When to Go

When to Go

North of Cairns, the best time for visiting is between May and September, when the daily maximum temperature averages around 27°C (80°F) and the water is comfortably warm. From about December through March, expect monsoon conditions. The tropical coast is besieged from October through May by deadly box jellyfish and the tiny transparent Irukandji jellyfish, which make ocean swimming impossible. Because of school holidays, sea- and reef-side Queensland tends to fill up around Christmas, and can be heavily booked around Easter. When making travel plans, remember that there's no daylight saving time in the state.