Great Barrier Reef Weather & Climate

With loads of sunshine, warm seas, refreshing sea breezes and a warm climate all year round, Tropical North Queensland weather is hard to beat.

The region has two distinct seasons; a winter period of warm temperatures and low rainfall, and a summer period of hot, humid temperatures and higher rainfall.

Winter, or the 'Dry' season, begins in May and ends in October offering sunshine, fresh breezes and low humidity. Summer, or the 'Wet' season, extends from November to April and refreshes the region with tropical downpours of an afternoon and occasional dramatic electrical storms.

You can swim in Tropical North Queensland all year round. The 'traditional' swimming season runs between April and October. Between November and March Tropical North Queensland is home to the box jellyfish, so special swimming enclosures are erected at popular beaches to protect swimmers. Seawater temperatures range from 23 degrees Celsius in July to 29 degrees Celsius in February.

Remember: When swimming in Australia it is recommended you swim at beaches patrolled by Lifesavers and to swim between the flags. When in the sun apply a good quality sunscreen, wear a hat and avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water!

The temperatures are recorded as average maximums of (Celsius) 30 degrees and average minimums of (Celsius) 21 degrees. The Tropical North has an average rainfall of 2010mm (an average of 168mm per month).

Great Barrier Reef Weather Chart

 

For more information on weather around the Great Barrier Reef visit the Bureau of Meteorology. The Bureau of Meteorology is responsible for the functions of the National Meteorological Service including provision of monitoring, research and services in the public interest.