What is the hottest month in the Great Barrier Reef?
August is the hottest month in great barrier reef with an average temperature of 16°C (61°F) and the coldest is January at 6°C (43°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 7 in August.
People Also Ask
Avoiding stinger seasonWhen you snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef during May to October you will avoid the peak stinger season. This is where box jellyfish and irukandji jellyfish are around. These jellyfish are around all year, they are more common during the warmer months.
The prime time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is between May and October when water temperatures are pleasant for swimming, rainfall is low and underwater visibility is high.
Getting in the crystal-clear water, you'll see up close and personal just how vibrant the reef truly is. 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.
Take care when diving and snorkellingBe aware of where your fins are and avoid touching anything with them. Don't rest or stand on coral. If you must stand up, make sure it is on sand or use rest stations. Observe animals rather than handling them directly, and avoid blocking the path of free swimming animals.
Honestly, a lifetime is not enough to explore and enjoy all the amazing natural wonders of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. But if you can't spend your life on holiday, we recommend at least three days in Cairns to discover the main attractions. If you have more time, great!
Although it's mid winter, July is also the perfect time to visit the Great Barrier Reef, with the air temperatures in the mid 20's and the water temperature between 22° and 25° it's equivalent to a mild Sydney summers day, and definately warmer in the water than Melbourne or Adelaide in the middle of their summer!