Great Barrier Reef - when to go - end of November OR end of May
Jun 5th, 2010, 12:34 PM
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Great Barrier Reef - when to go - end of November OR end of May
Hi group!
I'm planning a trip to Australia (this post refers specifically to the Great Barrier Reef region). If you've been to the Great Barrier Reef, please send information. I am deciding to go either in November/December OR May/June. I am NOT concerned with the temperature BUT am concerned with rain and stingers.
Any suggestions/comments would be greatly appreciated!
Happy travels,
Suzanne
I'm planning a trip to Australia (this post refers specifically to the Great Barrier Reef region). If you've been to the Great Barrier Reef, please send information. I am deciding to go either in November/December OR May/June. I am NOT concerned with the temperature BUT am concerned with rain and stingers.
Any suggestions/comments would be greatly appreciated!
Happy travels,
Suzanne
Jun 5th, 2010, 09:54 PM
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More likely to be raining/dull/windy in May June but there will be stingers along the coast in Nov/Dec. Out on the reef there is little chance of the large box jellyfish as they breed in the mangroves in inlets.
Finally don't tag questions as trip reports, you'll get more and better replies that way.
Finally don't tag questions as trip reports, you'll get more and better replies that way.
Jun 6th, 2010, 09:38 AM
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Sorry, cant agree with Alan regarding weather in May/June. This is the beginning of the Dry Season when there is little rainfall. Nov/Dec is the beginning of the Wet Season. Google "Cairns weather" and you can see the statistics for yourself. I've been to Cairns several times during the Dry Season. We had most clear, fine weather, not too hot. I would pick May/Jun over Nov/Dec. As Alan says, stingers are only a concern on the coast, not out on the reef and only during the Wet Season.
Jun 20th, 2010, 05:26 AM
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Firstly, lacaliff11, rain has very little relevance on a reef trip. What does have an enormous amount of relevance is wind, that can really upset a reef trip, especially if you are prone to seasickness. And don't worry about the stingers, all reef boats will rent a stinger suit for about $8, which will protect you from sunburn too, a far likelier danger.
May/June may be the time when southerners leave their winter to go the the north, but that doesn't mean reef conditions are ideal in the north, those poor sods are just grateful to escape their cold winters. If you're looking for a tropical experience do come in Nov/Dec, this is when wildlife is breeding, its a top time of year for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world, tropical fruit is at its best. Yes, its humid but well before the wet season starts. And everywhere is airconditioned, so no need to sweat.
May/June may be the time when southerners leave their winter to go the the north, but that doesn't mean reef conditions are ideal in the north, those poor sods are just grateful to escape their cold winters. If you're looking for a tropical experience do come in Nov/Dec, this is when wildlife is breeding, its a top time of year for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world, tropical fruit is at its best. Yes, its humid but well before the wet season starts. And everywhere is airconditioned, so no need to sweat.
Jun 20th, 2010, 06:02 AM
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Been to North Queensland five times in the winter months and have taken four reef trips from there. Honestly, I don't remember wind being a factor. Perhaps were lucky to have had the fine conditions we experienced. Nonetheless, looking forward to Nov 2010 when we will be there for the solar eclipse. Also, looking forward to seeing the area at a different time of year.
And I wasn't one of those poor sods escaping winter weather in the south, just a Yank escaping the hot summer weather at home.
And I wasn't one of those poor sods escaping winter weather in the south, just a Yank escaping the hot summer weather at home.
Jun 20th, 2010, 04:29 PM
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Ralph, you've been lucky. Have a look at www.bom.gov.au/forecasts under Northern Qld Coastal Waters Forecast - you'll see a strong wind warning Cooktown-Cardwell (covers Cairns and Port Douglas) of 20/30 knots within the reef. Wednesday is worse with forecast of 25/33 knots. This is typical for this time of year, through to at least August, as usual I have people staying with me from US who are waiting for a relatively calm day for a reef trip, its not going to happen within their time frames.
In November, Ralph, you may be lucky to see the coral spawn, this happens only once a year, you'll need to take a night trip to reef, Tusa Dive is one of the companies which usually covers this amazing event.
In November, Ralph, you may be lucky to see the coral spawn, this happens only once a year, you'll need to take a night trip to reef, Tusa Dive is one of the companies which usually covers this amazing event.
