Australia

Best Time to Visit
Great Barrier Reef

Visit in August — score 86/100 · avg high 76°F · 3 rainy days

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Monthly Travel Scores

How we score

January

85°/80°F
31 rain days
13.0h daylight
Moderate crowds
Below avg

February

85°/80°F
28 rain days
12.6h daylight
Moderate crowds
Below avg

March

84°/80°F
31 rain days
12.1h daylight
Moderate crowds
Below avg

April

82°/77°F
14 rain days
11.6h daylight
Moderate crowds
Average

May

80°/73°F
9 rain days
11.1h daylight
Moderate crowds
Average

June

78°/70°F
6 rain days
10.9h daylight
High crowds
Above avg

July

76°/68°F
6 rain days
11.0h daylight
High crowds
Average

August

#1
76°/69°F
3 rain days
11.4h daylight
High crowds
Average

September

#2
77°/72°F
3 rain days
11.9h daylight
High crowds
Above avg

October

#3
79°/74°F
5 rain days
12.4h daylight
High crowds
Average

November

82°/76°F
9 rain days
12.9h daylight
Moderate crowds
Below avg

December

83°/78°F
22 rain days
13.1h daylight
Moderate crowds
Below avg

Monthly Weather Data

MonthScoreAvg °FHigh °FLow °FRain DaysPrecip (mm)DaylightCrowdsCost
January4382°85°80°3115713.0hModerateBelow avg
February4283°85°80°2818112.6hModerateBelow avg
March4482°84°80°3113312.1hModerateBelow avg
April6380°82°77°145511.6hModerateAverage
May7377°80°73°93611.1hModerateAverage
June7474°78°70°62510.9hHighAbove avg
July7873°76°68°62211.0hHighAverage
August8673°76°69°31111.4hHighAverage
September8575°77°72°31111.9hHighAbove avg
October8477°79°74°52012.4hHighAverage
November7879°82°76°93612.9hModerateBelow avg
December5081°83°78°228813.1hModerateBelow avg

Seasonal Breakdown

Spring

Score
83/100
High
79°F
Low
74°F
Rain days
6/mo
Crowds
high

Spring in Great Barrier Reef (September, October, November) brings average highs of 79°F and lows of 74°F, with about 6 rainy days per month. Expect high tourist crowds and average accommodation rates. The overall travel score averages 83/100, with September being the strongest month of the season at 85/100.

Summer

Score
45/100
High
85°F
Low
79°F
Rain days
27/mo
Crowds
moderate

Summer in Great Barrier Reef (December, January, February) brings average highs of 85°F and lows of 79°F, with about 27 rainy days per month. Expect moderate tourist crowds and budget-friendly accommodation rates. The overall travel score averages 45/100, with December being the strongest month of the season at 50/100.

Fall

Score
60/100
High
82°F
Low
76°F
Rain days
18/mo
Crowds
moderate

Fall in Great Barrier Reef (March, April, May) brings average highs of 82°F and lows of 76°F, with about 18 rainy days per month. Expect moderate tourist crowds and average accommodation rates. The overall travel score averages 60/100, with May being the strongest month of the season at 73/100.

Winter

Score
79/100
High
77°F
Low
69°F
Rain days
5/mo
Crowds
high

Winter in Great Barrier Reef (June, July, August) brings average highs of 77°F and lows of 69°F, with about 5 rainy days per month. Expect high tourist crowds and above average accommodation rates. The overall travel score averages 79/100, with August being the strongest month of the season at 86/100.

Crowd and cost data estimated from regional travel patterns for this destination.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to visit Great Barrier Reef?
The best month to visit Great Barrier Reef is August, with an overall travel score of 86/100. Expect average highs of 76°F, about 3 rainy days, and high tourist crowds.
Is Great Barrier Reef expensive in summer?
Summer prices in Great Barrier Reef are relatively moderate, averaging 113% of the annual rate. The most affordable month is December.
What is the weather like in Great Barrier Reef in December?
December in Great Barrier Reef has average highs of 83°F and lows of 78°F, with approximately 22 rainy days and 13.1 hours of daylight. The overall travel score for December is 50/100.
When is the cheapest time to visit Great Barrier Reef?
The most affordable time to visit Great Barrier Reef is December, when accommodation prices are at their lowest. Tourist crowds are moderate in December, making it a good option if you prefer fewer tourists. The least favorable month overall is February (score: 42/100).

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