As a subtropical archipelago, the Whitsundays are warm all year round. Average highs linger between 23°C to 31°C, while lows rarely dip below 18°C – although wind chill can make it feel cooler. The islands also boast about 300 days of sun each year.
While the Whitsundays are a year-round destination, there are a few pros and cons to visiting at certain times of the year.
Our Whitsunday tours
8 Days
From
2862
Discover K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Mission...
18 Days
From
6966
Travelling from Sydney to Cairns, soak up the best of Australia’s east coast beaches,...
Winter (dry season)
If you want to escape the chilly winter weather in southern Australia, head to the Whitsundays. 'Winter' here (June to August) offers ideal weather with average highs of 24°C, low rainfall and warm water temps. It can feel cool at night and when you're on a boat where wind chill is at play, so pack a sweater and some long pants.
Generally, winter is the best time to experience all the Whitsundays has to offer. You can also see humpback whales between July and September as they migrate to the warmer waters of the Whitsundays to birth their calves. Just bear in mind that the near-perfect conditions for sailing and snorkelling mean it's one of the busiest periods, particularly in August during the Hamilton Island Race Week which attracts people from Australia and beyond.
Summer (wet season)
The summer (wet) season is from January to March. Daily highs average 31°C and humidity is high, but the sea breeze offers a welcome reprieve from the heat. It usually rains most days, but it comes as heavy but brief downpours so you should still get plenty of sun. The plus side of visiting in the wet season is that it's not as busy.
Shoulder seasons
September and October offer a great balance of dry, sunny weather and small crowds. You'll also miss the summer stinger season in September. The rising humidity in November means the weather can be unpredictable and there may be the occasional shower, but it's a good time to visit if you want to dodge the school summer holiday crowds.
April is usually a fantastic month for sailing and wind kite surfing enthusiasts thanks to the arrival of the southeast trade wind which continues into the winter.
Average temperatures in the Whitsundays
|
Month |
Average low (°C) |
Average high (°C) |
|
January |
25 |
31 |
|
February |
25 |
30 |
|
March |
24 |
29 |
|
April |
23 |
28 |
| May | 21 | 26 |
| June | 18 | 24 |
| July | 18 | 23 |
| August | 18 | 25 |
| September | 20 | 26 |
| October | 22 | 28 |
| November | 23 | 31 |
| December | 24 | 31 |