K'gari – current water temperature and swimming conditions

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

⚠️ Water in this range feels cool but still manageable for many swimmers. Short to moderate swims are comfortable, especially in warm weather. Some people may prefer a wetsuit for longer stays, particularly when swimming actively or outside peak summer conditions.

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

Over the past 30 days, water temperatures in K'gari have generally increased, although a slight cooling trend has set in over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in K'gari will be 20.3°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.

Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data

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.