Seasons

What are the seasons in the Whitsundays

CORAL SPAWNING

This miraculous event happens in October or November, one week after the full moon.

In a period of a few days several types of coral, sea urchins, soft corals, worms, brittle stars and sponges release their eggs and sperm, mostly during the first part of the night. Every species has its own moment. Since 1991 this phenomena has been monitored systematically by a marine biologist with the help of lots of local divers. This event is spectacular as millions of bright pink, red, blue and green eggs are released in a technicolour snowstorm.

WHALE WATCHING

Experience the thrill of coming face to face with the majestic Humpback Whales on their annual migration to the warm Whitsunday waters. Every year, from July to early September, these gentle giants visit this area to raise their newborn calves in the sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands.

TURTLE WATCHING

Nesting

Marine turtles nest on many beaches along the south Queensland coast on most nights from late November to late January. The main nesting concentration is at Mon Repos near Bundaberg.

Nesting turtles are most likely to be encountered from about one hour before to about two hours after the night high tide. More turtles can be expected on nights when high tides occur near midnight than when high tide occurs near dawn or dusk. Tide times are available from published tables, local newspapers, resort notice boards and resort offices. In the Whitsunday region tide times are also available in the local phone book.

The urge to lay eggs brings the females out of the ocean into the foreign environment of the beach. Adult turtles are timid animals, being easily disturbed at any stage from leaving the water until the eggs are laid. Consideration is needed for these aquatic animals that, for most of their lives, do not leave the sea.

Hatchlings Emerge

The emergence of hatchling turtles from their nests and their rush to the sea can be seen from mid January until late March. Hatchlings usually leave their nests at night.

Most clutches leave in a rush, taking only a few minutes to reach the water. There are no special tide times for good viewing of hatchlings. The best time at Mon Repos is between 8.00pm and midnight. Bright lights can attract the hatchlings away from the sea and hence increase hatchling mortality.

 

CLIMATIC SEASONS

Spring

September to November
The spring months are very similar to the autumn months. Locals start preparing themselves for the ensuing rainy season as each day becomes steadily warmer and warmer.
Average weather temperature is about 27 degrees Celsius
Average rainfall is about 37.6mm

Summer

December to February
These months experience the highest rainfall, and can also be accompanied by thunderstorms and the occasional tropical cyclone in northern tropical regions.
Average weather temperature is about 30 degrees celsius
Average rainfall is about 215mm

Autumn

March to May
Autumn in North Queensland is the time to cool off and recover from the hot wet season. The difference between autumn and summer is slight in the north, but the cooler temperatures are more noticeable in the southern parts of the coastline.
Average weather temperature is about 27 degrees celsius
Average rainfall is about 203mm

Winter

June to August
This time of the year is generally regarded as the most pleasant in every sense of the word – low rainfall, comfortable temperatures during the day, and cool nights. The days are sunny, and even though this is the coldest time of the year, it remains warmer than many places around the world in summer.
Average weather temperature is about 23 degrees celsius
Average rainfall is about 43.6mm