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Cairns

Water Temperature in the Coral Sea in Cairns, Australia: Current, Historical Data and Forecast

On this page, you will find comprehensive information about the sea temperature in Cairns in Australia, including current readings, historical data and trends, monthly averages, as well as weather forecasts and upcoming temperature predictions. We find every spot where you can swim and tell you what the water temperature is there today and throughout the year.

Current Water Temperature in Cairns

25.6°C

TODAY

26.1°C

YESTERDAY

27.3°C

A WEEK AGO

All water temperature data is now available in our official mobile apps — for iOS and Android.

Analysis, Historical Data, and Forecast of Water Temperature

Today sea water temperature in the Coral Sea in Cairns is 25.6°C. This is a very comfortable temperature for swimming, and many people can enjoy prolonged stays in the water without feeling cold. The water is pleasantly warm, making it ideal for relaxation and water sports. This temperature range is particularly popular among tourists, as it combines comfort and safety for health.

It is important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in good weather. When the air temperature is below 68°F (20°C), and sometimes even below 77°F (25°C), swimming can be unpleasant even with relatively high water temperatures.

Water Temperature Chart for Coral Sea in Cairns Over the Last 30 Days

The water temperature in Cairns today is lower than both a week ago and a month ago. Today's sea temperature is generally in line with historical values for this day.

According to our forecast, the sea temperature in Cairns will remain nearly unchanged in the coming days, its value will be 25.7°C.

Actual nearshore water temperatures may fluctuate by several degrees from the reported values, especially following heavy rainfall or extended periods of strong winds. Certain wind patterns can cause colder, deeper waters to rise and replace the sun-warmed surface water, leading to noticeable variations.

Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that considers real-time water temperature changes, historical trends, key weather patterns, wind strength and direction, and air temperature specific to each region. Additionally, we incorporate data from other resorts across Australia to enhance accuracy.

Water temperature data for Cairns and nearby towns and resorts is gathered from various sources, including buoys and satellite sea and ocean surface maps provided by the NOAA agency. We also incorporate data from local authorities in each specific location worldwide to ensure more accurate temperature readings.

Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data

Date	Current	Average	Forecast
May 2	27.3°C	27.0°C
May 3	27.7°C	27.0°C
May 4	25.9°C	26.8°C
May 5	26.4°C	26.5°C
May 6	25.8°C	26.8°C
May 7	25.8°C	26.5°C
May 8	26.1°C	26.0°C
May 9	25.9°C	26.5°C
May 10		25.8°C	25.6°C
May 11		26.3°C	25.7°C
May 12		25.8°C	25.7°C
May 13		25.8°C	25.7°C
May 14		25.8°C	25.7°C
May 15		25.8°C	25.7°C
May 16		26.0°C	25.7°C
May 17		25.5°C	25.7°C

* Current - Actual water temperature value

** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years

*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast

Sea Temperature in Cairns Throughout the Year

Throughout the year, the sea temperature in Cairns is always above 64°F (18°C), the sea temperature exceeds 72°F (22°C) for 366 days, and exceeds 77°F (25°C) for 238 days.

Below is the annual chart of sea temperature changes in the Coral Sea in Cairns.

January

Minimum	Average	Maximum
27°C	29°C	31°C

February

Minimum	Average	Maximum
27°C	29°C	31°C

March

Minimum	Average	Maximum
27°C	29°C	31°C

April

Minimum	Average	Maximum
26°C	28°C	30°C

May

Minimum	Average	Maximum
23°C	25.5°C	28°C

June

Minimum	Average	Maximum
21°C	24°C	27°C

July

Minimum	Average	Maximum
21°C	23.5°C	26°C

August

Minimum	Average	Maximum
22°C	24°C	26°C

September

Minimum	Average	Maximum
22°C	25°C	28°C

October

Minimum	Average	Maximum
23°C	26°C	29°C

November

Minimum	Average	Maximum
24°C	27°C	30°C

December

Minimum	Average	Maximum
26°C	28.5°C	31°C

Monthly Water Temperature Histogram for Coral Sea in Cairns

You can explore detailed data on how the water temperature in Cairns varies each month:

What Beaches Are There In and Around Cairns?

Barron Beach

Barron Beach is a 2-stars sandy beach, located in a 6 km (4 miles) radius of Cairns. Barron Beach is an excellent spot for fishing enthusiasts, offering good opportunities to catch local fish. Snorkeling is possible.

