Weather
The Whitsundays enjoy warm, tropical weather all year. Daytime temperatures average 22°C to 30°C, the sea stays between 22°C and 27°C, and steady trade winds make for reliable, comfortable cruising. There’s no wrong time to escape, just different ways to enjoy the islands.
Trade winds
Sitting at latitude 20° south, the Whitsundays are shaped by the South Pacific trade winds. Winds blow mostly from the south-east and east, which makes passage planning straightforward. From September to March, north and north-easterly winds are also common, opening up a different set of sheltered anchorages.
The seasons at a glance
- Winter (June to August): dry, sunny days, cooler nights and the strongest south-easterly trade winds. Humpback whale season runs from June to September
- Spring (September to November): the driest months, with light to moderate winds, warm water and long, calm days
- Summer (December to February): hot and humid, with tropical showers that are usually short, heavy and quickly pass. Quieter waters and lower charter rates
- Autumn (March to May): warm and windy, with rainfall easing through the season
Mid-April to mid-December is traditionally considered the most settled time to visit, but every week is different, and many guests love the quieter summer months.
Cyclone season
Tropical cyclone season on the Queensland coast runs from December to April. Cyclones are slow-moving and most forecast systems pass more than 1,000 km away. If one approaches, we give several days’ notice and bring boats safely back to Coral Sea Marina or Hamilton Island Marina until it passes. We strongly recommend travel insurance.
Stinger season
Marine stingers are present from about November to May. We recommend wearing a stinger suit when swimming or snorkelling during this time. Vinegar is supplied on every boat.
Forecasts and support on the water
Every morning at 8:00am, our base team gives the weather forecast on the radio schedule and helps you choose the best anchorages for the conditions, with an update at 2:00pm. Your briefing covers how to read the forecast, and you can also check:
- Mackay Coastal Waters Forecast (Bowen to St Lawrence), Bureau of Meteorology
- Airlie Beach forecast, Willyweather
Whitsunday Weather Month by Month
| Month | Average high (°C) | Average low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain days | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29.9 | 24.9 | 298 | 13 | Hot and humid, short tropical showers. Stinger season |
| February | 29.6 | 24.8 | 293 | 14 | Wettest time of year, quiet waters |
| March | 28.8 | 24.5 | 231 | 14 | Warm, wet and windy |
| April | 27.0 | 22.9 | 155 | 12 | Rain easing, steady south-easterlies |
| May | 24.3 | 20.7 | 95 | 11 | Mild days, end of stinger season |
| June | 22.3 | 18.9 | 57 | 8 | Cool nights, whale season begins |
| July | 21.6 | 18.1 | 51 | 6 | Coolest month, sunny and dry |
| August | 22.8 | 18.5 | 26 | 4 | Dry and clear, peak whale watching |
| September | 25.2 | 20.2 | 25 | 3 | Driest month, lighter winds |
| October | 27.4 | 22.2 | 27 | 4 | Warm, calm and dry |
| November | 28.8 | 23.5 | 75 | 5 | Warm water, coral spawning season |
| December | 29.9 | 24.6 | 157 | 8 | Hot, with the first summer storms |
Source: Bureau of Meteorology climate averages, Hamilton Island Airport (2002 to 2026). Rain days are days with 1 mm or more.
Sea Temperature
| Season | Sea temperature |
|---|---|
| Winter (June to August) | About 22°C |
| Summer (December to February) | Up to 27°C |
Wind Direction by Month
(frequency at 3pm, Hayman Island, from 100 Magic Miles)
| Month | N | NE | E | SE | S | Other (incl. calm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7% | 22% | 31% | 21% | 2% | 17% |
| February | 5% | 11% | 32% | 33% | 6% | 13% |
| March | 2% | 13% | 35% | 37% | 6% | 7% |
| April | 1% | 6% | 30% | 46% | 7% | 10% |
| May | <1% | 4% | 24% | 46% | 18% | 8% |
| June | 1% | 3% | 14% | 41% | 25% | 16% |
| July | 1% | 6% | 23% | 40% | 16% | 14% |
| August | 4% | 15% | 26% | 35% | 5% | 17% |
| September | 5% | 19% | 33% | 25% | 2% | 16% |
| October | 6% | 20% | 32% | 21% | 2% | 18% |
| November | 10% | 22% | 27% | 16% | 1% | 22% |
| December | 10% | 21% | 29% | 17% | 1% | 19% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit the Whitsundays? Mid-April to mid-December is traditionally the most settled time. September and October are the driest months, while summer offers warm water, quieter bays and lower rates.
When is the wet season in the Whitsundays? January to March. Rain usually falls in short, heavy tropical showers that pass quickly.
When is cyclone season? December to April. We monitor the weather closely and give notice if boats need to return to a marina.
How warm is the water in the Whitsundays? Between about 22°C in winter and 27°C in summer, so it’s warm enough to swim all year.
Which way does the wind blow in the Whitsundays? Mostly from the south-east and east. North and north-easterly winds are common from September to March.
When is stinger season? About November to May. Wear a stinger suit when swimming during this time.
Sunshine, trade winds and 74 islands. Pick your season.
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Not sure when to go? Talk to our team on 07 4946 5222, available 7 days a week.