Christmas in Townsville means warm, tropical weather that really shapes your outdoor plans. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 30°C (86°F), with plenty of humidity and a decent chance of summer storms.
This mix of heat and rain sets the vibe for the season and influences how you enjoy the holidays.
Late December falls right in the wet season, so you’ll see showers and thunderstorms pretty often. The sea stays warm for swimming, usually around 28°C (82°F), so you can still hit the coast even if it rains.
Sunshine and storms trade off all day, which gives Townsville a holiday atmosphere that feels worlds away from colder climates.
If you know the average weather, planning becomes a lot easier. Maybe you’ll schedule outdoor get-togethers earlier, pack lighter clothes, or just be ready for sudden downpours.
With the right mindset, you can really enjoy Townsville’s tropical Christmas.
Overview of Townsville’s Climate
Townsville sits on Queensland’s northeast coast and has a tropical savanna climate. Most of the year is warm to hot, but rain mostly falls during a distinct wet season.
Tropical Climate Characteristics
Townsville lies in a tropical savanna zone (Aw classification). That means you’ll notice two clear seasons: a wet summer and a dry winter.
Unlike some northern Queensland coastal cities, Townsville doesn’t get as much rain, averaging about 1,100 mm a year.
Humidity peaks during the wet months, often topping 70%. When the dry season rolls in, humidity drops and the skies clear up.
Sunshine is a constant here, with Townsville enjoying over 300 sunny days per year.
Temperatures don’t swing much. The annual average sits at about 25°C (77°F), with winter highs around 25°C and summer highs up to 31°C.
Nights stay mild, rarely dipping below 13°C. This steady climate makes planning a breeze compared to places with wild seasonal changes.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
From November to April, Townsville’s wet season brings heavy rain, high humidity, and the occasional tropical storm. January and February get the most rain, each with over 250 mm on average.
These months also bring the highest temps, with daily highs near 31°C (88°F).
The dry season runs from May to October. Rain nearly disappears, skies stay clear, and humidity drops.
Temperatures are still warm but more comfortable, with highs between 25–28°C and nights cooling to 14–18°C.
Winds shift too. In summer, moist onshore breezes blow in, while winter brings drier southeasterly trade winds.
This seasonal rhythm shapes outdoor activities and the best times to visit.
Typical December and Christmas Weather
December in Townsville is hot during the day, warm at night, and features a mix of sunshine and rain. Humidity runs high, and the sea stays perfect for swimming.
Average Temperature During Christmas
Daytime temperatures in December usually hit 31–33°C (87–91°F), and some days push closer to 35°C (95°F). Nights stay warm, averaging 24–25°C (75–77°F), so you won’t need heavy clothes after dark.
Count on consistently hot weather. Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen will keep you comfortable.
The sun is intense, so sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must if you’re outside around midday.
Water temperatures sit around 27°C (81°F), making the ocean inviting for swimming, snorkeling, and more.
Unlike cooler places, evenings don’t really cool off, so outdoor events stay pleasant late into the night.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
December marks the start of Townsville’s wet season. Rainfall averages about 90–100 mm for the month, spread over 7–9 rainy days.
Showers usually come in short, heavy bursts instead of all-day rain.
You might wake up to sunny skies and then get a quick storm in the afternoon. These storms can dump a lot of rain fast, sometimes with gusty winds.
The daily chance of rain sits around 25–30%, so bringing a light rain jacket or umbrella is smart.
Outdoor plans rarely get canceled for a whole day, but you should be ready for occasional interruptions.
Humidity Levels in December
Humidity jumps in December, averaging 70–75%. This makes the air feel even warmer, especially midday.
Even light activity can leave you sweaty. Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade or inside with air conditioning.
At night, humidity stays high, so the air can feel heavy even when temps drop a bit.
Most places have air conditioning or ceiling fans, which definitely help with the sticky air.
Temperature Details for Late December
Late December in Townsville stays hot and humid, with only small differences from day to night.
Average highs reach the upper 80s to low 90s °F (about 30–34 °C). Lows usually hover in the mid-70s °F (around 23–25 °C).
The heat and humidity together can make it feel even warmer than the numbers suggest.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During the day, average highs sit at 87–92 °F (30–34 °C). Afternoons often feel sticky, especially if humidity climbs above 80%.
Sunshine is frequent, but cloud cover increases later in the month, which can make things feel more oppressive.
At night, temperatures don’t drop much. Average lows stay between 72–77 °F (22–25 °C).
Even after sunset, the air stays muggy, so evenings feel warm and heavy. You won’t need layers, but air conditioning or fans are often necessary.
The small gap between day and night—usually about 7 °F (4 °C)—means you get steady warmth all day and night.
This kind of consistency is typical for tropical coastal spots.
Temperature Extremes and Records
Averages give you a good idea, but Townsville does get some variation. On the hottest days, temperatures can hit 95 °F (35 °C), though that’s not the norm.
Cooler nights rarely fall below 70 °F (21 °C), even when the weather gets unsettled.
December isn’t the absolute hottest month, but it’s one of the most humid. January usually claims the heat record, but late December already brings near-peak summer warmth.
Record highs for December have reached the mid- to upper-90s °F (35–36 °C). Record lows are still pretty warm, generally staying in the upper 60s °F (around 20 °C).
These numbers just reinforce how consistently hot the season stays.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
December lands squarely in Townsville’s wet season, so you’ll notice higher rainfall and more frequent showers than other times of year.
The climate here really swings between dry winter months and the wetter summer stretch that includes Christmas.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in December averages about 130–140 mm. That’s a lot more than dry season months like July or August, which often see less than 20 mm.
