Best Time of Year to Visit the Whitsundays
The Whitsundays is an idyllic holiday destination year-round, thanks to North Queensland’s tropical climate. However, while the region is warm throughout the year, there are some months that are better to visit the Whitsundays than others.
The tropical climate of the Whitsundays means it has two main seasons: wet (summer and autumn) and dry (winter and spring). Each season has its own unique contributions to making the Whitsundays special. During summer, you’ll get the scorching heat and endless sunsets; during winter, you get to experience the whale migration season.
While in our opinion, it’s always a good idea to visit the Whitsundays; there are certain times that may be more suited to your personal preferences.
What to Expect in Each Season
Summer (December - March)
Average Temperature: 25 to 33 °C (with a high chance of showers)
What to do: In the summer months (December to March) you’ll want to either be on an air-conditioned boat (hello Atlantic Clipper!) or stay near the water to cool off. It’s going to get hot.
Thankfully, it’s a region bursting with water activities. The Whitsundays is perfect for water activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming in the Great Barrier Reef, and stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing around the Whitsunday Islands.
What makes summer special in the Whitsundays: The summer months of Australia (December to March) bring along the wet season to North Queensland – but the tranquil nature of the Whitsundays will quickly distract you after (and during) rainfall. The tropical paradise, relaxed lifestyle, and water-based activities in the Whitsundays are extremely enticing during summer. During the summer months, you’ll have no choice but to slow down and appreciate the Whitsundays relaxed lifestyle on or by the water.
Autumn (April - May)
Average Temperature: 24 to 27 °C (with some humidity and less rain)
What to do:
The autumn months (April to May) are warm and sunny days, but they aren’t too hot. This makes it the perfect time of the year for more adventurous travellers to hike and explore the abundant rainforests, national parks, and beaches that the Whitsundays offers. The autumn weather stays warm enough for swimming, allowing you to enjoy a sailing tour adventure through the Whitsunday Islands and snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef.
What makes autumn special in the Whitsundays: Autumn is the Whitsundays mid to low season – meaning that rates for tours and hotels are lower in price. You still get to see and do all of what the Whitsundays has to offer, but at a cheaper price, less people around, and in pleasantly warm weather.
Winter (June - August)
Average Temperature: 22 to 25 °C (warmer days and cooler nights with lower humidity)
What to do: Because the Whitsundays don’t get below 22 °C, you can still participate in water activities in warm weather. The winter months invites a steady and dry southerly wind that creates perfect conditions for sailing through the Whitsunday Islands on a tour. In fact, the conditions for sailing is so ideal that the town of Airlie Beach hosts their Sail Race Week – creating a buzz throughout the region.
What makes winter special in the Whitsundays: In the Whitsundays, winter equals whale watching season! From June, Humpback whales start to migrate north from Antarctica to breed and give birth to baby whales in the warm, tropical waters of the Whitsundays. Whale watching is a unique and special experience where travellers and locals can look out for Humpback whales.
Spring (Sept - Nov)
Average Temperature: 26 to 30 °C (warm days with no rain or humidity)
What to do: Spring in the Whitsundays provides a comfortably warm breeze, sunny days, and little to no rain. In spring, you are met with excellent visibility for snorkelling and scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. The low levels of rainfall and light wind also means the ocean is calm, creating ideal conditions for sailing and swimming around the Whitsunday Islands.
What makes spring special in the Whitsundays: The spring months in the Whitsundays create a perfect environment for nature to thrive. The lush national parks, calm seas, clear turquoise waters, gentle winds, and pleasantly warm weather makes for the ideal backdrop for photos while you’re enjoying hiking, exploring, swimming and sailing through the Whitsundays.
What is the best season to visit the Whitsundays?
The best season to visit the Whitsundays is springtime (between September and November). Spring offers perfect conditions for all of what the Whitsundays are known for – water, scenes, and relaxation. Explore the vibrant colours of the region’s bushland and nature parks, and awe at the incredible marine life as they come alive while you explore the underwater world.
Most Popular Season
The most popular season to visit the Whitsundays is in the summer months (December to March). This popularity is largely because of the Australian summer school holidays, bringing an influx of tourists to the Whitsundays. Families are enticed to come to the Whitsundays in summer because of all the water-based activities available for children – keeping everyone cool and entertained.
While the summer months invite heavier rainfall than other months of the year, it’s usually only in the afternoon and doesn’t last long before the sun comes out again. This means that there is plenty of time for all the activities the Whitsundays offers like hiking, snorkelling, relaxing, and sailing.
Hidden Gem
In our humble opinions, the low season in the Whitsundays (winter – June to August) is actually one of the best seasons to come and visit. The winter months is a hidden gem in the Whitsundays as the weather is still pleasantly warm during the days at 22 to 25 °C, there is little to no rainfall, and offers comfortable conditions.
The winter months are particularly good for sailing through the Whitsunday Islands. The calm waters and steady southerly breeze make it perfect conditions for sailing – which is why events like Airlie Beach Race Week and Hamilton Race Week take place. A fun and buzzing atmosphere is created in town, making for a more memorable and local experience when travelling on the Whitsundays in winter.
