Fitzroy Island Weather

Fitzroy Island has an average winter temperature of 26° and a summer temperature of 31°.

The tropical waters of the Australian north-east coast, so the temperatures will range from 24-35 degrees Celsius (75-88 F) in summer and remain close to that for most of the year. Ocean breezes help to offset the warmer temperatures and provide a cooling effect. The sheltered waters also help to regulate temperatures.

The winter months of July and August are peak tourist seasons, as the temperatures range from a minimum of 18 to a maximum of 26, which still makes for ideal tropical weather.

The tropical location means there is not so much a four-season year as two: wet and dry. The dry season, from May through October, features lower humidity and temperatures. The wet season that coincides with the summer months features higher humidity and spectacular tropical rainfall, bringing tropical colours to life.

The stunning weather is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and enjoying the outdoors.

Fitzroy Island weather by season

Summer (December – February)

The summertime average temperature ranges from 23.6°C to 31.4°C (74.5- 88.5°F). The wet season begins around December, and most of the region’s annual rainfall (around 2000mm or 78.7 inches) occurs in summer.

Autumn (March-May)

With temperatures averaging between 21.5°C and 29°C (70.7 – 84.2°F) on Fitzroy Island, it remains incredibly humid and warm during the day and the night in Autumn. After April, there is less rain, but it can still be stormy until August. Even in October, the dominant south-easterlies are present.

Winter (June – August)

It turns into the busiest travel season since the temperatures are a little kinder and the humidity is slightly lower. Low rainfall and temperatures between 17.5°C and 26°C (63.5 and 78.8°F) are typical.

Spring (September – November)

As the region’s dry season ends and humidity levels start to climb in the lead-up to the wet season beginning in December, average temperatures in the area vary from 20.5°C to 29°C (68.9 – 84.2°F). In November, as the Reef awakens, the climatic shifts signal the beginning of the annual coral spawning.

Sunrise and sunset

The most extended daylight hours in Fitzroy Island region are in December, with sunrise at approximately 5:40 am and sunset at 6:45 pm. June has the least daylight hours: sunrise is at approximately 6:45 am, and sunset is at 5:50 pm.

Swimming temperature

The average sea temperature in summer at Fitzroy Island’s beaches ranges from 28.9°C to 29.4°C (84 – 84.9°F) and falls slightly in winter to between 23.8°C and 24.5°C (74.8 – 76.1°F).

Stinger season

It is sensible and advisable to wear stinger suits in the beach waters on Fitzroy Island, as box jellyfish and Irukandji (the smallest of the box jellyfish family) can be deadly. Stinger season, or jellyfish season, is generally between November and May. The beaches are also lined with monitored stinger nets to keep out the jellyfish and make waters safer for swimmers. The risk of marine stingers is low on the Great Barrier Reef, but it is better to be over-cautious, and stinger suits are available on tour boats.

Ultraviolet (UV) Index

Visitors should check the UV index in local weather reports when visiting Fitzroy Island and Far North Queensland. The index describes the daily solar UV radiation intensity. Protection from sunburn by wearing sun-smart clothing, including a hat and sunglasses, and using SPF30+ sunscreen (widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets). Bug repellent is recommended for midges, mosquitos and sand flies, mainly when fishing in the inlet or from onshore. Wariness for the waters inhabited by crocodiles (observe the signs).

No Daylight saving time

Queensland does not observe daylight savings, so the time zone on Fitzroy Island is Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), UTC +10.