‘Winter’ in North Queensland is more commonly referred to as the ‘Dry Season’ (May to November) with consistent sunshine, warm temperatures, minimal rainfall and low humidity. With the maximum temperatures sitting in the mid twenties, it’s no wonder why visitors flock north to escape the winter chill.
WINTER (JUN-AUG) Average Cairns temperatures: 17.5ºC / 26.2ºC
Summer lives on with brilliant warm days and sunshine.
SPRING (SEP-NOV) Average Cairns temperatures: 20.5ºC / 29.5ºC
The endless summer continues intro Spring in Tropical North Queensland.
WINTER (JUN-AUG) Average Cairns temperatures: 17.5ºC / 26.2ºC
Summer lives on with brilliant warm days and sunshine.
SPRING (SEP-NOV) Average Cairns temperatures: 20.5ºC / 29.5ºC
The endless summer continues into Spring in Tropical North Queensland.
Here are our top 10 things to do in Tropical North Queensland during ‘Winter’
The dry season is known for its gorgeous clear skies, warm sunshine and perfect mild temperatures, ideal for exploring our beautiful region. Head out on our vintage style cruiser bikes and discover the beauty of Palm Cove or simply soak up the sunshine by the pools at the Reef House and take advantage of our daily poolside butler service including cool towels at 11am and local tropical sorbet at 3pm.
With water temperatures averaging 25ºC, glassy conditions and no stingers, winter is the best time to enjoy a dip in the Coral Sea. Simply stroll across the road to the stunning Palm Cove beach or venture a little further to Clifton Beach and Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas. The abundance of freshwater swimming holes also mustn’t be forgotten. Let our team organise a delicious takeaway picnic to enjoy on your adventure.
The low humidity and clear skies is the perfect recipe for vibrant sunsets and a dazzling night sky, and there is no better way to end a day in paradise in our opinion. We recommend catching a stunning twilight session aboard a Sailaway Sunset sailing experience that will create memories to last a lifetime.
There is no better time to tick the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list than winter in Tropical North Queensland where the days typically consist of calm waters and crystal clear visibility, resulting in perfect conditions for boating, swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving the world’s largest reef system. Make the most of the glorious weather and visit the outer Great Barrier Reef, Low Isles and many of the tropical islands that dot the coastline.
Throughout June and July, the inquisitive Minke Whales and the giant Humpbacks can be sighted making their way north between the coast and Great Barrier Reef – make sure to keep an eye out for these majestic creatures on your reef trip! A life-changing experience.
If it’s bird watching you’re after, TNQ is home to nearly half of all Australian bird species and is considered a birder’s dream. Head a little further North and you can spot birds found nowhere else in Australia, including the bridled honeyeater, boobook owl, golden bowerbird and the elusive Cassowary which grows 2m in size.
The Rejuvenation Season has left us with luscious, thick flora making it the perfect time to visit the Daintree Rainforest and marvel at the abundance of wildlife everywhere you look. Keep and eye out for crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of rivers and creeks.
One of the highlights of the tropics is being able to enjoy alfresco dining year-round with balmy winter nights. The Reef House Restaurant is the perfect spot to gaze out across the Coral Sea to the soundtrack of gentle waves lapping against the shore and coconut palms swaying in the cool ocean breeze, a welcome relief on your sun-kissed skin after a day of basking in the sunshine.
Tropical North Queensland is a fisherman’s dream, with the region best known for it’s beautiful Coral Trout, Nannygai, Barramundi and Red Emperor. Join one of the fully-inclusive outer reef fishing charters, visit the Barramundi farm or simply try your luck fishing off the Palm Cove jetty with rods available for our Reef House guests.
Drier conditions, milder temperatures and better visibility makes the Winter months the best time to get out and explore. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a beginner to nature walks, there are so many wondrous walking trails and waterfalls that surround the region. We recommend Earl Hill Summit Track, Walshs Pyramid, Behana Gorge and Devils Thumb to name a few. Make sure to ask our friendly staff for their secret local suggestions.
Trade frosty mornings, runny noses and huddling around heaters for long sunny days on pristine beaches and balmy nights spent wining and dining under coconut palm trees. Welcome to ‘winter’ in Tropical North Queensland, we know where we’d rather be.
As the winter months are high season, we recommend booking your stay at The Reef House and any touring experiences well in advance. We look forward to welcoming you.
Simply book an appointment and one of our Escape Planning Specialists will call you to assist with your holiday planning to Tropical North Queensland. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
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