Great Barrier Reef Sea Temperature in May

Can you swim or snorkel in Great Barrier Reef in May?

At 25.9°C our temperature-only guide describes the water as warm water. Comfort depends on your cold tolerance, immersion time and wind. A historical average cannot determine whether conditions are safe on any given day.

Do you need a wetsuit?

Most people are comfortable in swimwear or a light rash guard.

Which beach should you choose?

Look for a beach sheltered from the actual forecast waves and wind on your visit. Exposure, currents and entry conditions vary even where water temperatures are similar. Follow local warnings.

Check the current waves, wind and snorkeling forecast →

A live forecast does not predict a future May. Check again close to your trip.

Waves and wind: recorded-model conditions for May

These figures come from a separately modelled, date-specific wind/wave backfill, not the NOAA SST series. A single observed season is not a climatological likelihood or a guarantee of safe conditions.

A “calm hour” meets fixed modelled wave/wind thresholds; neither visibility nor local currents, entry conditions or actual beach safety is measured here. Periods may differ by coast.

Nearby places in May

Comparable historical averages from independent marine grid cells. Warmer water does not imply safe snorkeling.

• Low Isles 25.9°C
• Agincourt Reef 26.6°C
• Port Douglas 25.8°C
• Hastings Reef 25.8°C
• Michaelmas Cay 25.9°C
• Moore Reef 26.4°C