Port Douglas Australia Climate & Weather

Port Douglas experiences hot and humid summers, and pleasantly cool winters. Visitors from parts of the world that are located further away from the equator than Port Douglas are often surprised at the lack of seasons. The difference between summer and winter is very slight, and there is often no way to tell if spring and autumn are current.

The average maximum and minimum daily temperatures for each month are recorded here. Data was first recorded in 1884 at the Port Douglas Post Office, and has continued to this day.

Sea temperatures fluctuate between 23.2 degrees in winter to 28.7 degrees in summer.

(Climate data provided by the Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology.)

The changes of seasons, although very slight, follow this manner:

Summer (Wet Season): December - February
These months experience the highest rainfall, and can also be accompanied by thunderstorms and the occasional tropical cyclone. More information on cyclone threats to the area is found below. The average daytime temperature during summer is 31°C. However, actual temperatures that you experience may be much higher due to the high humidity levels.

Autumn: March - May
Autumn in Port Douglas is the time to cool off and recover from the hot wet season. The difference between autumn and summer is so slight; it is barely worth a mention. The only real difference is the lower rainfall. The average daytime temperature is 30°C.

Winter: June - 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 for Port Douglas, it remains hotter than many places around the world in summer. The average daytime temperature is 26°C, and humidity levels are low. This is the most popular time of year for visitors to the region.

Spring: September - November
The spring months in Port Douglas are very similar to the autumn months. Locals start preparing themselves for the ensuing wet season as each day becomes steadily hotter and hotter. This is still a great time to take in all the attractions the far north has to offer however, and it is wise to make use of the cooler daytime temperatures before they get too oppressive. The average daytime temperature is 30°C.