Best time to visit the Whitsundays

The best time to visit the Whitsundays is from late-June to mid-November during the dry season.

For hot-weather activities on the beach or poolside, the best times to visit the Whitsundays are from late-March to early-May; and from late-September to mid-December.

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Whitsundays weather

The Whitsundays experiences a hot tropical climate of wet summers and warm dry winters, with a mild spring (September through November) and autumn (March to May).

The driest months are from August to October.

The wet 'green' season from January to March is generally hot, wet and humid.

Which is the hottest month in the Whitsundays?
The hottest time of year in the Whitsundays is normally January. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to top 30°C (86°F) with high heat and humidity.

Which month has the most rain in the Whitsundays?
January to March are normally the wettest months in the Whitsundays with an average of 13 days each month with some rainfall.

You can expect tropical rain showers from December through May.

When is it sunniest in the Whitsundays?
The sunniest time of year in the Whitsundays is normally October with 10 hours of bright sunshine per day – that's around 83% of daylight hours.

When is the sea warmest in the Whitsundays?
The sea is usually at its warmest in the Whitsundays in January, February and March when the seawater temperature reaches 28°C (82°F).

You can swim year round in the Whitsundays; seawater temperatures average 23°C (73°F) in winter.

What are the windiest months in the Whitsundays?
March to May are the windiest months. The predominant wind direction in the Whitsundays is from the east.

The Whitsunday Islands are influenced by the South Pacific trade winds and consequently enjoy predominantly south-east and east winds. However, north-east winds occur with increasing frequency from September through to January.

When is the best time for sailing in the Whitsundays?
While you can sail year-round from the Whitsundays, the sailing season is at it’s best between April and October when cooling southeast trades blow consistently between 27km/h (15 knots) and 46km/h (25 knots).

Seasonal trade winds blow from May to August, however you can expect sailing breezes virtually every day.

August to November is considered the most settled time of year for sailing in the Whitsundays.

During the months of November through January, it’s normal to get wind from the northeast direction.

Is there a risk of a tropical storm in the Whitsundays?
The risk of a tropical storm in the Whitsundays is greatest between January and March. The region is prone to tropical cyclones, which usually form between November and May.

Queensland has an excellent cyclone warning system that provides plenty of advance notice of an impending cyclone.

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Whitsundays – Monthly Weather

Holiday seasons

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: Any time outside the main school and public holiday periods.

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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.

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Whitsundays Island – Monthly Review

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Note: Monthly weather averages – meteorological data is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology in Australia with additional historical climate data sourced from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

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Latest update: Best time to visit Whitsundays: 5 May, 2022

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