The climate of Port Douglas
Heating up northern Queensland,
Australia,
Port Douglas exhibits an Am type climate, as defined by the Köppen climate classification, often placing it under the umbrella of a tropical monsoon climate. Dominating the weather patterns, high humidity and persistent heat define the yearly climate experience for residents and tourists alike.
Throughout the 12-month cycle, temperatures reach their zenith in the balmy period from
January to
February, witnessing highs of 29.4°C (84.9°F). The chillier season arrives in
July, displaying a lower limit of 18.8°C (65.8°F). Mirroring this trend, the lowest sea temperature recorded is 23.7°C (74.7°F) in July while the highest becomes visible in January with 29.5°C (85.1°F). Overall, the temperature of the sea remains consistently inviting year-round, in line with the warm general climate experienced on land.
Notably, the relative humidity varies slightly from 74% to 80% annually. A consistent visibility of 10km (6.2mi) is maintained throughout the year, making sure that the beauty of Port Douglas is never out of sight. Prevailing winds fluctuate in speed from a steady 11.2km/h (7mph) in February to a brisk 16.7km/h (10.4mph) in
May, with gustier conditions peaking in May at 23.8km/h (14.8mph). Reflective of the monsoon, rainfall is heaviest in January with 155mm (6.1") falling over an average of 19.8 days.
The best time to visit Port Douglas
Evaluating the climate data reveals that
October through
December mark the prime months for visiting
Port Douglas. During this time, high temperatures range from 26.7°C (80.1°F) to 29.2°C (84.6°F) and low temperatures from 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F) providing a warm and pleasant weather. Sunshine hours are at their peak with 10.6 hours to 10.7 hours of daylight. This period of the year also has the lowest rainfall, ranging from 18mm (0.71") to 77mm (3.03"), fostering a dry and comfortable environment.
The worst time to visit Port Douglas
From the data gathered,
January and
February emerge as the least desirable months for a visit. Accompanied by rainfall of 155mm (6.1") and 107mm (4.21") respectively over multiple days, the period is marked by a relative scarcity of sunny days. High temperatures also peak, reaching 29.2°C (84.6°F) to 29.4°C (84.9°F), contributing to an uncomfortable, humid atmosphere.
Spring weather in Port Douglas
Typifying spring months from
September to
November, temperatures remain warm with high temperatures reaching from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 28.2°C (82.8°F) and lows dropping from 20°C (68°F) to 22.6°C (72.7°F). Making for clear skies, cloud percentage lingers between 30-34%. Setting the scene for longer days, daylight hours lengthen from 12 hours to 12.9 hours.
Summer weather in Port Douglas
Proceeding into
Port Douglas' summer from
December through
February, temperatures spans from 26.9°C (80.4°F) to 29.4°C (84.9°F) for highs, and lows of 22.7°C (72.9°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F). Regardless of the increased temperatures, daylight reduces from 13.1 hours to 12.2 hours and rainfall increases significantly to 155mm (6.1") in
January.
Autumn weather in Port Douglas
Granting a respite from the summer's heat,
March to
May is characterized by temperatures ranging high from 26.9°C (80.4°F) to 24.9°C (76.8°F) and low from 22.7°C (72.9°F) to 19.6°C (67.3°F). Showcasing renewed vigor, winds rise from 13.2km/h (8.2mph) to 16.7km/h (10.4mph), exerting a cooling effect. By May, rainfall decreases to 19mm (0.75"), declaring autumn as the turning point towards the drier part of the year.
Winter weather in Port Douglas
The winter months from
June to
August display lower temperatures with highs of 23.2°C (73.8°F) to 24°C (75.2°F) and lows from 18.7°C (65.7°F) to 18.8°C (65.8°F). Sea temperatures drop from 24°C (75.2°F) to 24.5°C (76.1°F) which compliments rather than combats the cooler air temperatures. Significantly less rainfall is observed during this period, reaching its annual low with just 11mm (0.43") in August, yielding a largely dry and comfortably cool period.
Weather in January
January features warm and humid conditions in
Port Douglas,
Australia. A high average sea temperature of 29.5°C (85.1°F) compliments the beach atmosphere. Still, the month is not devoid of rainfall, it being the second wettest month of the year.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February shadows
January, offering similar weather characteristics in
Port Douglas. The heat intensity slightly decreases with every passing day, creating an agreeable climate for outdoor activities. The average rainfall of 107mm (4.21") makes it one of the rainier months, much like its predecessor.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March brings a slight dip in temperature, resulting in a more pleasant climate in
Port Douglas. With an average rainfall of 102mm (4.02"), it marks the end of the rainy season in this coastal city. This transition month offers relatively cooler nights.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April denotes a significant change in the weather pattern of
Port Douglas. Precipitation drops to 45mm (1.77") from 102mm (4.02") in
March, leading to drier conditions. The warmth persists, but it becomes more bearable, marking the onset of the tourist-friendly season.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Weather in
May characterizes the beginning of winter in
Port Douglas. Despite this, temperature fluctuations between day and night stay within a comfortable range. The coastal town receives the least rainfall of the year during May, only 29mm (1.14"), making it the driest month.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June continues the trend of pleasant weather in
Port Douglas, with winter fully establishing itself. The noticeably cooler nights offset the warm daytime temperatures. With just 19mm (0.75") rainfall, the dry spell persists, promoting several outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Port Douglas reveals a further dip in temperature, and it becomes the city's coldest month. Reduced rainfall to an average of 13mm (0.51") coupled with lower humidity offers clear skies. The wind shows no signs of slowness, assisting in maintaining the cool vibe.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August marks the transition from winter to spring in
Port Douglas. While maintaining low precipitation of just 11mm (0.43"), this month also sees an increase in temperature. The additional daylight hours contribute to keeping the evenings warmer.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Port Douglas offers the perfect springtime weather. With an average rainfall of just 6mm (0.24"), it is the second driest month. Lengthening sunshine hours combined with increasing temperature signals the arrival of warmer days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings further warmth to
Port Douglas. However, the increased temperatures remain within comfortable ranges. This month sees a slight increase in rainfall to 18mm (0.71"), indicating the nearing of the wet season. The wind holds steady, adding to the overall coastal ambience.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November indications point toward the forthcoming summer season in
Port Douglas. The average rainfall measures 23mm (0.91"), which lean toward the higher side when compared to its immediate predecessor,
October. Despite the heat amplification, sea and wind conditions remain favorable for water activities.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, the beginning of summer, is characterized by increasing temperatures and humidity in
Port Douglas. Rainfall sees a sharp rise to 77mm (3.03"), marking the arrival of the wet season. Although the city witnesses longer daylight hours, the increased cloud cover balances the heat.
Weather in December »