South Mission Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions
This page shows the current water temperature at South Mission Beach 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.
Current Sea Water Temperature
The average sea water temperature today in South Mission Beach is about 23°C.
Water Temperature in South Mission Beach: 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
Over the past 30 days, water temperatures in South Mission Beach have generally increased, although a slight cooling trend has set in over the last week.
According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in South Mission Beach will be 23.7°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 15 | 23.3°C | 23.5°C | |
| Aug 16 | 23.2°C | 24.0°C | |
| Aug 17 | 23.5°C | 24.0°C | |
| Aug 18 | 23.5°C | 23.8°C | |
| Aug 19 | 23.2°C | 24.0°C | |
| Aug 20 | 22.9°C | 23.8°C | |
| Aug 21 | 22.9°C | 24.0°C | |
| Aug 22 | 22.8°C | 24.0°C | |
| Aug 23 | 22.9°C | 24.0°C | 22.9°C |
| Aug 24 | 24.7°C | 23.0°C | |
| Aug 25 | 24.3°C | 23.1°C | |
| Aug 26 | 24.3°C | 23.3°C | |
| Aug 27 | 24.3°C | 23.4°C | |
| Aug 28 | 24.7°C | 23.5°C | |
| Aug 29 | 24.0°C | 23.6°C | |
| Aug 30 | 25.0°C | 23.7°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 South Mission Beach 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
Annual Water Temperature Trend
South Mission Beach sits along a long, open stretch of Queensland’s North Coast, facing the Coral Sea and known for its warm, tropical water temperatures. Through summer, from about December to March, the sea is usually around 27–29 °C, making the water very comfortable for extended swims. In winter, roughly June to August, temperatures ease back to around 22–24 °C, which is still mild by Australian standards and suits swimming on calm, sunny days. Autumn and spring tend to be particularly pleasant, with water temperatures commonly sitting between 24–26 °C and less humidity than mid-summer.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C | 30°C | 31°C |
| February | 27°C | 29°C | 31°C |
| March | 27°C | 29°C | 31°C |
| April | 26°C | 28°C | 30°C |
| May | 23°C | 26°C | 28°C |
| June | 21°C | 25°C | 27°C |
| July | 21°C | 24°C | 26°C |
| August | 22°C | 24°C | 26°C |
| September | 22°C | 25°C | 28°C |
| October | 23°C | 26°C | 29°C |
| November | 24°C | 27°C | 30°C |
| December | 26°C | 29°C | 31°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
South Mission Beach: Weather Forecast
August 23
August 24
August 25
August 26
Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots
Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures
South Mission Beach
Lugger Bay
Kennedy Bay
Rotary Park
Pallon Beach
Wongaling Beach
Mission Beach
Swimming Conditions
Swimming at South Mission Beach is generally allowed and popular, especially when conditions are settled. The beach is exposed to the open sea, so waves and currents can vary from day to day, and swimmers are best to choose calmer conditions. During the warmer months, usually from November to May, marine stingers may be present, which is why many people wear stinger suits or keep swims short. Outside that period, the combination of warm water, wide sandy shoreline, and clean ocean makes South Mission Beach well suited to swimming, particularly for confident swimmers who keep an eye on local weather and sea conditions.
Location, Type and Nearby Places
Address: Cassowary Coast Region
Place Tags:BeachCoastal Town
Water Temperature in Nearby Places
