australia climate

Australia has a very diverse climate comprised of a mixture of desert, tropical, sub tropical, grasslands, and temperate environments. This variety of climate, weather and ecosystems make Australia the perfect destination for small ship cruises year round. 

The seasons in Australia are opposite those in North America and Europe.  To further confuse things traditional seasons only prevail in the southern, more temperate parts of Australia.  In the Australia’s southern regions the warmest and longest days occur during summer (December through February).  Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) are pleasant in the south with moderate temperatures and rainfall.  Winter’s can be cool and wet with snowfall at higher elevations. 

As you travel north in Australia you move into sub tropical and tropical climate.  In the coastal tropics and Great Barrier Reef weather falls into two seasons.  April to November marks the hot and cloudless Dry Season.  This is the most popular time to travel.   December to May is the Green Season when humidity and rainfall are highest. 

Water temperatures at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef are always fairly warm.  They can vary from 70 degrees F (23C) in the winter (Jun-Aug) to 85 degrees F (29C) in the summer (Dec-Feb).  Snorkeling and diving opportunities abound year round.