Is Airlie Beach Cold In Winter?
No, Airlie Beach is not cold at all during winter. The Whitsunday winter season starts in June and lasts through August, when temperatures comfortably sit between 24C to 25C. Temperatures can sometimes dip in the evenings and early mornings, so we suggest you bring a light sweater to keep yourself warm as you sail in style around the white-sand islands of a tropical paradise like Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays.
Airlie Beach winter weather
Located between the Northern Tropic and the Southern Tropic, the winter season in Airlie Beach never gets too cold to stop you from indulging in the wonderful sailing adventures that the Whitsundays are famous for. Expect comfortable, warm temperatures without the intense humidity that descends during the summer months.
Because Airlie Beach is perfectly positioned in the same tropical latitude as places like Mauritius and Hawaii, there’s plenty of sunshine for you to take in as you treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind island experience like no other!
Airlie Beach winter temperatures
Usually sitting between 20C to 25C, temperatures in Airlie Beach promise a warm, tropical winter! This makes for idyllic conditions for sailing and water activities. Not only that, but the winter months align with the dry season in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays. With very little to no chance of rainfall, winter is the best time to book your tour whether you want to go sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving or bushwalking.
Water temperature in Airlie Beach during winter
The ocean is still warm to swim in at 21C to 23C across the winter period, so the season shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a refreshing dip in the ocean! In fact, winter is the perfect time to dive into the Whitsunday waters, because stinger season has officially subsided. That means you can submerge yourself in the pristine blue Coral Sea for a swim or a snorkel without risking a sting.
Most tours will still provide all the gear you need, like stinger suits or wet suits to keep you warm and maintain your peace of mind. Whether you prefer rubbing shoulders with the Great Eight of the Great Barrier Reef, feasting your eyes on vibrant marine corals, or simply lazing around under the sun on an inflatable floater, your friendly crew will take care of you!
Things to do in Airlie Beach in winter
Winter is the perfect time to discover the Great Barrier Reef and spot humpback whales as they migrate to Australia. Meanwhile on land, there are plenty of things to do in Airlie Beach like attend the Great Barrier Festival, Airlie Beach Race Week, and embark on tours that offer family-friendly activities!
Explore the Whitsundays as a family!
Winter Whitsunday tours
Take a day tour to Whitehaven Beach
Perhaps the most famous attraction in the Whitsundays is the award-winning Whitehaven Beach. Found on Whitsunday Island and only accessible by boat or helicopter, Whitehaven is a picture-perfect destination and a natural wonder. The beach is best known for its powdery white silica sand and pristine turquoise waters, as well as the magnificent Hill Inlet Lookout.
Day tours to Whitehaven Beach typically also designate time to snorkelling the beautiful fringing reef. Experience the best of the land and sea in one action-packed, sun-soaked winter day!
Scuba dive and snorkel the reef
Airlie Beach is also known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Depending on how much time you have to spend in this tropical corner of Queensland, you can either explore the inner fringing reef, or the outer Great Barrier Reef. Both boast absolutely spectacular diving and snorkelling sites.
During the winter season, the underwater visibility is especially clear, sometimes reaching up to 20+ metres! Expect to see colourful, kaleidoscopic coral and rub shoulders with beautiful local marine life - including the Great Barrier Reef 'Great 8'.
Backpacker sailing trips
Winter is a great time of year to book a social overnight sailing trip. As it's a less busy time of year, it's a lot easier to secure a spot on the most popular backpacker boats - and maybe even land a last-minute deal! Snorkel, swim, and splash about with new friends in the turquoise Whitsunday waters - with no stinger suit required in the winter months! -, explore more islands, beaches, and coves, and sit out under the stars. Sounds like a dream!
Family-friendly overnight tours
Winter school holidays deliver the perfect opportunity to take the family out on an overnight sailing tour. Treat your loved ones to the beach holiday of a lifetime, complete with a fun, attentive crew, delicious catering, and a spacious, comfortable boat to kick-back and relax on. Whether you're keen to explore the underwater world, sunbake on the sand or try out fun water toys, there's something for everyone on an overnight sailing adventure.
Private charters
Booking a private charter boat is a treat at any time of year, but during the winter months it's particularly special. That's because winter is whale season in the Whitsundays. If you're keen to see majestic humpback whales and their calves as they migrate up the east coast of Australia, let your charter skipper know and they'll customise your tour itinerary to make it happen!
