Best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef

Time your visit to the reef to see its yearly whale, turtle or manta ray visitors

Far North Queensland has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons along the Great Barrier Reef: dry/winter (May to October) and wet/summer (November to April).

Temperatures are steady throughout the year, with an average maximum of 30°C and an average minimum of 21°C. The water temperature is also consistent at 24 to 29°C throughout the year.

Winter is generally the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef due to its drier weather, however, it can be busy, especially around Australian school holidays in June and July.

Summer is the wet season, bringing hot weather, frequent but brief downpours and occasional thunderstorms. Temperatures linger in the low 30°Cs, but humidity can make it feel hotter.

Summer (wet season)	Winter (dry season)
November to April	May to October

When to visit

An aerial view of snorkellers in the Great Barrier Reef

When to visit for snorkelling and whale watching

Winter brings clear skies, pleasant temperatures in the low 20°Cs and minimal rain, which makes water visibility ideal for snorkelling and diving in the reef. Heavy rain in the wet season can cause the water to become murky and create stronger currents.

Whale watching season is from June through September/October. Every year, hundreds of humpbacks journey from Antarctica to give birth and nurse their calves in the warmer waters. There's a good chance you'll spot a whale as you sail out to the reef.

Manta rays can be seen along the reef year-round, but there are larger numbers in winter.

Turtle swimming among colorful coral reef with swimmers and divers observing nearby

When to visit for turtle nesting and coral spawning

Turtle nesting season is from November to March on the southern Great Barrier Reef, with the opportunity to witness female turtles laying eggs on the beach at night. The first hatchlings emerge in early January and watching them scuttle down to the ocean is an unforgettable experience.

If you visit the northern Great Barrier Reef between November and December, you might see the natural phenomenon of coral spawning. Each year, coral polyps (individual coral) release millions of sperm and egg bundles to be fertilised, creating a glitter effect that’s magical to swim through.

A group of snorkellers smile to camera wearing stinger suits on boat off Port Douglas

When to visit to avoid stinger season

In summer, sea temperature average 29°C and brings potentially lethal box and Irukandji jellyfish. While jellyfish are found in the area year-round, the box and Irukandji jellyfish have extremely painful and potentially fatal stings, so wearing a stinger suit is recommended.