Summer in Townsville means warm, humid days shaping daily life and travel plans. Daytime highs typically hover around 87°F (30°C), and nights stay mild, rarely dropping below the low 70s.
The season feels steady, with only small changes from month to month. That consistency makes it easy to plan activities with the weather in mind.
But summer here isn’t just about the heat. It’s the mix of sunshine, humidity, and tropical rain that really defines it.
Afternoon storms often roll in, dropping heavy rain for a short while before the sun returns. Those bursts cool things down and help keep the region lush and green.
If you know what to expect, you can make the most of Townsville’s summer. Whether you’re after outdoor adventures, exploring the coastline, or just curious about how the climate shapes local life, these patterns give you a good sense of what summer really feels like in this part of Queensland.
Typical Summer Temperatures in Townsville
Summer in Townsville is hot and humid, with steady warmth both day and night. You’ll notice a narrow temperature range compared to cooler places, with high daytime readings and nights that don’t cool off much.
Average Daily Highs and Lows
During summer, daytime highs usually land between 30°C and 32°C (86°F to 90°F). Nights cool down a bit but remain warm, averaging 23°C to 25°C (73°F to 77°F).
High humidity and the city’s coastal spot keep nights from dropping much. The sea moderates extremes, so you don’t get those chilly nights you might find inland.
Heat builds through the day, and humidity often makes it feel hotter than the numbers say. If you’re outdoors, the mix of heat and moisture is strongest in January and February, when the wet season really peaks.
Temperature Variations Across Summer Months
Summer in Townsville stretches from December to February, but each month brings its own slight twist.
- December: Highs average around 31°C (88°F), and nights sit near 24°C (75°F). Rain starts to pick up, but humidity isn’t at its worst yet.
- January: This is usually the hottest and wettest month, with highs often reaching 32°C (90°F). Nights stay close to 25°C (77°F).
- February: Still hot, with heavy rainfall. Average highs hover near 31°C (88°F), and nights stick around 24°C (75°F).
The differences aren’t huge, but January’s combo of temperature and humidity can feel a bit more uncomfortable than December or February.
Comparison With Cairns
Cairns sits about 350 km north of Townsville and shares a tropical climate, but there are some differences.
In Cairns, average highs range from 31°C to 33°C (88°F to 91°F), pretty close to Townsville. Cairns gets more humid and sees heavier rainfall, especially in January.
Nights in Cairns also stay warm, usually around 24°C to 25°C (75°F to 77°F). The main thing you’ll notice is Cairns feels more humid and wetter, while Townsville, though still hot and sticky, often gets a bit less rain during summer.
For travelers, Townsville might offer more clear days, while Cairns boasts a greener landscape thanks to its heavier rains.
Rainfall Patterns and Humidity During Summer
Townsville’s summer brings high rainfall, sticky humidity, and sometimes severe storms. You should expect wetter conditions than any other time of year, with heavy downpours mostly hitting in the afternoons and evenings.
Average Rainfall and Wet Season
Summer lines up with the wet season, usually running from December through March. Rainfall peaks in January, often topping 250–270 mm. February isn’t far behind, usually getting more than 250 mm too.
Unlike the dry winter months, summer rain comes in short, intense bursts. These storms can dump a lot of water fast. On average, you’ll see 10–12 rainy days per month during this stretch.
The wet season keeps the region’s ecosystems thriving, but it can mess with travel plans. Roads sometimes flood, and outdoor plans may get interrupted. If you’re visiting, it’s smart to keep your schedule flexible for sudden weather changes.
Humidity Levels and Comfort
Humidity spikes during summer, making the air feel hotter than the thermometer says. Daytime highs often reach 31–32°C, with humidity usually above 65–70%, so it can feel pretty steamy.
At night, temperatures rarely drop below 23–24°C, so don’t expect much relief after sunset. Most homes and hotels rely on ceiling fans or air conditioning to stay comfortable.
If you’re outside, stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade or inside. The muggy air can be challenging, especially during longer stays.
