Best time to visit the Whitsundays

The Whitsunday Islands are located off the coast of Queensland. The archipelago has a tropical climate with two main seasons: a hot, rainy summer and a warm, dry winter. Average high temperatures linger between 74°F and 88°F, while lows average a mild 63°F to 77°F. The water temperature averages a pleasant 73°F to 82°F throughout the year.

While the Whitsundays are a year-round destination, there are a few pros and cons to visiting in the summer and winter.

Winter (dry season)

Unlike southern Australia, winter (May to November) in the Whitsundays is near perfect. Sunshine is plentiful, rain is minimal and daytime temperatures are warm enough for t-shirts and shorts. It can feel cool at night and when you're out sailing where wind chill is at play, so pack a sweater and some long pants.

Winter is generally the best time to experience all the Whitsundays has to offer. The water visibility is excellent for snorkeling and diving due to low rainfall, and you may also get the chance to see humpback whales between July and September during their annual migration from Antarctica. Whales migrate to the warm waters along the East Coast to birth and nurse their calves.

With great weather comes larger crowds. However, dealing with a few extra people on the beach is worth it when you have the best chance of seeing the Whitsundays in all its glory.

The Hamilton Island Race Week in August is a particularly vibrant time in the region, so be sure to book transport and accommodation in advance.

Summer (wet season)

The summer (December to April) brings balmy temperatures of 82°F to 88°F and high humidity. February, March and April see the heaviest rainfall, but it's usually in the afternoon and doesn't last for too long. Boat tours usually run on schedule unless the weather is really bad, but the rains can affect water visibility so you may want to factor this in if you plan on diving or snorkeling.

Warmer water temperatures between October and May also attract large numbers of harmful jellyfish, including Box and Irukandji. It’s recommended to wear a stinger suit (a lightweight suit made from nylon or spandex) to protect your skin. Stinger suits also double up as sun protection.

Excluding the Australian summer school holidays which bring an influx of tourists to the Whitsundays, the summer is usually a quieter time so you'll get to enjoy Whitehaven Beach and the archipelago's other attractions with smaller crowds.

Average temperatures in the Whitsundays

Month

Average low

Average high

January

77°F

88°F

February

77°F

86°F

March

75°F

84°F

April

73°F

82°F

May

70°F

79°F

June 

64°F

75°F

July

64°F

73°F

August 

64°F

77°F

September

68°F

79°F

October 

72°F

82°F

November 

73°F

88°F

December 

75°F

88°F

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