Giangurra Esplanade Park

Giangurra Esplanade Park is a 2-stars pebble beach, located in a 6 km (4 miles) radius of Cairns. There is parking. There are restrooms. Giangurra Esplanade Park is an excellent spot for fishing enthusiasts, offering good opportunities to catch local fish.

Machans Beach

Machans Beach is a 4-stars sandy beach, located in a 8 km (5 miles) radius of Cairns. There is parking. There are restrooms. Machans Beach is an excellent spot for fishing enthusiasts, offering good opportunities to catch local fish. Snorkeling is possible. The calm waters make this beach ideal for swimming, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Keith Edwick Park

Keith Edwick Park is a 2-stars sandy beach, located in a 8 km (5 miles) radius of Cairns. There are cafés.

Second Beach

Second Beach is a 1-stars sandy beach, located in a 8 km (5 miles) radius of Cairns. Second Beach is an excellent spot for fishing enthusiasts, offering good opportunities to catch local fish.

Machans Beach

Machans Beach is a 4-stars sandy beach, located in a 9 km (6 miles) radius of Cairns. There is parking. There are restrooms. There are cafés. It is suitable for surfing. The calm waters make this beach ideal for swimming, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Cairns Weather

MAY 10

21°C / 24°C

light rain

humidity: 90% | wind: 4 km/h

MAY 11

21°C / 26°C

broken clouds: 51-84%

humidity: 87% | wind: 4 km/h

MAY 12

21°C / 27°C

light rain

humidity: 87% | wind: 3 km/h

MAY 13

21°C / 28°C

few clouds: 11-25%

humidity: 83% | wind: 3 km/h

Sea Temperature in the Coral Sea in Cairns: General Trends and Swimming Opportunities

Original name

Cairns

The Local Time

13:53

Time Zone

UTC+10

Sunrise

06:31

Sunset

17:54

Length of the day

11 h 23 m

The coastal region of Queensland, Australia exhibits a tropical climate with hot and humid summers, warm and dry winters. It experiences high rainfall usually during summer with occasional tropical cyclones.

Cairns is located in Australia & Pacific Islands in the Southern Hemisphere at a latitude of -17 degrees, along the shores of the Coral Sea. Cairns lies within the Queensland in Australia.

The average annual daytime air temperature in Cairns is 29°C (84°F), with the average nighttime temperature being 20°C (68°F). The highest average daily temperature occurs in December, reaching 31°C (89°F), while the lowest is in July at 25°C (77°F). As for nighttime temperatures, the minimum average temperature of 17°C (62°F) is recorded in July, and the maximum is in January, reaching 24°C (74°F).

According to historical data, Cairns experiences 134 rainy days per year, which accounts for 37 percent of all days in the year. On average, there are 11 rainy days each month. The wettest month is February, with 19 rainy days and 435 mm (17.1 inches) of precipitation, while the driest month is September, which typically has 5 rainy days and only 34 mm (1.3 inches) of precipitation.

The average annual water temperature in Coral Sea in Cairns is 27°C (81°F). In June, the water reaches its lowest point of the year at 21°C (70°F), while in January, it peaks at 31°C (88°F). The water temperature in the Coral Sea in Cairns is comfortable for beach vacations and swimming year-round.

Geographical Location of Cairns

Nearby Cities

Frequently Asked Questions About Cairns and its Water Temperatures

What is the current sea temperature in Cairns?

The water temperature today in the Coral Sea in Cairns is 78°F (25.6°C).

In which months is the water temperature in Cairns comfortable for swimming?

The water temperature in Cairns is comfortable for beach vacations and swimming throughout the year.

What is the water temperature in Cairns during the winter?

The water temperature in the Coral Sea in Cairns during the winter ranges from 26°C to 31°C (79°F to 88°F).

What is the water temperature in Cairns during the spring?

The water temperature in the Coral Sea in Cairns during the spring ranges from 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F).

What is the water temperature in Cairns during the summer?

The water temperature in the Coral Sea in Cairns during the summer ranges from 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 81°F).

What is the water temperature in Cairns during the fall?

The water temperature in the Coral Sea in Cairns during the fall ranges from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F).

Is it possible to swim in the sea in Cairns year-round?

Yes, it is possible to swim in the Coral Sea in Cairns year-round because the water temperature never drops below 21°C (70°F)

Is Cairns a popular tourist destination for beach vacations?

Cairns has a moderate level of popularity for beach vacations; while it does receive some visitors, it is not among the top seaside destinations, as other locations may offer more favorable conditions.

What sea temperatures can I expect in Cairns in the next month?

In June, the water temperature in the Coral Sea in Cairns will range between 70°F (21°C) and 81°F (27°C)