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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

28.4°C
Today
28.9°C
Yesterday
29.6°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Port Douglas is about 28°C.

Water Temperature in Port Douglas: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

✅ Water at this temperature is very warm and feels almost tropical. Swimming is comfortable for most people, even for long periods, with no sensation of cold. These conditions are ideal for relaxed swimming, floating, and water play, especially for families and casual swimmers. However, during very hot weather, the water may feel less refreshing, and short breaks are often welcome.

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 February 18 to March 20

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 28.8°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
Mar 1229.3°C29.5°C
Mar 1329.3°C29.5°C
Mar 1429.6°C29.5°C
Mar 1529.6°C29.5°C
Mar 1629.5°C29.0°C
Mar 1729.3°C29.5°C
Mar 1829.0°C29.0°C
Mar 1928.9°C29.0°C
Mar 2028.4°C29.0°C28.4°C
Mar 2128.8°C28.5°C
Mar 2229.0°C28.5°C
Mar 2329.0°C28.6°C
Mar 2428.8°C28.6°C
Mar 2529.0°C28.7°C
Mar 2629.3°C28.7°C
Mar 2729.0°C28.8°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

March 21

24°C / 25°C
light rain
humidity: 95% | wind: 7 kmh

March 22

24°C / 27°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 86% | wind: 11 kmh

March 23

22°C / 28°C
light rain
humidity: 87% | wind: 11 kmh

March 24

22°C / 29°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 78% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Four Mile Beach

⭐ 4.9/5
28.8°C

Rex Smeal Park

⭐ 3.0/5
28.0°C

Shel's Tree

⭐ 3.1/5
27.5°C

Tropical Havens Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
28.5°C

Port Douglas

⭐ 5.0/5
29.4°C

Cooya Beach

⭐ 2.9/5
29.0°C

Newell Beach

⭐ 4.2/5
29.0°C

Palm Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
28.7°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 28°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.