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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.

South Mission Beach
South Mission Beach © By MissionBeach, CC BY 3.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

28.6°C
Today
29.1°C
Yesterday
29.7°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in South Mission Beach is about 29°C.

Water Temperature in South Mission Beach: 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 South Mission Beach 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 South Mission Beach 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 1229.5°C29.3°C
Mar 1329.4°C29.0°C
Mar 1429.7°C29.8°C
Mar 1529.6°C29.5°C
Mar 1629.5°C29.3°C
Mar 1729.2°C29.3°C
Mar 1829.1°C29.0°C
Mar 1929.1°C29.3°C
Mar 2028.6°C29.3°C28.6°C
Mar 2128.7°C28.6°C
Mar 2228.7°C28.7°C
Mar 2328.7°C28.7°C
Mar 2428.7°C28.7°C
Mar 2529.0°C28.8°C
Mar 2629.0°C28.8°C
Mar 2728.7°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 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

30°C
25°C
20°C
15°C
10°c
5°C
0°C

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
January27°C30°C31°C
February27°C29°C31°C
March27°C29°C31°C
April26°C28°C30°C
May23°C26°C28°C
June21°C25°C27°C
July21°C24°C26°C
August22°C24°C26°C
September22°C25°C28°C
October23°C26°C29°C
November24°C27°C30°C
December26°C29°C31°C

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

South Mission Beach: Weather Forecast

March 21

25°C / 25°C
moderate rain
humidity: 87% | wind: 18 kmh

March 22

24°C / 26°C
light rain
humidity: 84% | wind: 18 kmh

March 23

24°C / 25°C
light rain
humidity: 83% | wind: 18 kmh

March 24

24°C / 27°C
clear sky
humidity: 73% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

South Mission Beach

⭐ 2.8/5
28.9°C

Lugger Bay

⭐ 3.6/5
28.3°C

Kennedy Bay

⭐ 3.5/5
27.4°C

Rotary Park

⭐ 3.7/5
29.3°C

Pallon Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
29.3°C

Wongaling Beach

⭐ 4.4/5
29.2°C

Mission Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
27.7°C

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in South Mission Beach today?
Sea water temperature in South Mission Beach in the Coral Sea today is 29°C.
What is the water temperature in South Mission Beach during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in South Mission Beach typically ranges from 26°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in South Mission Beach during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in South Mission Beach typically ranges from 23°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in South Mission Beach during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in South Mission Beach typically ranges from 22°C to 30°C.
What is the water temperature in South Mission Beach during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in South Mission Beach typically ranges from 21°C to 27°C.
Which beaches are popular in the South Mission Beach area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the South Mission Beach area include: South Mission Beach, Lugger Bay, Kennedy Bay, Rotary Park, Wongaling Beach.