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Whitsunday Islands – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Whitsunday Islands 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.

Whitsunday Islands
Whitsunday Islands © Annelle Nuske

Current Sea Water Temperature

24.3°C
Today
23.9°C
Yesterday
23.4°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Whitsunday Islands is about 24°C.

Water Temperature in Whitsunday Islands: 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 September 15 to October 15

Water temperatures in Whitsunday Islands 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 Whitsunday Islands will be 26.2°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
Oct 723.0°C24.3°C
Oct 823.1°C24.3°C
Oct 923.4°C24.3°C
Oct 1023.4°C25.0°C
Oct 1123.5°C24.5°C
Oct 1223.5°C24.8°C
Oct 1323.6°C25.0°C
Oct 1423.9°C25.0°C
Oct 1524.3°C25.0°C24.3°C
Oct 1625.3°C24.6°C
Oct 1725.7°C24.8°C
Oct 1825.7°C25.1°C
Oct 1925.7°C25.4°C
Oct 2026.0°C25.7°C
Oct 2126.7°C25.9°C
Oct 2225.7°C26.2°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 Whitsunday Islands 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

The Whitsunday Islands sit off Queensland’s North Coast in the warm waters of the Coral Sea, and sea temperatures here stay inviting across the year. In summer, from roughly December to March, the water is typically around 27–29 °C, giving it a distinctly tropical feel that suits long swims and snorkelling sessions. During winter, usually June to August, temperatures ease back to about 22–24 °C, which is still mild and comfortable by Australian standards. Spring and autumn often provide the best balance, with water temperatures commonly ranging from 24–26 °C and generally calmer weather across the island group.

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.

Whitsunday Islands: Weather Forecast

October 16

22°C / 23°C
overcast clouds: 85-100%
humidity: 76% | wind: 32 kmh

October 17

22°C / 23°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 75% | wind: 29 kmh

October 18

22°C / 23°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 77% | wind: 29 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Betty's Beach

⭐ 3.9/5
24.5°C

Hill Inlet

⭐ 3.2/5
24.9°C

Dugong Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
24.4°C

Turtle Bay

⭐ 3.5/5
23.9°C

Crano Cove

⭐ 3.1/5
25.1°C

Whitehaven Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
23.2°C

Chalkie's Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
24.4°C

Chance Bay

⭐ 4.4/5
24.1°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming around Whitsunday Islands is allowed and widely enjoyed, thanks to the many sheltered bays and beaches protected from strong ocean swell. These calmer waters make swimming suitable for a wide range of abilities when conditions are settled. As with much of tropical Queensland, marine stingers can be present during the warmer months, typically from November to May, so swimmers often wear stinger suits or follow local advice on safer areas. Outside the stinger season, the clear, warm water and sheltered shorelines offer excellent swimming conditions. With consistently mild sea temperatures and plenty of protected spots, the Whitsunday Islands are well suited to swimming for most of the year when local conditions are taken into account.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Eimeo Point

⭐ 1/5
24.6°C

Dolphin Heads

⭐ 2/5
24.4°C

Lamberts Beach

⭐ 1/5
25.9°C

North Wall Mackay Harbour Beach

⭐ 3/5
24.1°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Whitsunday Islands today?
Sea water temperature in Whitsunday Islands in the Coral Sea today is 24°C.
What is the water temperature in Whitsunday Islands during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Whitsunday Islands typically ranges from 26°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in Whitsunday Islands during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Whitsunday Islands typically ranges from 22°C to 31°C.
What is the water temperature in Whitsunday Islands during spring?
During spring, the sea water temperature in Whitsunday Islands typically ranges from 20°C to 29°C.
What is the water temperature in Whitsunday Islands during winter?
During winter, the sea water temperature in Whitsunday Islands typically ranges from 20°C to 26°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Whitsunday Islands area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Whitsunday Islands area include: Betty's Beach, Hill Inlet, Dugong Beach, Turtle Bay, Whitehaven Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Whitsunday Islands?
Some of the closest surf spots near Whitsunday Islands include Eimeo Point, Dolphin Heads, Lamberts Beach.