Better time to visit Reef: May or August?
 

We have a choice to take a trip to Australia during the second half of May or at the end of August 2008. I have tried to find concrete information on the weather and visability at this time of year but am getting mixed messages regarding a May trip. I have read that the rains typically go through April but could slip into May. Are we taking a risk booking a trip for 15-31 May? We will most likely snorkel on the reef so good visability is an issue as well.

I understand that August is a popular month to visit the Reef and that the water temp, while cooler, is still comfortable for swimming/snorkeling. What do you think?

We haven't yet selected a destination on the Reef. We will also spend time in the Daintree.

Thanks for your thoughts, experiences and opinions on May or August on the Reef!

I haave been to the GBR twice in August. Weather was calm and the water clear. Water was comfortable once you got used to it.

Daintree area is a most. It is so interesting. We actually saw a cassowary in the wild!

Sorry, I have not been there in May.

Assume you mean the section of GBR around Cairns/Port Douglas where it's much warmer in August than southern parts of reef (see current post by Lizzy F on weather in south east and central Queensland).

Even so, its still winter, and August is notorious for SE winds. Days are usually clear and sunny with cool nights. May is warmer; there's still a chance of late wet season rain but usually not enough to disturb reef conditions. And often it can be pouring on mainland but clear and sunny on reef.

These are generalisations of course, weather is becoming harder and harder to predict.

Thank you both for your comments.

We are leaning toward a May trip given that it is the off season in that part of Australia. We hope to have better travel/accomodation deals this way.

We were in Cairns in August 2006 and went to the Frankland Islands on a snorkel trip. The winds while we were in Cairns were very strong and there was a definite chill in the air. Not cold, but certainly not hot.

I was able to snorkel comfortably off the shore of the island in a wet suit which you could rent for $10 off the boat that transports you. The snorkel area is off the sheltered side of the island so it was pleasant, but when we walked around the end of the island the wind was so strong and the blown sand so ferocious that we turned back immediately.

So you may or may not find good opportunities to snorkel in August. I'd go in May.

That's the good thing about the Franklands, Lyn. When there's a stiff SE blowing the snorkelling side of the island is sheltered, as you say. Also, as most of the trip is down a sheltered river there's only about 25 mins of open sea to cross for the Franklands; so excellent for those who tend towards seasickness.

So far, this August isn't as windy as last; but no guarantees it won't change. Very good humpback whale sightings from Franklands and reef in the last week or so; much easier to spot when the seas aren't as choppy as they were last year at this time. Water temp is about 23C.