Temperature:

Your Favorite Locations:

Your favorites list is empty.

K'gari – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at K'gari 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.

K'gari
K'gari © Grant Molloy

Current Sea Water Temperature

26.7°C
Today
26.7°C
Yesterday
26.8°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in K'gari is about 27°C.

Water Temperature in K'gari: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

✅ This is warm water that suits almost everyone. Swimming feels easy and pleasant, even for extended stays, and there is little risk of discomfort from cooling. These temperatures are ideal for family swimming, snorkelling, and most water activities, offering a good balance between comfort and refreshment.

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 K'gari 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 K'gari will be 26.7°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 1226.5°C27.0°C
Mar 1326.6°C26.5°C
Mar 1426.8°C27.0°C
Mar 1527.1°C26.8°C
Mar 1626.9°C26.5°C
Mar 1726.7°C27.0°C
Mar 1826.6°C26.5°C
Mar 1926.7°C26.5°C
Mar 2026.7°C26.5°C26.7°C
Mar 2127.0°C26.7°C
Mar 2226.8°C26.7°C
Mar 2326.8°C26.7°C
Mar 2427.0°C26.7°C
Mar 2526.5°C26.7°C
Mar 2626.8°C26.7°C
Mar 2726.5°C26.7°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 K'gari 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

K’gari sits off the Central Queensland coast in the Coral Sea, and the water temperature here reflects its position between the tropics and the subtropics. In summer, from around December to March, sea temperatures are usually in the 24–26 °C range, making the water feel warm and inviting on hot days. During winter, typically June to August, temperatures drop to about 18–20 °C, which can feel cool at first but is still swimmable under clear skies and light winds. Spring and autumn often offer the most comfortable balance, with water temperatures commonly sitting between 21–23 °C and more settled weather conditions.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January24°C27°C29°C
February25°C28°C29°C
March25°C27°C29°C
April23°C26°C28°C
May21°C23°C26°C
June19°C22°C24°C
July18°C20°C24°C
August18°C20°C23°C
September19°C21°C24°C
October21°C23°C26°C
November22°C24°C27°C
December23°C26°C28°C

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

K'gari: Weather Forecast

March 21

23°C / 24°C
light rain
humidity: 73% | wind: 25 kmh

March 22

23°C / 24°C
light rain
humidity: 69% | wind: 29 kmh

March 23

23°C / 25°C
light rain
humidity: 77% | wind: 36 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Seventy Five Mile Beach

⭐ 2.8/5
26.5°C

Maheno Beach

⭐ 3.0/5
25.5°C

Kingfisher Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
25.7°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming on K'gari is allowed, but it comes with important considerations. The island’s eastern beaches face the open ocean and are known for strong currents, powerful surf, and sudden drop-offs, which means swimming in the open sea is generally not recommended. Instead, many visitors choose to swim in the island’s freshwater lakes and creeks, which offer calm, clear water in natural settings. During the warmer months, marine stingers may also be present in the surrounding sea, adding another reason for caution. Overall, while ocean swimming is limited by conditions, K’gari still offers excellent swimming opportunities in safer inland waters, provided local advice is followed.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Fraser Island - Maheno Wreck

⭐ 3/5
27.1°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in K'gari today?
Sea water temperature in K'gari in the Coral Sea today is 27°C.
What is the water temperature in K'gari during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in K'gari typically ranges from 23°C to 29°C.
What is the water temperature in K'gari during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in K'gari typically ranges from 21°C to 29°C.
What is the water temperature in K'gari during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in K'gari typically ranges from 19°C to 27°C.
What is the water temperature in K'gari during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in K'gari typically ranges from 18°C to 24°C.
Which beaches are popular in the K'gari area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the K'gari area include: Seventy Five Mile Beach, Maheno Beach, Kingfisher Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to K'gari?
Some of the closest surf spots near K'gari include Fraser Island - Maheno Wreck.