Great Barrier Reef Weather Plan Your Perfect Reef Adventure Year-Round
About the Great Barrier Reef Weather
- Year-Round Destination: The Great Barrier Reef enjoys a tropical climate, making it accessible and enjoyable at any time of year.
- Dry Season (May–October): This is the most popular time to visit, with clear skies, calm seas, and cooler temperatures perfect for snorkelling, diving, and reef exploration.
- Wet Season (November–April): Expect warmer temperatures, tropical rain showers, and lush green landscapes. Despite occasional rain, underwater visibility remains excellent.
- Warm Water Temperatures: The water stays inviting all year, ranging from 23°C (73°F) in winter to 29°C (84°F) in summer, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.
- Marine Stinger Season: From November to May, stinger suits are recommended for added protection against jellyfish, which are more common during this time.
- Cyclone Season (December–March): While cyclones are rare, this period sees occasional storms. Tour operators monitor conditions to ensure your safety and adjust plans if necessary.
- Best Visibility for Diving: The dry season provides the clearest waters from June to October, making it an excellent time for underwater photography and marine wildlife encounters.
Discover the Great Barrier Reef weather.
Great Barrier Reef weather is constant throughout the year, with average temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 21 degrees Celsius.
The temperature can be higher during the summer. The tropical climate allows the Great Barrier Reef to enjoy plenty of rain, especially during the monsoon period.
This wet season is also a great reason to add a Daintree tour to your Great Barrier Reef. Stay in the wet season.
The weather patterns and terms may be confusing if you are not from Australia.
North Queensland has had a consistent tropical weather pattern over the years.
Generally, the Great Barrier Reef has two seasons: wet and dry.
The rains increase in December and are heaviest from January to March, tapering off in April. May to November is the dry season, and there are usually clear blue skies for those seven months.
While you may expect the wet season to be the coolest, it is, in fact, the hottest.
If you are not confused yet, let’s add one more. You will also hear people refer to the four seasons. Australia has different weather zones, and the most populated portion is in a temperate zone.
The seasons are similar to those in Europe and the United States, except they are reversed.
The seasons in the temperate zone are
- Winter: June to August
- Spring: September to November
- Summer: December to February
- Autumn: March to May
Tropical cyclones may form over the ocean in the summer months.
While scientists would disagree, cyclones, typhoons, and hurricanes are all the same.
There are some minor differences, and they develop in different oceans, but the effects are the same.
The cyclone season generally lasts from November to April.
Cairns is in the band for cyclones, but most happen further south.
On average, local dive operators express that one week of diving is affected every two years.
Great Barrier Reef Weather Chart from Cairns
Month | Max Temp in °C | Min Temp in °C | Water Temp in °C | Rainfall MM |
January | 31.6 | 23.6 | 29 | 405 |
February | 31.3 | 23.7 | 28 | 434 |
March | 30.7 | 23.0 | 27 | 424 |
April | 29.4 | 21.5 | 26 | 197 |
May | 27.9 | 19.5 | 26 | 99 |
June | 26.3 | 17.6 | 24 | 49 |
July | 25.9 | 17.0 | 24 | 30 |
August | 26.7 | 17.5 | 22 | 27 |
September | 27.8 | 18.6 | 23 | 35 |
October | 29.4 | 20.5 | 26 | 38 |
November | 30.6 | 22.2 | 26 | 89 |
December | 31.4 | 23.3 | 27 | 175 |
Excellent Barrier Reef Weather 10-year average
When to visit the Great Barrier Reef
When you look at the monthly average temperatures, you will see that the daytime temperatures stay very comfortable.
You might want to add a sweater or sweatshirt, but more than that is unnecessary.
You might need a slightly thicker wetsuit in August than in January.
The “wet” season brings warmer water. The rain patterns are such that more rainfall falls over land than on outer reefs.
The distance between most reef sites and the coast is significant enough that rain runoff does not affect the reef’s visibility.
The dry season has its advantages as well. The daytime temperatures are more comfortable.

One significant advantage is migration patterns. Dwarf minke whales, whale sharks, and humpback whales leave the cold winter waters of the Antarctic and move up the Australian coast.
Frequently Asked Questions: Great Barrier Reef Weather
What is the best time of year to visit the Great Barrier Reef?
What is the water temperature like on the reef?
Does it rain a lot on the Great Barrier Reef?
Are there stingers or jellyfish in the water?
Is the Great Barrier Reef affected by cyclones?
Conclusion: Great Barrier Reef Weather
No matter the season, the Great Barrier Reef offers something special for every visitor. From the calm and sunny days of the dry season to the warm, tropical vibe of the wet season, the reef’s beauty and magic remain constant year-round. By planning and staying informed about the weather, you can make the most of your reef adventure, whether snorkelling, diving, or simply soaking up the stunning views. Get ready to embrace the wonders of the reef and create memories that will last a lifetime! 🌞🌊🐠