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Palm Cove – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Palm Cove 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.

Palm Cove
Palm Cove © By Chris Olszewski, CC BY-SA 4.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

22.7°C
Today
22.8°C
Yesterday
23.3°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Palm Cove is about 23°C.

Water Temperature in Palm Cove: 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

Water temperatures in Palm Cove have remained fairly stable over the past 30 days, though a cooler trend has emerged in the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Palm Cove will be 24.1°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 1523.4°C23.8°C
Aug 1623.3°C23.8°C
Aug 1723.3°C23.8°C
Aug 1823.1°C23.8°C
Aug 1923.1°C23.8°C
Aug 2023.0°C24.0°C
Aug 2122.9°C24.3°C
Aug 2222.8°C24.0°C
Aug 2322.7°C24.0°C22.7°C
Aug 2424.3°C22.9°C
Aug 2524.8°C23.1°C
Aug 2624.3°C23.3°C
Aug 2724.0°C23.5°C
Aug 2824.8°C23.7°C
Aug 2924.8°C23.9°C
Aug 3024.8°C24.1°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 Palm Cove 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

Palm Cove is a well-known beachside village on Queensland’s Far North Coast, overlooking the Coral Sea and enjoying consistently warm water temperatures. Through the tropical wet season, roughly from November to April, sea temperatures usually range between 27–30 °C, often feeling pleasantly warm even early in the morning. During the drier winter months from May to October, the water cools slightly but remains comfortable, typically sitting around 23–26 °C. There is no real cold-water season here, and the sea stays inviting year-round by Australian standards.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January27°C29°C31°C
February27°C29°C31°C
March27°C29°C31°C
April26°C28°C30°C
May24°C26°C28°C
June21°C25°C27°C
July22°C24°C26°C
August22°C24°C26°C
September23°C25°C28°C
October23°C26°C29°C
November25°C28°C30°C
December26°C29°C31°C

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

Palm Cove: Weather Forecast

August 23

17°C / 26°C
clear sky
humidity: 76% | wind: 11 kmh

August 24

19°C / 26°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 80% | wind: 7 kmh

August 25

18°C / 27°C
clear sky
humidity: 73% | wind: 7 kmh

August 26

19°C / 28°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 70% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Palm Cove

⭐ 5.0/5
22.0°C

Palm Cove Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
22.4°C

Clifton Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
23.4°C

Ellis Beach

⭐ 4.8/5
23.6°C

Kewarra Beach

⭐ 4.6/5
22.6°C

Kewarra Dog Beach

⭐ 3.7/5
22.0°C

Trinity Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
23.6°C

Borderline Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
22.7°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Palm Cove is generally well catered for, particularly in designated areas. The beach is often patrolled, and during the warmer months marine stinger nets are installed, allowing safer swimming despite seasonal jellyfish activity. While saltwater crocodiles are present in Far North Queensland waterways, they are uncommon along the open beachfront where swimming is managed. Thanks to these precautions, swimming is usually considered suitable within the marked areas when conditions are calm and safety measures are in place. Outside these zones, or during rough weather, caution is advised. Overall, Palm Cove combines warm Coral Sea water with organised safety infrastructure, making it one of the more reliable and comfortable spots for ocean swimming along the Queensland North Coast.

Location, Type and Nearby Places

Address: Cairns Region

Place Tags:BeachCoastal Town

Water Temperature in Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Palm Cove today?
Sea water temperature in Palm Cove in the Coral Sea today is 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Palm Cove during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Palm Cove typically ranges from 26°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in Palm Cove during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Palm Cove typically ranges from 24°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in Palm Cove during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Palm Cove typically ranges from 23°C to 30°C.
What is the water temperature in Palm Cove during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Palm Cove typically ranges from 21°C to 27°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Palm Cove area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Palm Cove area include: Palm Cove Beach, Palm Cove, Clifton Beach, Ellis Beach, Kewarra Beach.