Seasons & weather
Warm tropical waters, coral reefs alive with colour, and breathtaking marine encounters — every season offers something unique when you dive and live aboard in the Whitsundays.
Overview
The Whitsundays and the Outer Great Barrier Reef enjoy warm ocean temperatures and great diving all year round.
Aboard SV Summer Jo, you’re perfectly positioned to experience changing seasons in the reef — from whale migrations to coral spawning events and vibrant juvenile marine life.
Season
Air temp
Water temp
Highlights
Summer
(Dec-Feb)
28–32°C
28–30°C
Warm water, active marine life
Autumn
(Mar-May)
24–28°C
26–27°C
Stable weather, excellent diving
Winter
(Jun-Aug)
20–26°C
24–25°C
Humpback whales & clear visibility
Spring
(Sep-Nov)
26–32°C
26–28°C
Calm seas & coral spawning
Weather & Water
This region is tropical, with mild winters and warm, humid summers. Because we dive the Outer Reef, conditions are consistently clear, even during the summer rain period.
Water Temperature:
24°C in winter → 29–30°C in summer
Air Temperature:
Typically 18–32°C depending on the season
Best Visibility:
Often during cooler months, though
excellent year-round offshore
SEASON BREAKDOWN
May >> August
Cooler water, clear visibility & whale season
These months bring bright, clear days with refreshing water around 24–25°C. Expect stunning visibility across coral walls and bommies.
This is also when humpback whales visit the Whitsundays to calve and migrate north. It’s not uncommon to see breaching whales from the deck — and sometimes hear their songs underwater.
What to expect:
-
Clear blue conditions
-
Calm anchorages behind sheltered islands
-
Light wetsuit recommended for comfort
SEASON BREAKDOWN
September >> December
Calm seas & the coral spawning spectacle
Spring and early summer bring warmer water and lighter winds — ideal for diving and smooth sailing.
During October or November, the reef comes alive during coral spawning — a rare and mesmerising natural event where the reef releases clouds of new life under the moonlight.
What to expect:
-
Warming water (26–28°C)
-
Breeding marine life and increased activity
-
Excellent for divers & snorkelers of all levels
SEASON BREAKDOWN
January >> April
Warmest water & juvenile marine life
This is the wet season, though showers are typically brief and tropical — often followed by sunshine.
Water temperatures reach 29–30°C, making it comfortable to dive in just swimwear or a rash shirt. Reefs pulse with life as juvenile fish arrive and coral ecosystems flourish after the spawning season.
What to expect:
-
Warm, crystal-clear water
-
Bursts of rain followed by sunshine
-
Calm seas during many weeks in this period
