WEATHER

The Whitsundays are covered under the coastal forecast "Bowen to St Laurence".

The Whitsunday Islands lie within the tropics at latitude 20 degrees south. The Islands are influenced by the South Pacific trade winds and as a consequence enjoy predominantly south-east and east winds. Although the average wind direction during the year is from the south-east and east, it is not uncommon during the months of September through March to experience winds from the north and north-east. Although every year may be different on average the windiest months are from March though May, the driest are August though November and the wettest is January through March. Average daytime temperatures range form 23 to 30C. Average night time temperatures range from 15 to 27C. Seawater temperatures range from 23 to 27C.

The east coast of Queensland is at risk of tropical cyclones during the summer months of December through April. Tropical cyclones vary in size and intensity and are generally slow moving with an average speed of six to twelve knots. Australia has state of the art forecasting, and in the unlikely event of an approaching storm, warnings are normally broadcast well in advance. We do recommend that cancellation insurance is taken out all year. Make sure you use the online QBE travel insurance policy during the summer months as it includes cyclone warning cover.