Extreme Weather Events
Townsville’s summer sometimes brings extreme weather. Tropical lows and cyclones can form in the Coral Sea, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and even coastal flooding. Not every season sees a cyclone, but Townsville sits in the cyclone belt.
Severe thunderstorms also pop up, bringing intense lightning, flash flooding, and strong gusts. These storms often build quickly in the afternoon heat.
Local authorities and emergency services send out warnings and updates, so keep an eye on the forecast if you’re visiting. Staying prepared helps you adjust plans safely when wild weather hits.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Townsville gets plenty of sunshine in summer, with long days and strong midday sun. Most days are bright, but cloud cover does increase during the wettest months.
Sunniest Months in Summer
Townsville averages about 3,029 hours of sunshine per year, or roughly 8 hours of sun daily. In summer, December and January bring slightly fewer sunshine hours than spring, but it’s still bright out.
December sees about 8 hours 23 minutes of sunshine each day, while January drops to about 7 hours 11 minutes. February is the cloudiest month, with about 7 hours 6 minutes of sun per day.
Even with less sun in January and February, daylight hours stay long, and skies often clear up between showers. Expect more humidity and clouds in these months than in spring, when the skies are usually clearer.
Length of Daylight
Daylight in Townsville doesn’t change much, but it does shift a little over the summer. The longest days come in December, with about 13 hours 15 minutes of daylight. By February, it drops to around 12 hours 45 minutes.
The shortest summer day still lasts over 12 hours, so you’ve got plenty of time for outdoor activities. On average, daylight runs about 12 to 13 hours per day during the season.
At solar noon, the sun climbs high in the sky, reaching 85–87° above the horizon in December and January. That steep angle means sunlight feels especially strong around midday, and there’s not much natural shade.
UV Index and Sun Protection
Townsville’s UV index is very high to extreme all summer. Midday levels often go over 11 on the UV scale, so unprotected skin can burn in less than 15 minutes.
You should use several forms of sun protection. Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-rated sunglasses are all must-haves. Lightweight, long-sleeved clothes can help too.
Try to plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, when the sun isn’t as harsh. Even on cloudy days, UV radiation stays strong in Townsville, so don’t skip protection.
Summer Weather Impacts on Outdoor Activities
High temperatures and high humidity really shape how you spend time outside in Townsville. Rain and clouds also play a part, especially if you’re planning coastal or water activities.
Swimming and Water Sports
With daytime highs often at 30–32°C (86–90°F) and humidity above 70%, swimming is one of the best ways to cool off. Beaches like The Strand are popular, but keep in mind that marine stingers, including box jellyfish, show up from November to May.
To stay safe, swim only in netted enclosures or wear a stinger suit. Lifeguards patrol the main beaches, and signs usually mark safe areas. If you want freshwater, try the swimming holes and waterfalls in the Paluma Range—they’re cooler and have fewer hazards.
Water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are best in the mornings, when winds are lighter and storms are less likely. Since afternoon thunderstorms can pop up quickly, it’s smart to finish early. Always check the local weather before heading out.
Exploring the Great Barrier Reef
Townsville acts as a major gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, with boat trips leaving regularly. Summer seas stay warm, averaging 27–29°C (81–84°F), so snorkeling and diving are comfortable, and you probably won’t need a wetsuit. Clear days mean great visibility, but rain or storms can cloud the water.
Boat operators watch the weather closely during the wet season. Trips might be rescheduled if a cyclone or strong winds move in. Book with licensed operators who offer safety briefings and stinger protection, and try to keep your plans flexible.
Reef tours often include Magnetic Island as a closer option, with coral reefs, hiking, and sheltered bays. Summer can be unpredictable, but mornings usually bring calmer seas, giving you the best shot at exploring before afternoon storms arrive.
Climate Change and Recent Weather Extremes
Townsville’s tropical climate has always meant hot summers, but now you can see clear shifts. Rising temperatures, more intense weather, and local efforts to adapt all affect how you’ll experience summer here.
