Burleigh Heads — Sea temperature now
Popular Queensland beach near Gold Coast.
Pleasant water with a light chop and a light breeze — great swimming conditions.
Location
Burleigh Heads on the map, with nearby beaches and live sea temperatures.
7-day forecast
Water, air, waves, wind and UV outlook for the week ahead.
Monthly sea temperature averages
Typical year-round water temperature, based on regional climatology.
Best time to swim in Burleigh Heads
The sea in Burleigh Heads peaks in February, when the water averages around 28°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically July at around 22°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Burleigh Heads sits in the Southern Hemisphere, so the warmest sea coincides with the December–February summer and the coolest with July–August.
Burleigh Heads sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Burleigh Heads shows an annual mean sea temperature of 25°C, ranging from 22°C in winter to 28°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 6°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Burleigh Heads, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Burleigh Heads sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Burleigh Heads?
February is the warmest month in Burleigh Heads, when the sea averages about 28°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Burleigh Heads?
The coldest month in Burleigh Heads is typically July, when the water averages around 22°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Burleigh Heads without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Burleigh Heads runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Burleigh Heads?
Burleigh Heads stays warm year-round, so most swimmers never need a wetsuit — a rash guard is usually enough for sun and wildlife protection.
What is the average sea temperature in Burleigh Heads?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Burleigh Heads is about 25°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Burleigh Heads?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Burleigh Heads, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Year-round sea temperature
Best swim months: Jan – Feb – Mar – Apr – May – Jun – Jul – Aug – Sep – Oct – Nov – Dec
| Month | Sea | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27°C | Hot |
| Feb ⭐ | 28°C | Hot |
| Mar | 27°C | Hot |
| Apr | 26°C | Hot |
| May | 24°C | Warm |
| Jun | 23°C | Warm |
| Jul | 22°C | Warm |
| Aug | 22°C | Warm |
| Sep | 23°C | Warm |
| Oct | 25°C | Warm |
| Nov | 26°C | Hot |
| Dec | 27°C | Hot |