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Tully Heads – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Tully Heads 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.

Tully Heads
Tully Heads © James Gibson

Current Sea Water Temperature

23.1°C
Today
22.9°C
Yesterday
23.7°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Tully Heads is about 23°C.

Water Temperature in Tully Heads: 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 July 23 to August 22

Over the past 30 days, water temperatures in Tully Heads have generally increased, although a slight cooling trend has set in over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Tully Heads will be 23.9°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 1523.6°C23.8°C
Aug 1623.5°C24.0°C
Aug 1723.7°C24.0°C
Aug 1823.7°C24.0°C
Aug 1923.5°C24.0°C
Aug 2023.0°C23.8°C
Aug 2123.0°C24.0°C
Aug 2222.9°C24.0°C
Aug 2323.1°C24.0°C23.1°C
Aug 2424.7°C23.2°C
Aug 2524.3°C23.3°C
Aug 2624.3°C23.4°C
Aug 2724.3°C23.5°C
Aug 2824.7°C23.7°C
Aug 2924.0°C23.8°C
Aug 3025.0°C23.9°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 Tully Heads 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

Tully Heads sits on Queensland’s tropical North Coast, right where the Tully River meets the Coral Sea, and water temperatures stay warm for most of the year. In summer, from December through to March, sea temperatures are typically around 27–29 °C, feeling very warm and inviting, especially during hot, humid days. Over winter, usually June to August, the water cools slightly to about 22–24 °C, which is still comfortable for swimming by local standards. Spring and autumn often bring the best balance, with temperatures commonly in the 24–26 °C range and more settled weather.

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.

Tully Heads: Weather Forecast

August 23

19°C / 22°C
clear sky
humidity: 77% | wind: 7 kmh

August 24

21°C / 23°C
light rain
humidity: 81% | wind: 11 kmh

August 25

19°C / 24°C
clear sky
humidity: 81% | wind: 7 kmh

August 26

21°C / 24°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 76% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Kennedy Bay

⭐ 3.5/5
22.0°C

Lugger Bay

⭐ 3.6/5
22.9°C

South Mission Beach

⭐ 2.8/5
24.0°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Tully Heads is allowed, but conditions mean a bit of extra care is needed. The beach is exposed to the open Coral Sea and influenced by the nearby river mouth, so currents, waves, and water clarity can change quickly. In the warmer months, generally from November to May, marine stingers may be present, which is why many swimmers use stinger suits or choose to limit time in the water. Outside the stinger season, the warm sea and quiet coastal setting make swimming possible on calmer days, particularly for experienced swimmers who check conditions and avoid rough weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

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