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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

21.1°C
Today
21.1°C
Yesterday
21.6°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Whitsunday Islands is about 21°C.

Water Temperature in Whitsunday Islands: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

✅ This water feels mild to warm and is comfortable for the majority of swimmers. Swimming is enjoyable, though longer stays may feel cooler for some people, especially in windy conditions. These temperatures are well suited to family outings and active swimming, particularly on warm days.

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

Water temperatures in Whitsunday Islands 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 Whitsunday Islands will be 22.2°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
Aug 1521.6°C22.3°C
Aug 1621.6°C22.8°C
Aug 1721.6°C22.8°C
Aug 1821.5°C22.5°C
Aug 1921.4°C22.5°C
Aug 2021.4°C22.3°C
Aug 2121.3°C22.0°C
Aug 2221.1°C22.0°C
Aug 2321.1°C22.0°C21.1°C
Aug 2422.7°C21.3°C
Aug 2523.0°C21.4°C
Aug 2623.0°C21.6°C
Aug 2722.7°C21.7°C
Aug 2822.7°C21.9°C
Aug 2922.7°C22.1°C
Aug 3022.7°C22.2°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

August 23

18°C / 22°C
clear sky
humidity: 82% | wind: 22 kmh

August 24

20°C / 23°C
clear sky
humidity: 84% | wind: 18 kmh

August 25

20°C / 21°C
clear sky
humidity: 92% | wind: 14 kmh

August 26

20°C / 21°C
clear sky
humidity: 89% | wind: 11 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Betty's Beach

⭐ 3.9/5
20.2°C

Hill Inlet

⭐ 3.2/5
22.0°C

Dugong Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
21.7°C

Turtle Bay

⭐ 3.5/5
21.3°C

Crano Cove

⭐ 3.1/5
21.5°C

Whitehaven Beach

⭐ 3.4/5
21.0°C

Chalkie's Beach

⭐ 3.1/5
20.6°C

Chance Bay

⭐ 4.4/5
22.2°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
21.9°C

Dolphin Heads

⭐ 2/5
21.4°C

Lamberts Beach

⭐ 1/5
21.4°C

North Wall Mackay Harbour Beach

⭐ 3/5
20.8°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 21°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.