Is December a good time to visit the Great Barrier Reef?

Like most natural wonders, timing is everything. Although the reef never sleeps – you'll be best placed to visit the Great Barrier Reef between May and October when temperatures are still warm enough for swimming, underwater visibility is high and rainfall is minimal.

How cold is the Great Barrier Reef in winter?

Diving Seasons - Great Barrier Reef

Water temperatures range from 24°C/75°F in the winter, peaking at 30°C/ 86°F in the summer, while maximum air temperatures range from 24°C/75°F to 32°C/90°F.

What time of year should you visit the Great Barrier Reef?

The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from June to October. This peak season offers some key advantages for travelers. Temperatures hover in the low 60s to mid-80s, and rainfall is uncommon, which means clearer waters and better diving conditions.

Can you visit the Great Barrier Reef in January?

The majority of the rain tends to fall late afternoon or overnight, meaning your days shouldn't be affected. This means you can still visit the Great Barrier Reef. An option that is very popular all year, but expecially suited to January is a cruise to "Green Island & The Reef".

FINALLY Visiting The GREAT BARRIER REEF! You HAVE to See This in Australia (Sharks, Turtles & More)

Can you swim in Great Barrier Reef in Feb?

Swimming on the Great Barrier Reef

The waters you'll swim in are incredibly safe all year round, and it is extremely rare to experience surf conditions, strong currents, or dangerous animals.

Is January a bad time to visit Cairns?

January is a wonderful time to explore Cairns, for although it's in the monsoon or wet season, locals prefer to call it the 'green season' – when the creeks and rivers are flowing crystal clear and the rainforest is at its luscious best.

Is it good to travel to Cairns in December?

With it comes some of the hottest weather of the year. Summer is the wet season so rain is frequent as well. Thanks to the warm weather around the clock, December is one of the best times of year to visit Cairns, so start planning now for your Christmas holiday!

Can you swim in Great Barrier Reef in November?

november is stinger season. on the beaches there will be warning signs and probably netted areas to swim in. on the reef the risk is less but it is safest to wear a stinger suit which reef cruise companies provide.

What is the best month to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef?

The best snorkeling can be done between June and October, with crystal clear waters that let you enjoy the reef at its fullest. Beware that is the peak season though, so if you want to snorkel the reef with less crowds then shoot for April or May.

Is Cairns warm in winter?

Winter in Cairns brings slightly cooler temperatures and lower humidity, making it the peak tourist season. Average temperatures range from 17.5 - 26°C (63.5 - 78.8°F) and there is low rainfall.

What is there to do in Cairns in winter?

10 Family Friendly Things to Do in Cairns during Winter

• Beaches. Palm Cove – on a busy day!!! ...
• Visit an Island. Island beaches on the Great Barrier Reef are the best. ...
• AQUA Action. No reason to stay dry during Winter in the Tropics. ...
• Camp. ...
• Take a Hike. ...
• Outdoor Movies. ...
• Visit Cooktown via the Bloomfield Track. ...
• Visit Kuranda.

Are there seasons in the Great Barrier Reef?

The region has two distinct seasons; a winter period of warm temperatures and low rainfall, and a summer period of hot, humid temperatures and higher rainfall. Winter, or the 'Dry' season, begins in May and ends in October offering sunshine, fresh breezes and low humidity.

Can you snorkel in Cairns in December?

Cairns (stay in Port Douglas) works in December but there are stingers in the ocean so no swimming at beaches.

Can you snorkel Great Barrier Reef in January?

January brings warm 29 degrees Celsius water and hot, rainy weather. You can see jellyfish, siphonophores, and salps, in abundance, and because the water is so warm, you can dive in Lycra suits and remain comfortable.

Are there Box Jellyfish in the Great Barrier Reef?

The box jellyfish is even considered the most venomous animal in the world. These tiny but deadly animals favour calm, warm, clear waters, which is why they are commonly found around the Great Barrier Reef.

Can you dive in Cairns in January?

January is a great month to go diving off Cairns. This is a summer month and the water temperature can be expected to be a balmy 29 degrees Celsius (84 Degrees Fahrenheit). There is no need for wet suits.

Can you dive the Great Barrier Reef in December?

When is the best time for a Great Barrier Reef diving holiday? All year round offers great scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef but the best visibility, the least rain and wind, is from August to December. Manta rays and hammerheads visit the Coral Sea from April to September.

Do I need a stinger suit in Cairns?

We highly recommend wearing the stinger suits – regardless of the time of year – as it will not only protect you from cairns jellyfish stings, but also provide sun protection in the tropical climate. Snorkellers do not need to fear cairns jellyfish on the Great Barrier Reef. Jellyfish are found around the world.

Should I visit Cairns in February?

Tours & Packages

It's still the "wet" season or "monsoon" season in north Queensland in February, but don't let that stop you coming. Most of our February rain is overnight or in the evenings, leaving you free to enjoy such world famous attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Rainforests.

How hot is Cairns in February?

February is one of the hottest month in Cairns with an average high temperature of 31°C (88°F) – it's not unknown to hit 34°C (93°F) – with high heat and humidity, falling to 24°C (75°F) at night.

How cold does it get in Cairns?

Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 63°F to 88°F and is rarely below 56°F or above 91°F.

Can you swim in Cairns in winter?

Yes you can swim in Cairns beaches, however it can be very dangerous between the months of November – May. Most locals would recommend swimming in freshwater lagoons, lakes and waterfalls to avoid crocodiles, jellyfish and other dangerous animals in the sea.

Is Port Douglas too hot in January?

January in Port Douglas

January is super hot, humid and wet but you may still get some good days. What is this? Expect temperatures between 32 and 26C . It's the middle of summer!

Is Cairns humid in January?

The average relative humidity in January in Cairns, Australia, is 80%.