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Whitehaven Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Whitehaven 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.

Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach © ÁĐÏŤÝÁ ÁĐÏ

Current Sea Water Temperature

24.8°C
Today
24.7°C
Yesterday
25.2°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Whitehaven Beach is about 25°C.

Water Temperature in Whitehaven Beach: 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 April 6 to May 6

Water temperatures in Whitehaven 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 Whitehaven Beach will be 25.6°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 2825.6°C27.8°C
Apr 2925.5°C27.8°C
Apr 3025.2°C26.8°C
May 124.9°C26.0°C
May 225.0°C26.5°C
May 324.9°C26.3°C
May 424.6°C26.0°C
May 524.7°C26.0°C
May 624.8°C26.0°C24.8°C
May 726.0°C24.9°C
May 826.0°C25.0°C
May 926.0°C25.2°C
May 1026.0°C25.3°C
May 1126.0°C25.4°C
May 1226.0°C25.5°C
May 1325.7°C25.6°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 Whitehaven 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

Whitehaven Beach lies in the heart of the Whitsundays on Queensland’s North Coast, fronting the Coral Sea, and is known for consistently warm, clear water. In summer, from around December to March, sea temperatures usually sit between 27 and 29 °C, giving the water a distinctly tropical feel that’s ideal for long, relaxed swims. During winter, typically June to August, temperatures ease back to about 22–24 °C, which is still very comfortable by Australian standards. Spring and autumn are often the sweet spot, with water temperatures commonly ranging from 24–26 °C and generally settled conditions across the bay.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January27°C29°C31°C
February27°C29°C31°C
March26°C29°C31°C
April25°C28°C30°C
May22°C26°C28°C
June20°C24°C26°C
July20°C23°C24°C
August20°C23°C24°C
September20°C24°C27°C
October22°C26°C29°C
November24°C27°C29°C
December26°C28°C30°C

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

Whitehaven Beach: Weather Forecast

May 7

23°C / 24°C
clear sky
humidity: 77% | wind: 25 kmh

May 8

22°C / 23°C
clear sky
humidity: 63% | wind: 36 kmh

May 9

22°C / 24°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 71% | wind: 36 kmh

May 10

24°C / 24°C
light rain
humidity: 75% | wind: 36 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Whitehaven Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
24.1°C

Crano Cove

⭐ 3.1/5
25.7°C

Chance Bay

⭐ 4.4/5
25.2°C

Hill Inlet

⭐ 3.2/5
24.4°C

Betty's Beach

⭐ 3.9/5
24.2°C

Chalkie's Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
23.7°C

Turtle Bay

⭐ 3.5/5
24.7°C

Dugong Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
23.7°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Whitehaven Beach is allowed and very popular, helped by the beach’s sheltered position and gentle slope into the sea. The surrounding islands protect the shoreline from strong swell, so the water is often calm and inviting when weather and tides are favourable. This makes swimming suitable for a wide range of abilities, from casual paddlers to confident swimmers. As with much of tropical Queensland, marine stingers can be present during the warmer months, usually from November to May, and many people choose to wear stinger suits at that time. Outside the stinger season, the combination of warm water, excellent visibility, and calm conditions makes Whitehaven Beach an outstanding place for swimming in a natural island setting.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Eimeo Point

⭐ 1/5
25.3°C

Dolphin Heads

⭐ 2/5
24.6°C

Lamberts Beach

⭐ 1/5
25.1°C

North Wall Mackay Harbour Beach

⭐ 3/5
24.3°C

South Wall Mackay Harbour

⭐ 1/5
24.7°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Whitehaven Beach today?
Sea water temperature in Whitehaven Beach in the Coral Sea today is 25°C.
What is the water temperature in Whitehaven Beach during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Whitehaven Beach typically ranges from 26°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in Whitehaven Beach during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Whitehaven Beach typically ranges from 22°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in Whitehaven Beach during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Whitehaven Beach typically ranges from 20°C to 29°C.
What is the water temperature in Whitehaven Beach during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Whitehaven Beach typically ranges from 20°C to 26°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Whitehaven Beach area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Whitehaven Beach area include: Whitehaven Beach, Crano Cove, Chance Bay, Hill Inlet, Betty's Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Whitehaven Beach?
Some of the closest surf spots near Whitehaven Beach include Eimeo Point, Dolphin Heads, Lamberts Beach.