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Thornton Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Thornton 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.

Thornton Beach
Thornton Beach © By Annette Teng, CC BY 3.0

Current Sea Water Temperature

26.1°C
Today
26.1°C
Yesterday
26.5°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Thornton Beach is about 26°C.

Water Temperature in Thornton Beach: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

✅ This is warm water that suits almost everyone. Swimming feels easy and pleasant, even for extended stays, and there is little risk of discomfort from cooling. These temperatures are ideal for family swimming, snorkelling, and most water activities, offering a good balance between comfort and refreshment.

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 Thornton 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 Thornton Beach will be 26.6°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 2826.6°C28.0°C
Apr 2926.5°C28.3°C
Apr 3026.5°C27.3°C
May 126.3°C26.8°C
May 226.2°C27.0°C
May 326.1°C26.3°C
May 426.0°C26.8°C
May 526.1°C26.5°C
May 626.1°C26.5°C26.1°C
May 726.0°C26.2°C
May 826.8°C26.2°C
May 925.8°C26.3°C
May 1026.0°C26.4°C
May 1126.5°C26.5°C
May 1226.8°C26.5°C
May 1326.0°C26.6°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 Thornton 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

Thornton Beach lies along the Daintree coastline in Far North Queensland, fronting the Coral Sea and sharing its consistently warm, tropical water temperatures. Through the hotter wet season from roughly November to April, sea temperatures are usually around 27–30 °C, often feeling very warm on calm days. During the drier months from May to October, the water cools only modestly, typically ranging between 23–26 °C. Even in the middle of winter, the sea remains mild and comfortable compared with most beaches further south.

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.

Thornton Beach: 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

Thornton Beach

⭐ 4.4/5
26.0°C

Cow Bay

⭐ 2.9/5
26.2°C

Cow Bay Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
26.6°C

Cape Tribulation

⭐ 5.0/5
26.2°C

Swimming Conditions

Despite the inviting temperatures, swimming at Thornton Beach is generally limited and often discouraged. The beach is remote and unpatrolled, with strong currents and changing conditions, and the surrounding area is known habitat for saltwater crocodiles, particularly near creeks and mangroves. In addition, marine stingers may be present during the warmer months. Because of these natural risks and the lack of safety infrastructure, ocean swimming is usually only considered when local conditions are clearly declared safe, and even then with caution. Many visitors come to Thornton Beach to enjoy its wild scenery and quiet setting rather than regular swimming, while opting for safer, designated freshwater or managed coastal swimming spots elsewhere in the region.

Location, Type and Nearby Places

Address: Shire of Douglas

Place Tags:BeachCoastal Town

Water Temperature in Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

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