For the best weather visit the Whitsundays anytime between May and November. However, late March through December are considered the best holiday months.
The Whitsundays enjoy a year-round tropical climate of hot, wet summers, warm, dry winters and a pleasant spring and autumn.
The wet 'green' season from January to March is generally hot, wet and humid. You can expect tropical rain showers from December through May. The driest months are from August to October.
Summer, from December to February, sees an average high of 30°C (86°F) and an average low of 24°C (75°F).
Autumn, from March to May, averages a high of 29°C (84°F) and a low of 20°C (68°F).
Winter, from June through August, averages a high of 23°C (73°F) and a low of 17°C (63°F).
Spring, September through November, averages a high of 29°C (84°F) and a low of 22°C (71°F).
Seawater temperatures average 23°C (73°F) in winter and 28°C (82°F) in summer.
The seasonal trade winds are stronger from May to August, however you can expect sailing breezes virtually every day.
You can swim year-round.
High season: Typically, school and public holidays from late December to the end of January, Easter, from late June to early July and from late September to early October. Winter, from June through August, is also popular.
Low season: Anytime outside the main school and public holiday periods.
Note: The waters of tropical Queensland are home to marine stingers and jellyfish. The high risk season is from October to May. Most accredited Whitsunday tour operators offer protective ‘stinger suits’ to all customers at little or no cost.
If you do get stung do not rub the sting area instead, apply vinegar immediately and seek medical attention urgently. Dial 000 for an ambulance.
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
Ave Temp (°C) | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 27 |
Ave High Temp (°C) | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 26 | 27 | 29 | 30 |
Ave Low Temp (°C) | 25 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 20 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 24 |
Sunshine (Hrs daily) | 9 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 |
Daylight (Hrs daily) | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
Comfort Level | ![]() |
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Ave Humidity (%) | 76 | 78 | 77 | 76 | 80 | 82 | 81 | 76 | 71 | 70 | 71 | 73 |
UV Index | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 |
Days with some Rain | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 |
Ave Rainfall (mm) | 200 | 295 | 220 | 140 | 120 | 50 | 40 | 25 | 15 | 40 | 60 | 120 |
Sea Temp (°C) | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
(Hayman Island, Queensland) | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
› January | › February | › March | › April |
› May | › June | › July | › August |
› September | › October | › November | › December |
Note: Meteorological data is sourced from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), with additional historical climate data sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology in Australia.
Latest update: Best time to visit Whitsundays: 18 November, 2018
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