskers Beach
Zilzie Beach
Zilzie Beach
Shelley's Beach
Emu Point Beach
Ladies Beach
Emu Park North Beach
Swimming Conditions
Swimming at Keppel Sands is allowed and enjoyed by locals, particularly when conditions are settled. The beach is relatively open, with tidal influences playing a big role in water depth and movement, so swimmers tend to choose times with gentle seas. As with much of coastal Queensland, marine stingers can be present during the warmer months, generally from November to May, and many people wear stinger suits as a precaution. Outside the stinger season, the warm water, long sandy shoreline, and quiet atmosphere make Keppel Sands suitable for casual swimming, especially for confident swimmers who pay attention to tides and local conditions.
Location, Type and Nearby Places
Address: Shire of Livingstone
Place Tags:Coastal TownEstuary
Water Temperature in Nearby Places
