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Magnetic Island – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Magnetic Island 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.

Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island © Tom Silva

Current Sea Water Temperature

25.4°C
Today
25.4°C
Yesterday
25.6°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Magnetic Island is about 25°C.

Water Temperature in Magnetic Island: 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

From April 6 to May 6

Water temperatures in Magnetic Island 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 Magnetic Island will be 25.3°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 2825.8°C28.0°C
Apr 2925.8°C28.0°C
Apr 3025.6°C26.8°C
May 125.5°C26.3°C
May 225.4°C26.8°C
May 325.3°C25.8°C
May 425.2°C26.3°C
May 525.4°C26.0°C
May 625.4°C26.0°C25.4°C
May 726.3°C25.4°C
May 826.0°C25.4°C
May 926.0°C25.4°C
May 1025.5°C25.4°C
May 1126.0°C25.4°C
May 1225.3°C25.3°C
May 1325.5°C25.3°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 Magnetic Island 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

Magnetic Island sits just offshore from Townsville on Queensland’s North Coast, with the Coral Sea keeping water temperatures warm for most of the year. In summer, from around December to March, sea temperatures are usually between 27 and 29 °C, making the water feel properly tropical. During winter, typically June to August, temperatures ease back to about 22–24 °C, which is still comfortable for swimming, especially on calm, sunny days. Spring and autumn often deliver the most balanced conditions, with water temperatures commonly in the 24–26 °C range and less humidity than mid-summer.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January27°C29°C31°C
February27°C29°C31°C
March27°C29°C31°C
April25°C28°C30°C
May22°C25°C28°C
June20°C24°C26°C
July20°C23°C25°C
August20°C23°C25°C
September21°C24°C27°C
October23°C26°C29°C
November25°C28°C30°C
December26°C28°C31°C

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

Magnetic Island: Weather Forecast

May 7

21°C / 26°C
light rain
humidity: 77% | wind: 7 kmh

May 8

18°C / 26°C
clear sky
humidity: 71% | wind: 14 kmh

May 9

21°C / 26°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 73% | wind: 14 kmh

May 10

21°C / 26°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 77% | wind: 18 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Alma Bay

⭐ 3.9/5
25.2°C

Geoffrey Bay

⭐ 3.6/5
26.6°C

Florence Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
26.3°C

Magnetic Island

⭐ 3.2/5
26.1°C

Horseshoe Bay

⭐ 5.0/5
25.3°C

Picnic Bay

⭐ 5.0/5
26.0°C

Picnic Bay Foreshore

⭐ 3.5/5
25.4°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming on Magnetic Island is allowed and popular, particularly in the island’s many sheltered bays. These protected beaches often have calmer water than the mainland, making them suitable for relaxed swimming when conditions are right. During the warmer months, usually from November to May, marine stingers can be present, so swimmers commonly wear stinger suits or choose designated safe areas where available. Outside the stinger season, the clear, warm water and generally gentle conditions make ocean swimming straightforward and enjoyable. With a mix of sheltered beaches and consistently mild sea temperatures, Magnetic Island offers reliable swimming opportunities for most of the year when local conditions are taken into account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Magnetic Island today?
Sea water temperature in Magnetic Island in the Coral Sea today is 25°C.
What is the water temperature in Magnetic Island during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Magnetic Island typically ranges from 26°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in Magnetic Island during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Magnetic Island typically ranges from 22°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in Magnetic Island during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Magnetic Island typically ranges from 21°C to 30°C.
What is the water temperature in Magnetic Island during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Magnetic Island typically ranges from 20°C to 26°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Magnetic Island area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Magnetic Island area include: Alma Bay, Geoffrey Bay, Florence Beach, Magnetic Island, Horseshoe Bay.