This jump comes from the monsoon influence that kicks in for northern Queensland around this time.
Rain usually comes in bursts, not steady drizzle. Heavy afternoon or evening showers are common, often tied to tropical humidity.
Not every day gets rain, but December ranks as one of the wetter months of the year.
For some context, Townsville’s annual rainfall is about 1,030 mm, so December alone makes up more than 10% of that.
That’s a big deal for water storage and the local environment.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| July | ~15 mm |
| September | ~10 mm |
| December | ~135 mm |
| January | ~200 mm |
Rainy Days Frequency
In December, you’ll see about 9–11 days with measurable rain. That’s higher than the yearly monthly average of around 7 days.
This uptick marks the seasonal shift into the wet period.
Rainy days don’t usually mean it pours all day. Showers tend to come in short, intense bursts.
These can cause quick flooding in low areas, but they usually pass in a few hours.
Compared to the dry season, when maybe only 1–2 days are rainy, the difference stands out.
Around Christmas, you’ll need to plan for more interruptions to outdoor fun, but the rain also brings cooler evenings and greener scenery.
Most showers fall later in the day, so mornings are often clear.
That timing helps if you want to head out before the rain shows up.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Around Christmas, humidity and wind both affect how the weather feels in Townsville.
The air often feels moist, and breezes from the coast help take the edge off the heat, though sometimes they just stir things up.
Typical Humidity Levels
December sits right at the start of the wet season, so humidity rises compared to cooler months.
Average relative humidity usually settles in the mid-70% range now.
You’ll notice the air feels heavy, especially in the mornings and evenings when it’s a bit cooler.
During the day, sea breezes can make humidity less overwhelming. But afternoon and evening storms are common, and they can push the humidity right back up.
If you’re not used to tropical climates, outdoor activities can feel more draining.
If you’re sensitive to high humidity, get outside earlier in the day.
Indoor spots with air conditioning offer a break when the moisture peaks. Drinking plenty of water helps you adjust to the damp air too.
Average Wind Speed in December
Winds in December are usually moderate, coming from the east or southeast. Average speeds run about 15 to 25 km/h (9–15 mph).
These breezes offer some relief from the heat and humidity, especially near the coast.
Storms can bring stronger gusts, which are more common this time of year. They’re not constant, but these bursts can cool things down for a bit.
If you’re planning to be on the water, keep in mind winds can shift fast with storms.
For most activities on land, winds are steady enough to be comfortable and don’t usually cause problems.
Sea Temperature and Swimming Conditions
Around Christmas, the sea in Townsville feels warm and welcoming for long swims.
Conditions stay steady, with water temperatures barely changing, which is great whether you’re just splashing around or planning longer swims.
Average Sea Temperature at Christmas
In late December, the sea temperature in Townsville averages about 83°F (28°C).
Water typically ranges from 81°F (27°C) at the coolest to 86°F (30°C) at the warmest.
This reliable warmth comes from the tropical climate and Townsville’s spot near the Coral Sea.
Unlike southern Australia, where summer water can still feel chilly, Townsville’s ocean stays consistently toasty.
With high humidity and air temps around 79–86°F (26–30°C), the sea often feels close to body temperature.
Jumping in is easy, with no shock from cold water.
These conditions make Townsville one of Queensland’s best bets for warm-water swimming during the holidays.
Swimming and Water Activities
With sea temperatures sitting in the low to mid-80s, you can swim for ages without getting chilled. The water’s honestly inviting, whether it’s early morning or late evening.
These warm conditions make snorkeling and paddleboarding feel like a breeze. Floating or moving slowly doesn’t leave you shivering—if anything, you’ll want to linger longer.
Still, this season comes with more rainfall and higher humidity, which sometimes messes with water clarity. Marine stingers also turn up more often in northern Queensland waters during summer, so you’ll want to keep an eye out.
Wearing stinger suits or other protective swim gear just makes sense here.
For most folks, swimming in the warm sea at Christmas ends up being a highlight of their Townsville trip.
Other Weather Considerations for Christmas
Expect long daylight hours, sticky humidity, and a higher chance of storms around Christmas. These things can throw a wrench in outdoor plans and make travel a bit less comfortable.
Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
In December, Townsville gets about 13 hours of daylight. The sun pops up early, around 5:30 AM, and disappears close to 6:45 PM.
You’ll have loads of time for outdoor stuff, but wow, the midday sun really packs a punch.
Clouds hang around a lot during the wet season. Skies are partly cloudy to overcast more than half the time.
January usually wins the title for cloudiest month, but December already feels noticeably cloudier than the dry season.
If you’re after clearer skies, mornings usually deliver before clouds start rolling in for the afternoon.
High humidity can make the air feel heavy, even when the sun’s out.
Wearing light clothes, slathering on sunscreen, and finding shade now and then will help you enjoy the daylight without feeling miserable.
Cyclone and Storm Risk
December lands right in northern Australia’s tropical cyclone season, which runs from November through April. Not every year brings a cyclone, but let’s be honest, the risk is real enough that you’ll want to keep an eye on the forecast if you’re heading to Townsville.
Storm activity really ramps up during these months. Expect short but heavy downpours, usually in the afternoon or evening.
These storms might hit with strong winds, lightning, and sometimes localized flooding. It’s not unusual for the weather to turn wild pretty quickly.
December also brings some of the highest rainfall totals of the year, with averages over 3 inches. Roads and outdoor spots can get slippery or waterlogged after a storm, so watch your step.
If you’re traveling, check local weather updates every day. Most accommodations and tour operators offer advice on safety during severe weather, so it’s smart to listen to their tips.