Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR), the natural wonder down under, has captivated the hearts of travellers and marine enthusiasts alike for many years. It’s home to an incredible diversity of marine life year-round, and with seasonal visitors like whales and manta rays, there’s a benefit to knowing when to plan your visit.

The GBR boasts a tropical climate, making it the perfect year-round destination for those seeking sun, sea, and adventure 365 days a year! However, its weather can be broadly divided into two seasons: the wet season (Summer to Autumn, November to April) and the dry season (Winter to Spring, May to October).

Whether you’re an avid diver, a snorkelling enthusiast, or simply a nature lover, the different seasons and weather patterns of the Great Barrier Reef offer unique opportunities to experience the wonders of the underwater world and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Wet Season (November to April)

During the wet season, the weather around Tropical North Queensland is characterized by higher temperatures and humidity. The frequent rainfall has the benefit of rejuvenating the lush Wet Tropics of Queensland and can be a refreshing break from the high temperatures. One of the benefits of visiting Cairns and the GBR during the wet season is that it is considered the low season for the region, meaning fewer crowds and off-peak pricing for accommodation.

While underwater visibility can at times be reduced due to runoff from heavy rains, visiting during the wet season does offer the benefit of being able to witness unique natural phenomena like the annual coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef (usually around November/December depending on water temperatures and lunar cycles). Another natural phenomenon that is unique to the wet season is turtle hatching. Although none of the islands within the Frankland Group are known turtle nesting sites, there are many local providers that operate turtle hatching tours from Cairns.

One other factor to consider when choosing which season to visit is the ‘stinger season’. Irukandji and the Box Jellyfish are known to visit the shores and seas around Queensland during the wet season, however, Frankland Islands Reef Cruises provides all guests with stinger wet suits to wear during this season that protect guests against potential jellyfish stings. Also, visiting during this time is a great opportunity to see juvenile fish that have recently hatched.