What is the best time of year to visit Great Barrier Reef?

The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from June to October. This peak season offers some key advantages for travelers. Temperatures hover in the low 60s to mid-80s, and rainfall is uncommon, which means clearer waters and better diving conditions.

What month is best to visit the Great Barrier Reef?

Although the reef never sleeps – you'll be best placed to visit the Great Barrier Reef between May and October when temperatures are still warm enough for swimming, underwater visibility is high and rainfall is minimal.

Can you swim in the Great Barrier Reef in July?

No, it will not be too cold to swim in Far North Queensland (where you find the GBR). You may, however, be more comfortable doing it with a wetsuit. You can also swim at the beach as June and July are not stinger season.

How many days are enough for Great Barrier Reef?

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!

Can you swim in the Great Barrier Reef in March?

The wet season is hot and humid, with rain generally restricted to the afternoons and evenings. The frequent rain can impair visibility for snorkeling on the reef, but the warm water temperatures are pleasant for swimming. In March and April, there is also a slightly higher chance of a cyclone.

Things to know before visiting the great barrier reef

How do I plan a trip to the Great Barrier Reef?

What are the seasons like in the Great Barrier Reef?

The region has two distinct seasons; a winter period of warm temperatures and low rainfall, and a summer period of hot, humid temperatures and higher rainfall. Winter, or the 'Dry' season, begins in May and ends in October offering sunshine, fresh breezes and low humidity.

What is the best part of the Great Barrier Reef to visit?

Cairns – Fitzroy Island

Long know as the premier gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is the boarding point for many great inner and outer Barrier Reef expeditions. But we would have to say the best of all is Fitzroy Island.

Is Great Barrier Reef worth it?

The Great Barrier Reef is undoubtedly one of the most unique and unbelievably beautiful destinations in the whole world! A visit to the reef is absolutely worth it and somewhere you cannot miss out on when travelling Australia.

Can you snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef?

Not every one wants to dive and, to be honest, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's most accessible reefs and offers excellent snorkelling.

Are there Box Jellyfish in the Great Barrier Reef?

The box jellyfish is even considered the most venomous animal in the world. These tiny but deadly animals favour calm, warm, clear waters, which is why they are commonly found around the Great Barrier Reef.

Is the Great Barrier Reef good in winter?

Winter is also the dry season in the Great Barrier Reef, which means that barely any rainfall takes place during these months. Instead, you can expect fresh coastal breezes and low humidity. It's also the traditional swimming season in this part of Australia, and water temperatures bask at a very pleasant 23°C.

Can you swim in the Great Barrier Reef in summer?

Although both seasons offer great reef adventures, the wet season does have some obstacles. The rain reduces the visibility of the reef, turning the water from crystal clear to a murky blue. High chances of storms also create stronger currents, which may make reef spots hard or impossible to swim in.

What is the best time of year to visit Cairns?

The best time to visit Cairns is during the months of April and May or September and October. At this time, tourist crowds are low and flights and lodging rates are less expensive, but you may encounter some wet weather.

Is it safe to swim in Great Barrier Reef in summer?

Is it still safe for me to swim? Yes, marine stingers such as the Irukandji and Box Jellyfish are found in the warm tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef but it is still safe to swim by wearing a 'stinger suit'. These lycra suites are provided for you on all cruises that go out to the reef for a small rental fee.

How long is the boat ride to the Great Barrier Reef?

The reef boat journey can take from 45 minutes to 90 minutes dependant on your island destination and that will give you around two hours of snorkelling and scuba diving adventure. Day trips usually leave Cairns or Port Douglas at about 8am and return to Cairns at 5:30pm.

What is the nearest city to the Great Barrier Reef?

By far the closest, and easiest city to choose is Cairns, being the to-go place for Great Barrier Reef tours. Submerge yourself in the city lifestyle before hopping on board a boat and getting up close and personal with this world-famous marine attraction.

Can you see the Great Barrier Reef without diving?

That being said, can you see the Great Barrier Reef without snorkeling? It is entirely possible to enjoy a trip to the Great Barrier Reef without having to swim into the great depths. You'll find multiple land trips arranged by the local tour facilities that don't include snorkeling or swimming.

Is it better to dive or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef?

Scuba diving is more affected by the direction and strength of the water currents, which with a good instructor will be used to your benefit to save oxygen. For these reasons, scuba diving is definitely the better option for exploring the outer Great Barrier Reef.”

Is the reef better from Cairns or Port Douglas?

Cairns is the place where you can easily set out for the likes of the unforgettable Hastings Reef, Moore Reef, Breaking Patches and the amazing Cod Hole. Conversely, Port Douglas offers a more laid back experience, with fewer tour operators and easy access to the outer reef.

Is it better to go to the reef from Cairns or Port Douglas?

Port Douglas is actually closer to the outer reef than Cairns offering snorkelling, scuba diving and boating tours. If it's wildlife adventure you're after then Port Douglas is closer to the Daintree Rainforest where you can go on a Daintree River cruise to spot crocodiles in the wild.

Can you swim in the Great Barrier Reef in February?

February is an excellent month for swimming in Great Barrier Reef with very warm sea temperatures. Consider visiting Great Barrier Reef in the months of August, September, October, December, for the best beach weather.

Is September a good time to visit Cairns?

September is definately one of the better months to visit Cairns. The suns out, but it's not too hot, the nights are cooler, but not cool enough for a jumper and the waters starting to get warm - not that it ever really gets cold in Cairns.

Are there sharks in the Great Barrier Reef?

There are many different species of sharks found in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef ranging from small bottom-dwelling sharks such as wobbegongs to larger types such as tiger sharks and the distinctive hammerhead shark that has a nose shaped like the letter 't'.