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Port Douglas – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Port Douglas 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.

Port Douglas
Port Douglas © By Malcolmj, CC BY-SA 2.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

25.8°C
Today
25.8°C
Yesterday
26.3°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Port Douglas is about 26°C.

Water Temperature in Port Douglas: 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 Port Douglas 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 Port Douglas will be 26.5°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 2826.5°C28.0°C
Apr 2926.4°C28.3°C
Apr 3026.3°C27.3°C
May 126.1°C26.8°C
May 225.8°C27.0°C
May 325.8°C26.3°C
May 425.8°C26.8°C
May 525.8°C26.5°C
May 625.8°C26.5°C25.8°C
May 726.0°C25.9°C
May 826.8°C26.0°C
May 925.8°C26.1°C
May 1026.0°C26.2°C
May 1126.5°C26.3°C
May 1226.8°C26.4°C
May 1326.0°C26.5°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 Port Douglas 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

Port Douglas sits on Queensland’s Far North Coast, fronting the Coral Sea where water temperatures remain inviting for most of the year. During the tropical wet season from about November to April, sea temperatures are typically around 27–30 °C, often feeling very warm and comfortable for extended swims. In the drier winter months from May to October, the water cools only slightly, usually sitting between 23–26 °C. Even at its coolest, the sea around Port Douglas rarely feels cold, making it appealing to visitors year-round.

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°C31°C
May24°C26°C28°C
June21°C24°C27°C
July21°C24°C26°C
August22°C24°C26°C
September23°C25°C27°C
October23°C27°C29°C
November25°C28°C30°C
December26°C29°C31°C

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

Port Douglas: Weather Forecast

May 7

20°C / 28°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 82% | wind: 7 kmh

May 8

21°C / 27°C
light rain
humidity: 82% | wind: 14 kmh

May 9

21°C / 24°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 83% | wind: 14 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Four Mile Beach

⭐ 4.9/5
25.3°C

Rex Smeal Park

⭐ 3.0/5
26.7°C

Shel's Tree

⭐ 3.1/5
25.7°C

Tropical Havens Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
26.2°C

Port Douglas

⭐ 5.0/5
26.5°C

Cooya Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
25.4°C

Newell Beach

⭐ 4.2/5
25.7°C

Palm Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
24.7°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in Port Douglas is generally well supported, especially at Four Mile Beach, which is patrolled at certain times of the year. During the warmer months, marine stingers can occur, so stinger nets are put in place to allow safer swimming, and these areas are clearly marked. Saltwater crocodiles are known to inhabit waterways in the region, but they are uncommon along the open beachfront where swimming is managed. Thanks to these precautions, swimming is considered suitable in designated areas when conditions are calm and safety measures are in place. Outside patrolled zones or during rough weather, extra caution is advised. Overall, Port Douglas combines consistently warm water with managed swimming conditions, making it one of the more accessible tropical swimming spots on the Coral Sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Port Douglas today?
Sea water temperature in Port Douglas in the Coral Sea today is 26°C.
What is the water temperature in Port Douglas during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Port Douglas typically ranges from 26°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in Port Douglas during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Port Douglas typically ranges from 24°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in Port Douglas during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Port Douglas typically ranges from 23°C to 30°C.
What is the water temperature in Port Douglas during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Port Douglas typically ranges from 21°C to 27°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Port Douglas area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Port Douglas area include: Four Mile Beach, Rex Smeal Park, Shel's Tree, Tropical Havens Beach, Port Douglas.