Best time to visit the Whitsundays

Unlike southern Australia, winter (May to November) in the Whitsundays is near perfect. Sunshine is plentiful, rain is minimal and daytime temperatures are warm enough for t-shirts and shorts. It can feel cool at night and when you're out sailing where wind chill is at play, so pack a sweater and some long pants.

Winter is generally the best time to experience all the Whitsundays has to offer. The water visibility is excellent for snorkelling and diving due to low rainfall, and you may also get the chance to see humpback whales between July and September during their annual migration from Antarctica. Whales migrate to the warm waters along the East Coast to birth and nurse their calves.

With great weather comes larger crowds. However, dealing with a few extra people on the beach is worth it when you have the best chance of seeing the Whitsundays in all its glory.

The Hamilton Island Race Week in August is a particularly vibrant time in the region, so be sure to book transport and accommodation in advance.

The summer (December to April) brings balmy temperatures of 28°C to 31°C and high humidity. February, March and April see the heaviest rainfall, but it's usually in the afternoon and doesn't last for too long. Boat tours usually run on schedule unless the weather is really bad, but the rains can affect water visibility so you may want to factor this in if you plan on diving or snorkelling.

Warmer water temperatures between October and May also attract large numbers of harmful jellyfish, including Box and Irukandji. It’s recommended to wear a stinger suit (a lightweight suit made from nylon or spandex) to protect your skin. Stinger suits also double up as sun protection.

Excluding the Australian summer school holidays which bring an influx of tourists to the Whitsundays, the summer is usually a quieter time so you'll get to enjoy Whitehaven Beach and the archipelago's other attractions with smaller crowds.