Newell Beach in tropical Far North Queensland (FNQ) enjoys two main climates – the dry and warm season and the wet and warm season. The dry season occurs approximately from May through to the end of October and the wet season commences around November through to April. Temperatures in the dry season range around 25-27oC during the sun filled days with cooler evenings. During the wet season temperatures range closer to 30-33oC with higher humidity during the day and warmer nights.
The wet season is stinger season in FNQ and beaches are generally closed for swimming. The Four Mile Beach tourist beach in Port Douglas and the main beach at Ellis Beach (south of Port Douglas between Port Douglas and Cairns) have netted enclosures for swimming during the wet season. Swimming in pools is safer during this period.
The Kuku Yalanji people (the indigenous original people of the rainforest) claim that there are actually 5 seasons:
| Kamba |
Proper wet time |
December – March |
| Kabakabada |
Under water time |
April – May |
| Buluriji |
Cold time |
June – September |
| Wungariji |
Hot time |
October – November |
| Jarramali |
Storm time |
November – mid December |
Generally it is still safe to visit the Outer Reef to snorkel or dive as stingers breed in the river systems and when water temperatures rise and winds turn northerly, they then move out of the rivers into the sea and tend to stay closer to shore. Most tour operators encourage visitors to the outer reef to wear stinger suits to further minimise risk.
|
