When is the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef?
Whenever you can! The Great Barrier Reef is spectacular year round. During the wet season, December to April, it is hot and humid with heavy downpours that can sometimes lead to poor visibility underwater due to river run-off – but boat operators can usually take you somewhere where snorkelling and diving conditions are good. The main season, however, is June to October with fine, mild weather and good visibility.
There are several natural events that might influence when you decide to go: dwarf minke whales visit northern Ribbon Reefs from June-July; humpback whales are seen off Cairns between July and September; sea turtles nest on coral islands November-December; hatchlings emerge January-March; the annual synchronised coral spawning occurs on inshore reefs after the first full moon in October; corals on outer reefs spawn November-December. Stingers – including the potentially deadly box jellyfish and Irukandji – occur mainly inshore north of Agnes Water from November-May.
