Undoubtedly, chartering a yacht makes for an incredible, fun, and personalised holiday adventure at any time of the year. But to make the absolute most of your experience here in the Whitsundays, there are certain seasons or months which may be better for meeting your holiday needs.
Yacht Charters in Stinger Season
In the tropical waters of the northern Queensland coast, the months of October through May (mid-spring until late autumn) play host to what is known as ‘stinger season.’ During this period, the waters may contain the infamous box jellyfish and the Irukandji, both of which can deliver a painful and/or potentially fatal sting. Though jellyfish fatalities are highly uncommon in the Whitsunday Islands, it is always recommended to take the proper precautions. During the stinger season, swimmers and snorkelers should always wear protective stinger suits, which prevent jellyfish tentacles from accessing the covered skin. Additionally, you should always pay attention to any posted signs in an area, noting if swimming is prohibited or if there are other warnings.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t visit the Whitsundays in stinger season. 8 million tourists visit the islands annually, throughout the entirety of the year. If you are happy to wear a stinger suit when swimming, or if water sports aren’t your cup of tea, there are countless other activities to be enjoyed on your Whitsunday yacht charter. Fishing, sunbathing, shopping, dining, bushwalking, and simply relaxing on your deck can all be had by visitors to the region during the stinger season.
What about Weather?
When choosing a holiday destination, weather is perhaps the most significant consideration for many travellers. Summer, typically the ideal season for a trip may not be the best choice for the Whitsundays. In the Australian north, Queensland experiences tropical weather, which includes very hot, wet summers. You can expect quite high temperatures in December, January, and February, and unfortunately, this is also a wet time of year when there is a possibility of cyclones.
The winter months of June, July, and August offer visitors comfortable temperatures, but the water can be chilly. Most tourism experts cite September (early spring) as the ideal time of year to visit the Whitsundays. September provides sunny days and the least expected rainfall, with temperatures around a maximum of 26°C. Humidity is low this time of year, and the water is generally perfect for swimming and snorkelling. (Divers may want to consider wearing a wetsuit at greater depths.) Boating enthusiasts suggest the spring is a wonderful time to be enjoying a bareboat yacht charter. The tides in the spring result in beautiful full moon nights and clear skies, wonderful to enjoy from the deck of your vessel. In addition to the weather considerations, the beginning of September typically does not coincide with any school holidays, meaning there are less crowds on these glorious islands.
The Whitsundays: Amazing Year Round
While holidaymakers may try to select the perfect time of year to travel, this is not always possible. Scheduling and other considerations can alter your holiday plans greatly. However, it should be noted that the Whitsunday Islands are an incredible destination any time of the year that you choose to visit. Whenever you come to the Whitsundays, you’ll experience turquoise waters, amazing tropical wildlife, and some of the most famous white sand beaches the world over.
For more information on booking your unforgettable Whitsunday yacht charter, contact us today at Queensland Yacht Charters.
