Search for cities, countries, lakes and rivers

Coral Sea

Fraser, Australia

Fraser, Australia © Peter Bowring

Coral Sea Water Temperature: Current & Historical Data for Coastal Resorts

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

73°F

minimal

82°F

average

87°F

maximum

Graph of Water Temperature Changes in the Coral Sea Over the Last 60 Days

Water temperature in the Coral Sea by month

MonthMinimumMaximum
January66°F90°F
February66°F90°F
March68°F90°F
April66°F88°F
May66°F88°F
June63°F86°F
July63°F86°F
August63°F86°F
September61°F84°F
October61°F88°F
November63°F90°F
December64°F90°F

What is known about the Coral Sea?

Daru, Papua New GuineaDaru, Papua New Guinea © Srinivas Ghattamaneni

The Coral Sea, located off the northeast coast of Australia, is known for its warm, tropical waters year-round. Water temperatures in the Coral Sea typically range from 75–84°F (24–29°C), with only slight variations between the seasons. In the summer months, from December to February, temperatures can climb toward the higher end of this range, while during winter, from June to August, the water remains comfortably warm, though slightly cooler.

Swimming in the Coral Sea is a popular activity, particularly along the coastlines of Queensland, near the Great Barrier Reef. The warm water makes for a pleasant and comfortable swimming experience year-round. In addition to swimming, the sea offers excellent conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving due to its rich marine life and vibrant coral ecosystems. Visitors flock to the region to explore the diverse underwater world, with numerous marine species such as colorful fish, turtles, and coral reefs. The calm, clear waters of the Coral Sea also provide ideal conditions for other water sports such as kayaking and sailing. Whether swimming in the crystal-clear waters or exploring the colorful reefs, the Coral Sea offers an unforgettable experience for water enthusiasts.

List of Countries Bordering the Coral Sea

Popular Resorts of the Coral Sea with the Warmest Water Today

Popular Resorts on the Coral Sea Coast

Brighton, Australia

Brighton, Australia © rory beckwith

Nearest Seas and Oceans

Frequently Asked Questions About the Coral Sea

What is the water temperature in the Coral Sea right now?

The water temperature in the Coral Sea today ranges from 72°F (22°C) in Port Kennedy (Australia) to 86°F (30°C) in Palm Cove (Australia).

Is it possible to swim in the Coral Sea?

Yes, it is possible to swim in the Coral Sea, as its warm tropical waters are popular for swimming and other water activities year-round.

In which month does the Coral Sea have the highest and lowest water temperatures?

The highest water temperature in the Coral Sea occurs in January, reaching 90°F (32°C), while the lowest is in September, dropping to 61°F (16°C).

Is the Coral Sea colder than the Solomon Sea?

Yes, the Coral Sea is slightly colder than the Solomon Sea, as its average annual water temperature is 75°F (24°C), while the Solomon Sea's is 82°F (28°C).

Which countries are washed by the Coral Sea?

The Coral Sea washes Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, and Australia.

What are the most popular resorts located on the Coral Sea?

The most popular beach destinations on the Coral Sea are Gold Coast (Australia), Cairns (Australia), Brisbane (Australia), Noosa Heads (Australia), Noumea (New Caledonia), Sunshine Coast (Australia), Townsville (Australia), Moreton Island (Australia), Port Douglas (Australia), Tangalooma (Australia).

Do you have any extended or additional information about the Coral Sea?

The Coral Sea is the Pacific Ocean that lies between the shores of Australia, New Guinea, and New Caledonia. The surface area is 4791 thousand km². The maximum depth is 9140 meters.

It is bordered to the west by the east coast of Queensland, including the Great Barrier Reef, to the east by Vanuatu (formerly New Hebrides) and New Caledonia, and to the northeast by the southern tip of the Solomon Islands. In the northwest, it reaches the southern coast of eastern New Guinea, including the Gulf of Papua. It merges with the Gulf of Tasman in the south, the Solomon Sea in the north, and the Pacific Ocean in the east. In the west it is bounded by the mainland coast of Queensland, and in the northwest it connects with the Arafura Sea through the Torres Strait.

The climate of the area in which the Coral Sea is located is warm, therefore the temperature of the surface layers of water, especially in its northern part, is quite stable - + 28- + 29 degrees C. In the southern regions - from +19 (August) to + 24 degrees C (February).

Surface water currents have a cyclonic (counterclockwise) direction and in the west of the sea give rise to the East Australian Current.

Do you have a few more photos of the the Coral Sea?

Houailou, New Caledonia

Houailou, New Caledonia © Harlock Zaphod

Scarness, Australia

Scarness, Australia © Clive Keenan

Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane, Australia © Hari Das