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Mackay Harbour – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Mackay Harbour 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.

Mackay Harbour
Mackay Harbour © the only picturetaker

Current Sea Water Temperature

20.7°C
Today
20.7°C
Yesterday
21.0°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Mackay Harbour is about 21°C.

Water Temperature in Mackay Harbour: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

✅ This water feels mild to warm and is comfortable for the majority of swimmers. Swimming is enjoyable, though longer stays may feel cooler for some people, especially in windy conditions. These temperatures are well suited to family outings and active swimming, particularly on warm days.

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 July 23 to August 22

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

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Mackay Harbour will be 22.1°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
Aug 1521.2°C22.0°C
Aug 1621.1°C22.5°C
Aug 1721.0°C22.5°C
Aug 1821.0°C22.5°C
Aug 1921.0°C22.5°C
Aug 2021.0°C22.3°C
Aug 2120.8°C22.0°C
Aug 2220.7°C22.0°C
Aug 2320.7°C22.0°C20.7°C
Aug 2422.7°C20.9°C
Aug 2523.0°C21.1°C
Aug 2623.0°C21.3°C
Aug 2722.7°C21.5°C
Aug 2822.7°C21.7°C
Aug 2922.7°C21.9°C
Aug 3022.7°C22.1°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 Mackay Harbour 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

Mackay Harbour sits on Queensland’s North Coast, opening onto the Coral Sea, where water temperatures remain warm through most of the year. In summer, from around December to March, the sea typically sits between 27 and 29 °C, making the water feel very comfortable despite the heat and humidity on land. During winter, usually June to August, temperatures drop only slightly to about 22–24 °C, which is still mild enough for swimming on sunny days. Spring and autumn often provide the most pleasant conditions overall, with water temperatures commonly ranging from 24–26 °C and lighter coastal winds.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January27°C29°C31°C
February27°C29°C31°C
March26°C29°C31°C
April25°C28°C30°C
May22°C26°C28°C
June20°C24°C26°C
July20°C23°C24°C
August20°C23°C24°C
September20°C24°C27°C
October22°C26°C29°C
November24°C27°C29°C
December26°C28°C30°C

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

Mackay Harbour: Weather Forecast

August 23

17°C / 23°C
clear sky
humidity: 83% | wind: 18 kmh

August 24

20°C / 23°C
clear sky
humidity: 85% | wind: 18 kmh

August 25

20°C / 21°C
clear sky
humidity: 92% | wind: 11 kmh

August 26

20°C / 21°C
clear sky
humidity: 88% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Mackay Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
21.5°C

Harbour Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
21.7°C

Illawong Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
19.9°C

Jayel Rockpool

⭐ 3.1/5
20.8°C

Lamberts Beach

⭐ 4.8/5
20.5°C

Lamberts Lookout

⭐ 3.1/5
21.6°C

Slade Bay

⭐ 2.9/5
21.8°C

Far Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
20.7°C

Blacks Beach

⭐ 3.3/5
21.5°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Mackay Harbour is allowed, but it is more situational than at nearby open beaches. The harbour area is an active working port, so swimming is generally limited to nearby sheltered sections and calmer conditions rather than busy shipping zones. Tides can influence water clarity and movement, and swimmers are best to be cautious and choose quiet areas. As with much of tropical Queensland, marine stingers may be present during the warmer months, typically from November to May, so stinger suits are commonly used at that time. Outside the stinger season, the warm water and sheltered setting can suit short, casual swims when conditions are calm and local advice is followed.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

South Wall Mackay Harbour

⭐ 1/5
21.8°C

North Wall Mackay Harbour Beach

⭐ 3/5
20.0°C

Lamberts Beach

⭐ 1/5
21.4°C

Eimeo Point

⭐ 1/5
21.8°C

Dolphin Heads

⭐ 2/5
20.2°C

Location, Type and Nearby Places

Address: Mackay Region

Place Tags:BeachSurf SpotCoastal Town

Water Temperature in Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Mackay Harbour today?
Sea water temperature in Mackay Harbour in the Coral Sea today is 21°C.
What is the water temperature in Mackay Harbour during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Mackay Harbour typically ranges from 26°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in Mackay Harbour during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Mackay Harbour typically ranges from 22°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in Mackay Harbour during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Mackay Harbour typically ranges from 20°C to 29°C.
What is the water temperature in Mackay Harbour during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Mackay Harbour typically ranges from 20°C to 26°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Mackay Harbour area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Mackay Harbour area include: Mackay Beach, Harbour Beach, Slade Bay, Illawong Beach, Jayel Rockpool.
What are the nearest surf spots to Mackay Harbour?
Some of the closest surf spots near Mackay Harbour include South Wall Mackay Harbour, North Wall Mackay Harbour Beach, Lamberts Beach.