The climate of Fraser Island
Located just off the eastern coast of
Australia,
Fraser Island's climate comfortably falls under the Humid subtropical classification according to the Köppen climate system, bearing no dry season. This Climate designation signifies the predominance of high temperatures throughout the year, coupled with significant rainfall.
During the year, Fraser Island experiences a wide temperature spectrum, with the average monthly high temperatures oscillating between a peak of 29.4°C (84.9°F) in
January and a low point of 21.1°C (70°F) in
July. Similarly, monthly low temperatures vary from 22.4°C (72.3°F) in
February to 14.3°C (57.7°F) in July. This indicates a significant temperature drop during the cooler periods, however, it still remains relatively warm.
Rainfall plays a significant role in the island's climate, with the heaviest rain falling in February with an average of 169mm (6.65"), while the driest month is
September with only 51mm (2.01"). The number of rainy days throughout the like year also varies, hitting a maximum of 16.4 days in
March and falling to a low of 7.7 days in September.
Fraser Island’s sea temperature is consistently warm, ranging from its peak of 27°C (80.6°F) in January and February to the cool dip of 22°C (71.6°F) from July to September. Sunlight hours stay relatively constant throughout the year, with a high point of 13.7 hours in
December and a low point of 10.6 hours in
June. Finally, the UV index shows seasonal fluctuation, reaching its highest levels of 12 in January, February, and December, whilst it sees its lowest point at 4 in June.
The best time to visit Fraser Island
With regard to climate, the optimal time to visit
Fraser Island is during the months from
July to
September. During this time, the island experiences minimum rainfall with an average of 63mm (2.48") in
August and 51mm (2.01") in September. Concurrently, the count of rainfall days also decreases to a minimal 9.6 days in August and 7.7 days in September. While the temperature is somewhat cooler than the rest of the year, daytime temperatures remain warm, ranging from 21.1°C (70°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F), providing favourable conditions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Fraser Island
Conversely, the period from
January to
March is considered the least favourable time to visit
Fraser Island due to the high rainfall averaging between 157mm (6.18") and 169mm (6.65"). The frequency of rainy days also leaps up during this period, reaching a peak of 16.4 days in March. The sea temperature, while remaining warm, is slightly cooler than in other months, ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F). Despite the higher temperatures in these months, ranging from 28.5°C (83.3°F) to 29.4°C (84.9°F) during the day, the higher than average rainfall might hinder outdoor activities.
Spring Weather in Fraser Island
Spring months on
Fraser Island, from
September to
November, are characterized by climbing temperatures and decreasing rainfall. September is the driest month with 51mm (2.01") of rain spread over 7.7 days. Temperatures rise from 24.3°C (75.7°F) in September to 27.7°C (81.9°F) in November during the day, while nighttime temperatures increase from 16.9°C (62.4°F) to 20.3°C (68.5°F). Sunshine hours also start to rise, increasing from 9 hours in September to reach 9 hours in November.
Summer Weather in Fraser Island
Summer on
Fraser Island, from
December to
February, is characterised by the highest temperatures and rainfall level of the year. Rainfall peaks at 169mm (6.65") in February spread over 14.3 rainy days. Day time temperatures fluctuate from 28.9°C (84°F) in December to 29.3°C (84.7°F) in February, while the low averages range from 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 22.4°C (72.3°F). Despite the high rainfall level, this season records the most sunlight hours, with 13.7 hours in December and 13 hours in February.
Autumn Weather in Fraser Island
Fraser Island's autumn season (
March to
May) is known for its decreasing temperatures and rainfall. March records the highest number of rainy days in the year, with 16.4 days, and the rainfall decreases from 157mm (6.18") in March to 118mm (4.65") in May. Daytime temperatures fall from 28.5°C (83.3°F) to 24.1°C (75.4°F) while evening temperatures dip from 21.7°C (71.1°F) to 17.4°C (63.3°F).
Winter Weather in Fraser Island
Winter, from
June to
August, brings the coolest weather to
Fraser Island, with the lowest temperatures of the year. Average high temperature drops to 21.1°C (70°F) in
July, while average low dives to 14.3°C (57.7°F) in the same month. Rainfall in winter decreases, with July being the driest month, experiencing under just 90mm (3.54") over 11.5 days. The shortest daylight, 10.6 hours, occurs in June but eventually extends to 11.3 hours by August, and the UV index reaches the lowest point of the year with a value of 4 in June.
Weather in January
Weather in February
Through
February, Islanders can expect similar temperature patterns, inching slightly lower leading to the cooler months. From 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 22.4°C (72.3°F), these temperatures remain quite consistent with
January. Despite the heat, UV exposure becomes a concern with an index of 12 indicating extreme sun radiation.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In expectation of changing seasons,
March temperatures range from highs of 28.5°C (83.3°F) to lows of 21.7°C (71.1°F). This period records marginally less rainfall, totaling 157mm (6.18"). With an average of 16.4 rainfall days, expect a slight dip in daily sunshine hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April continues the downward temperature trend with 26.8°C (80.2°F) high to 19.9°C (67.8°F) low. Reduced rainfall can be expected, with total precipitation amounting to 121mm (4.76"). Daylight hours decrease to 11.5 hours making evenings lengthier.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May transitions the Island to winter, recording temperatures from 24.1°C (75.4°F) to 17.4°C (63.3°F). Rainfall totals decrease further, resulting in drier conditions over
Fraser Island. With as many as 15.2 rainfall days, this period affords locals and visitors the chance to explore the Island's flora and fauna.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June clocks in lower temperatures, marking a peak winter period from 21.7°C (71.1°F) to 15.2°C (59.4°F). This month also records 109mm (4.29") of rainfall fairly spread over 12.3 days. As the shortest day lengths are experienced, the sun shines for as long as seven hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July marks the mid-winter point with temperatures barely going beyond 21.1°C (70°F), dropping to 14.3°C (57.7°F) at night. The month records the year's minimum rainfall, hitting a low of 90mm (3.54"). Daylight hours experience a slight upswing, rising to 10.7 hours, marking the gradual return of longer days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August introduces spring with average temperatures from 22.3°C (72.1°F) to 15°C (59°F). A considerable decline in rainfall days to 9.6 per month and a decrease in total rainfall to 63mm (2.48") illustrate warmer conditions. As daylight hours increase to 11.3, inhabitants spend more time outdoors.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September applauds the arrival of spring with temperatures rising from 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 16.9°C (62.4°F). Island experiences the year’s minimum rainfall days, descending to 7.7 per month. With increasing daylight hours up to 11.9, routines adjust to suit these changes.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October experiences an uptick in temperature with day highs of 26.1°C (79°F) and lows of 18.7°C (65.7°F). Even with higher temperatures, sea temperatures climb modestly to 23°C (73.4°F). There is a slight increase in rainfall, though not significantly disruptive to outdoor activities.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November welcomes summer with average temperatures between 27.7°C (81.9°F) to 20.3°C (68.5°F). Sunshine hours remain consistent at 9 hours per day, indicating longer sunny periods. Despite this, rainfall increases slightly, swelling the monthly total to 71mm (2.8").
Weather in November » Weather in December
December ushers in peak summer with recorded highs of 28.9°C (84°F) and lows of 21.6°C (70.9°F). Rainfall totals 99mm (3.9") spread over 10.3 days, a noticeable increment compared to
November's. As daylight period extends to 13.7 hours, nights begin to shorten.
Weather in December »