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The Whitsundays sit around 20 degrees south on the central Queensland coast, which gives them a classic tropical climate with a hot, wet summer and a warm, dry winter. Daytime highs run from 23°C (73°F) in July to 30°C (86°F) in January, and the Coral Sea stays between 22°C and 29°C all year, so you can swim in every month. This Whitsundays travel guide breaks the weather down month by month. For trip planning, see our guide to the best time to visit the Whitsundays.
Whitsundays Weather at a Glance
Average monthly figures for Airlie Beach, the main gateway town on the mainland.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain (mm) | Sea Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 290 | 28°C |
| February | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 320 | 28°C |
| March | 29°C / 84°F | 23°C / 73°F | 230 | 28°C |
| April | 28°C / 82°F | 22°C / 72°F | 120 | 26°C |
| May | 26°C / 79°F | 19°C / 66°F | 70 | 25°C |
| June | 24°C / 75°F | 16°C / 61°F | 45 | 23°C |
| July | 23°C / 73°F | 15°C / 59°F | 30 | 22°C |
| August | 24°C / 75°F | 16°C / 61°F | 25 | 22°C |
| September | 26°C / 79°F | 18°C / 64°F | 15 | 23°C |
| October | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 70°F | 35 | 25°C |
| November | 29°C / 84°F | 23°C / 73°F | 90 | 26°C |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 180 | 27°C |
Whitsundays Weather by Month: The Wet Season (November to April)
Whitsundays Weather in November
November marks the start of the wet season, with the humidity climbing and afternoon thunderstorms becoming common. Expect highs around 29°C (84°F), about 90mm of rain, and sea water warming to 26°C. It is the start of the marine stinger season, so a stinger suit is required for swimming in the sea from this point.
Whitsundays Weather in December
December brings highs of 30°C (86°F) and roughly 180mm of rain, much of it falling in short, heavy downpours. The sea reaches 27°C. School holidays begin in late December, so flights and accommodation across the Whitsundays neighborhoods book out weeks in advance.
Whitsundays Weather in January
January is the wettest month alongside February, averaging 290mm of rain, with highs of 30°C (86°F) and overnight lows of 24°C (75°F). Cyclones are most likely between January and March. Rain usually arrives as a late-afternoon storm rather than all-day drizzle, leaving mornings clear for snorkelling and things to do in the Whitsundays.
Whitsundays Weather in February
February is the rainiest month at about 320mm, with the same 24°C to 30°C range and a 28°C sea. It is also peak cyclone month, so flexible travel plans and refundable bookings matter, and it pays to pick where to stay in the Whitsundays options with free cancellation. The reef is warmest now, but visibility drops after heavy rain.
Whitsundays Weather in March
March still gets around 230mm of rain, though storm frequency eases through the month. Highs sit near 29°C (84°F) and the sea holds at 28°C. Late March is a quieter shoulder period once the summer school holidays end.
Whitsundays Weather in April
April sees rainfall drop to about 120mm and humidity start to fall. Days average 28°C (82°F) and nights 22°C (72°F), with a 26°C sea. It is one of the best-value months, with good weather and thinner crowds.
Whitsundays Weather by Month: The Dry Season (May to October)
Whitsundays Weather in May
May opens the dry season, with rainfall down to roughly 70mm, highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 19°C (66°F). The south-east trade winds pick up, which makes for excellent sailing but choppier snorkelling trips. Sea temperature is around 25°C.
Whitsundays Weather in June
June averages 45mm of rain and highs of 24°C (75°F), with nights cooling to 16°C (61°F). The water drops to 23°C, so most reef boats hand out wetsuit shorts. Visibility is at its best now, making June a strong month for diving and reef trips.
Whitsundays Weather in July
July is the coolest and driest month, averaging 30mm of rain with highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F). The sea reaches its annual low of 22°C. Days are clear and sunny, which is why July and August are peak season for southern visitors escaping winter.
Whitsundays Weather in August
August stays dry at around 25mm, with highs of 24°C (75°F). Winds are at their strongest for the Whitsundays events calendar, when both Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island host their annual race weeks. Sea temperature remains about 22°C.
Whitsundays Weather in September
September is the driest month of the year at roughly 15mm, with highs climbing to 26°C (79°F). The trade winds ease and the sea warms to 23°C. Clear skies, low humidity and mild nights make it one of the most comfortable months.
Whitsundays Weather in October
October brings back the heat, with highs of 28°C (82°F) and about 35mm of rain. The sea warms to 25°C and stinger season typically begins at the end of the month. It is a popular school-holiday month for Queensland families.
Whitsundays Weather: Cyclones, Stingers and Humidity
The cyclone season officially runs from November to April, with the highest risk from January to March. Cyclones can close the islands and cancel reef tours for several days, so travel insurance is worth taking out if you visit in that window. Box jellyfish are a hazard from November to May, and swimming is only recommended inside stinger nets or wearing a full stinger suit. Humidity sits around 65 to 80 percent year round, and air conditioning is standard in all but the most basic hostels. For practical details on what to pack and when to book, read our Whitsundays travel tips.