Trends in Summer Temperatures
Summer temperatures in Townsville stay high, with daily maximums often above 30°C (86°F). Over the past few decades, climate records show average summer highs creeping up. Nights are also warming, so there’s less relief from the heat.
This warming trend ties closely to global climate change. As greenhouse gases trap more heat, tropical spots like North Queensland feel the effects even more. For locals and travelers, this means longer stretches of hot, humid days and fewer cool breaks.
One thing that stands out—the number of days above 35°C (95°F) keeps climbing. What used to be rare now happens more often. This impacts outdoor activities, energy use, and even when people choose to visit.
Increased Frequency of Extreme Events
Townsville has always dealt with wild weather, but climate change is making it more frequent and intense. Floods, like the major one in 2019, show how heavy summer rains can overwhelm local infrastructure. These usually follow tropical lows or cyclones that dump rain for days.
Heatwaves are a growing concern too. Long stretches of extreme heat now happen more often, raising health risks for vulnerable people. High humidity and high temperatures make heat stress more likely, especially for outdoor workers and visitors.
Bushfires aren’t as common as in southern Australia, but hotter and drier conditions during some summers can still bring increased fire warnings, even near the coast.
Local Sustainability Initiatives
Townsville is tackling these climate pressures with a bunch of sustainability projects. Local councils push for water-sensitive urban design to handle heavy rain and cut flood risks. They’re improving drainage and adding more green infrastructure.
Renewable energy is another focus. Solar power now helps meet local electricity needs, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Many homes and businesses have rooftop solar to cut costs and emissions.
Community programs encourage people to adapt their homes for hotter summers. These include energy-efficient cooling, better insulation, and more shaded outdoor spaces. For visitors, these efforts help Townsville stay resilient and welcoming, even when the weather’s challenging.
Regional Climate Context
Townsville’s weather really shows off its tropical setting, but it’s not quite the same as what you’d get in other coastal cities nearby. You’ll probably notice shifts in rainfall, temperature, and humidity, and these can definitely shape daily life or even mess with your travel plans.
How Townsville Differs From Other North Queensland Cities
Townsville sits in a tropical savanna climate. Cairns, on the other hand, sits right in the middle of a tropical rainforest zone. So, Cairns gets heavier and more regular rainfall, especially in summer, while Townsville usually stays drier.
For example:
| City | Avg Annual Rainfall | Climate Type | Summer Daytime Highs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Townsville | ~914 mm (36 in) | Tropical savanna (Aw) | 31–32°C (88–90°F) |
| Cairns | ~2000 mm (79 in) | Tropical rainforest | 30–31°C (86–88°F) |
Townsville actually gets more sunshine hours than Cairns, which is nice if you like blue skies. Sure, you’ll see cloud cover in summer, but it doesn’t hang around as much as it does up north.
Humidity in Townsville stays a bit lower, so the heat feels a little less intense. Cairns, though, can feel pretty stifling thanks to all that extra moisture in the air.
Seasonal Travel Considerations
If you’re thinking about visiting in summer, keep in mind that wet season conditions can really shape your experience. January usually brings the most rain, sometimes more than 400 mm in just that month.
Afternoon storms pop up pretty often. Sometimes, low-lying areas get brief floods that can catch you off guard.
Many travelers actually pick Townsville this time of year since it doesn’t get as many heavy rain days as Cairns. Roads and outdoor spots usually stay open, which is a relief if you’re hoping to get around.
You’ll still run into hot, sticky days. Nights hover around 23°C (73°F), so it doesn’t cool off much.
Most hotels have air conditioning, but honestly, you’ll want to stay on top of your water intake. It’s easy to forget when you’re out exploring.
If you’re planning outdoor adventures, mornings feel a lot nicer. By midday, the heat and humidity can feel relentless, so it’s smarter to get hikes or sightseeing done early.
Want to head out to the reef? Townsville departures usually deal with fewer weather cancellations than Cairns during the wettest months. That’s a nice bonus, right?