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West Island – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at West Island in Cocos (Keeling) Islands. 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.

West Island
West Island © Nick Harding

Current Sea Water Temperature

28.7°C
Today
28.7°C
Yesterday
28.5°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in West Island is about 29°C.

Water Temperature in West Island: 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 West Island have been on a steady rise over the past month and have continued to climb over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in West Island will be 29.6°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
Mar 1228.7°C29.3°C
Mar 1328.6°C29.5°C
Mar 1428.5°C29.3°C
Mar 1528.7°C29.8°C
Mar 1628.8°C29.8°C
Mar 1728.7°C29.3°C
Mar 1828.8°C29.3°C
Mar 1928.7°C29.3°C
Mar 2028.7°C29.3°C28.7°C
Mar 2129.8°C28.8°C
Mar 2229.8°C29.0°C
Mar 2329.3°C29.1°C
Mar 2429.8°C29.2°C
Mar 2529.0°C29.4°C
Mar 2630.0°C29.5°C
Mar 2729.5°C29.6°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 West Island 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

West Island is the main settlement on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, set within a tropical atoll in the eastern Indian Ocean where warm, clear water surrounds the coastline year-round. Sea temperatures here are very stable compared with mainland Australia. During the drier months, roughly from May to October, the water usually sits around 26–27 °C, which feels comfortably warm for swimming at any time of day. In the wetter season, from November to April, temperatures often rise slightly to about 27–29 °C. There is no cold season as such, and even in overcast or breezy weather the sea remains pleasantly warm.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January27°C29°C30°C
February26°C29°C31°C
March27°C29°C31°C
April27°C29°C31°C
May27°C29°C31°C
June26°C28°C30°C
July25°C27°C29°C
August25°C27°C28°C
September24°C27°C28°C
October24°C27°C29°C
November25°C28°C30°C
December24°C28°C30°C

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

West Island: Weather Forecast

March 21

28°C / 29°C
few clouds: 11-25%
humidity: 68% | wind: 14 kmh

March 22

27°C / 28°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 69% | wind: 14 kmh

March 23

27°C / 28°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 74% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Cossies Beach

⭐ 5.0/5
29.6°C

West Island

⭐ 3.9/5
28.8°C

Home Island

⭐ 3.5/5
29.3°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in West Island is allowed and is one of the area’s main attractions. Much of the island faces the lagoon, which provides calm, sheltered conditions with minimal waves and gentle currents, making it ideal for relaxed swims, floating, and snorkelling. The warm water means wetsuits are unnecessary, and longer swims are comfortable year-round. Areas facing the open ocean can experience stronger swell and currents, so swimming there is best reserved for calm days and confident swimmers. Overall, West Island offers excellent tropical swimming conditions, combining consistently warm water with sheltered lagoon environments that suit both casual dips and extended time in the sea.

Location, Type and Nearby Places

Address: Shire of Cocos 6799

Place Tags:Beach

Water Temperature in Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in West Island today?
Sea water temperature in West Island in the Indian Ocean today is 29°C.
What is the water temperature in West Island during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in West Island typically ranges from 24°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in West Island during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in West Island typically ranges from 27°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in West Island during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in West Island typically ranges from 24°C to 30°C.
What is the water temperature in West Island during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in West Island typically ranges from 25°C to 30°C.
Which beaches are popular in the West Island area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the West Island area include: Cossies Beach, West Island, Home Island.