The Climate/Seasonal Changes In The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef has a tropical climate, with average temperatures in summer of between 24 and 33 degrees Celsius, in winter 14 to 26 degrees. Being a wet tropic climate, there are only 2 seasons, 'the green' and 'the dry'. The green season stretches from the first of the monsoonal rains, usually in November, and ends in May (75% to 90% of the region's rainfall falls in the green season). This particular region averages over 300 days of sunshine per year.
Great Barrier Reef Climatograph
This is a climatograph which shows the average climatic conditions throughout the year in the Great Barrier Reef which is located near Australia.
Going More Into Detail About The Climate
The Great Barrier Reef climate varies between the northern and southern extremes of the area. This means that temperature and climate in the Great Barrier Reef is sub-tropical in the south, getting more tropical as you head north. Tropical and sub-tropical regions only experience two seasons which are, wet season and a dry season. The wet season occurs between the months of November to March when up to 2 meters of rain can fall on Cairns over the 5 months. The southern regions don't suffer quite so much, Brisbane typically sees around half that amount.
The most unpleasant characteristic of a tropical climate wet season is without doubt humidity. This can get unbearable during the height of The Wet, when temperatures can get to a very muggy 30 degrees Celsius all along the coastline. During the wet season, the months of December-February are the wettest and also play host to Cyclone Season, although thankfully these huge storms aren't too frequent over the Great Barrier Reef.
The dry season therefore is a much more comfortable time to visit the area. The months of July, August and September are the best when temperatures average a very pleasant 20 degrees Celsius - slightly warmer in the north than in the south but not much in it. Humidity and rainfall are at a minimum during these months and sunny days dominate. The nights are cooler but not cold, with average nighttime temperatures at between 10 - 15 degrees Celsius.
The most unpleasant characteristic of a tropical climate wet season is without doubt humidity. This can get unbearable during the height of The Wet, when temperatures can get to a very muggy 30 degrees Celsius all along the coastline. During the wet season, the months of December-February are the wettest and also play host to Cyclone Season, although thankfully these huge storms aren't too frequent over the Great Barrier Reef.
The dry season therefore is a much more comfortable time to visit the area. The months of July, August and September are the best when temperatures average a very pleasant 20 degrees Celsius - slightly warmer in the north than in the south but not much in it. Humidity and rainfall are at a minimum during these months and sunny days dominate. The nights are cooler but not cold, with average nighttime temperatures at between 10 - 15 degrees Celsius.