What Is The Best Time To Visit The Great Barrier Reef?

Discover the optimal time to experience the crystal clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the world and the largest living thing on earth, is unsurprisingly one of Australia’s most popular destinations. Drawing over two million visitors, it offers a spectacular sight and the chance to spot some of the thousands of species.

You can visit the Great Barrier Reef all year round, but the ideal time depends on what you hope to see or avoid, the climate, and the seasons.

• Wet or Dry Season

  Queensland’s weather is gorgeous year round, with perpetual sunshine and warm days. Unlike the typical four seasons, Queensland experiences two, the wet and dry.
  The wet season, akin to summer but with higher rainfall, and the dry season, resembling winter but with warm, rain free days. Both seasons are excellent times to visit the reef, but the wet season presents some challenges. Increased rainfall can reduce reef visibility, turning it a murky blue instead of crystal clear. Moreover, storms during this season can create stronger currents, causing some parts of the reef unsafe for swimming.

• Jellyfish Season

  

  Throughout the warmer months, typically from November to May, jellyfish season poses a risk. Two types of stingers, the Irukandji and the box jellyfish, are around during this time, causing harm and, in severe cases, even death.
  While swimming during these months might seem risky, wearing a stinger wetsuit is recommended when venturing into the deeper waters of the reef, offering protection against jellyfish stings.

• Migrating Whales

  

  Witness a unique marine life and watch some whales migrate along the Queensland coast for their breeding season. The famous humpback whales migrate between July and September whereas the Minke whales visit during May time.

• Coral Spawning

  

  Once a year in November or December, following a full moon, you can witness a simultaneous mass spawning of corals! The corals along the ocean floor release their eggs and sperm in the water for fertilisation, creating a stunning multi coloured underwater snowfall effect.

• Things To Do

• Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been before, here are some things you must do while visiting the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Snorkelling

  

• Explore the vibrant coral and marine life by snorkelling, a popular activity on the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll learn the basic skills before you head off in the water and witness the beauty of the reef.

  • Diving

   

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• There are two different diving options, scuba diving and helmet diving. Scuba diving allows you go deeper in the water and swim with the marine life. Helmet diving you essentially walk along the seabed.
  Even if you haven’t done either diving options before, you can have a brief introductory lesson and learn how to use the equipment.

  • Glass Bottom Boat

     

  

• For those who can’t get into the water, the glass bottom boat allows you to still see the underwater world. Sit in the boat and look down through the glass bottom and see the colourful coral and all kinds of marine life swim by.Make sure you book a tour and see for yourself how beautiful this part of the world is. Experience swimming with turtles, seeing other marine life, and the colourful coral all while taking part in activities.

  Related article: Top 5 Things to Do in the Great Barrier Reef