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The Sunshine Coast in Queensland has a subtropical climate with warm, wet summers and mild, dry winters. It runs for roughly 60 km from Caloundra in the south to Noosa in the north. January is the hottest month with an average maximum of 29.1°C (84°F), while July is the coolest at 21.2°C (70°F). Total annual rainfall at the Sunshine Coast Airport weather station is 1,492.6 mm, and most of it falls between December and March. Use this month-by-month guide to plan what to pack and when to swim, and check the Sunshine Coast hub for the full picture. For area comparisons, see the Sunshine Coast neighborhoods guide.
Sunshine Coast Weather by Month: The Numbers
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29.1°C (84°F) | 21.3°C (70°F) | 153.0 mm | 10.3 |
| February | 28.9°C (84°F) | 21.4°C (71°F) | 217.5 mm | 11.7 |
| March | 28.0°C (82°F) | 20.3°C (69°F) | 187.7 mm | 12.5 |
| April | 26.1°C (79°F) | 17.1°C (63°F) | 147.3 mm | 11.1 |
| May | 23.6°C (74°F) | 13.8°C (57°F) | 164.7 mm | 10.1 |
| June | 21.5°C (71°F) | 11.2°C (52°F) | 104.7 mm | 8.7 |
| July | 21.2°C (70°F) | 9.7°C (49°F) | 70.8 mm | 6.9 |
| August | 22.3°C (72°F) | 10.1°C (50°F) | 70.4 mm | 5.4 |
| September | 24.4°C (76°F) | 13.0°C (55°F) | 51.1 mm | 5.4 |
| October | 25.8°C (78°F) | 15.8°C (60°F) | 90.1 mm | 7.3 |
| November | 27.3°C (81°F) | 18.0°C (64°F) | 88.3 mm | 7.3 |
| December | 28.4°C (83°F) | 19.9°C (68°F) | 151.8 mm | 10.0 |
Sunshine Coast Weather by Month: Summer (December to February)
Summer highs sit between 28.4°C and 29.1°C, with overnight lows around 20 to 21°C and high humidity. February is the wettest month at 217.5 mm, and afternoon thunderstorms are common, often clearing within an hour. Sea temperatures reach 26 to 27°C, so swimming is comfortable at every beach from Caloundra to Noosa. This is cyclone season in the Coral Sea, but direct cyclone landfalls on the Sunshine Coast are rare. If you want the warmest water and long days, pair the best time to visit guide with your booking dates. For hotel picks, see where to stay on the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast Weather by Month: Winter (June to August)
Winter is dry and mild. July averages a high of 21.2°C and a low of 9.7°C, with only 70.8 mm of rain over about 7 rainy days. Overnight lows can dip to 5°C inland, but the coast rarely drops below freezing; the lowest temperature ever recorded at the airport station was -0.7°C in July 2007. Sea temperature drops to about 20 to 21°C, cool enough that locals wear a light wetsuit for early swims. It is the best season for hiking in Noosa National Park and the Glass House Mountains. For event dates, see the Sunshine Coast events and festivals calendar. For logistics and costs, see the Sunshine Coast travel tips guide.
Sunshine Coast Weather by Month: Autumn and Spring
Autumn (March to May) cools from 28.0°C in March to 23.6°C in May while rainfall stays moderate. April and May are popular because the water is still around 24 to 25°C and the storm risk drops. Spring (September to November) is the driest stretch of the year; September averages only 51.1 mm, the lowest monthly total. By November the high is back to 27.3°C. For a full breakdown of seasonal pricing and crowds, see the best time to visit the Sunshine Coast page.
Sunshine Coast Weather by Month: Humidity, Sunshine and Sea Temperature
Humidity is highest from December to March, when morning readings often sit above 70 percent, and lowest from July to September. The region gets its most sunshine in December, around 24.6 megajoules per square metre per day, and its least in June at 12.0. Sea temperature ranges from about 20°C in August to 27°C in February. Stinger season runs from November to May, so swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches. For beach-by-beach details, read the things to do on the Sunshine Coast guide.
