Month-specific sea-surface temperature · Australia

Ningaloo Reef Sea Temperature in May

27.2°C

81.0°F

In May, sea-surface temperature near Ningaloo Reef has a historical monthly average of 27.2°C. This is not the reading for any particular holiday date.

Across 2023–2025, the lowest and highest yearly May monthly means were 26.5–28.1°C. These are not daily extremes.

Previous month

April · 27.9°C

Change into May: -0.7°C

Next month

June · 25.3°C

Change into next month: -1.9°C

Can you swim or snorkel in Ningaloo Reef in May?

At 27.2°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.

Morning calm hours

Afternoon calm hours

Historical coverage

May 2026

31 valid days

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.

Ningaloo - Coral Bay 26.1°C
Exmouth 25.4°C

Ningaloo Reef Sea Temperature: All 12 Months

Choose a month for available historical evidence, month comparisons and swim guidance. Missing history is clearly marked and never presented as a long-term normal.

January 25.7°C February 26.0°C March 27.7°C April 27.9°C May 27.2°C June 25.3°C July 23.8°C August 23.0°C September 23.1°C October 23.5°C November 24.2°C December 25.4°C

Data source and limitations

Source: Open-Meteo Marine API, MeteoFrance sea-surface temperature; 2023–2025. Marine model grid near -22.65, 113.65. Based on 3 yearly monthly means and 2232 recorded samples. Source methodology.

Modelled sea-surface temperatures do not establish underwater visibility, wildlife, calm currents or safe entry.