Winter in Townsville feels mild and comfortable, a real contrast to the chilly winters folks experience in other parts of the world. Most days, you’ll see temperatures around 24–25°C, with nights cooling off to about 15–16°C. It’s honestly one of the best times to get outside. You don’t need to worry about icy mornings or bundling up in heavy coats here.
As winter rolls on, the skies usually clear up even more. Rain becomes rare, and overcast days are less common, so you’ll get plenty of bright, dry weather. The air feels less humid than in summer, which really makes walking along the coast or through the city much nicer.
If you’re into coastal activities, the sea stays surprisingly warm, usually around 23–24°C. Gentle breezes from the east keep things fresh, but you won’t find strong winds ruining your plans. With daylight hours stretching out as spring approaches, you get extra time to soak up the sun.
Overview of Townsville’s Winter Climate
Townsville’s winters stay mild and dry compared to a lot of places in Australia. You’ll notice cooler nights, lower rain totals, and loads of sunshine, which makes it easy to get outdoors.
Geographical Location and Climate Zone
Townsville sits on Queensland’s northeast coast, facing the Coral Sea. Because it’s in the tropics, it has a tropical savanna climate (Aw) on the Köppen map. That means you get clear wet and dry seasons, not the typical four seasons.
In winter, the dry season takes over. Daytime highs usually reach about 26 °C (79 °F), and nights can dip to 14–15 °C (57–59 °F). Rain is scarce, often less than 20 mm per month in June and July.
Humidity drops off compared to summer, so the air feels a lot more comfortable. Winds blow steadily from the southeast, which keeps things pleasant. This mix of mild temps, low rain, and steady sunshine really defines winter in Townsville.
Comparison to Other Australian Cities
When you stack Townsville up against southern cities like Sydney or Melbourne, the difference is obvious. Down south, winter days are cooler—highs often hit 14–18 °C—and nights sometimes dip below 10 °C. Rain shows up more often, too.
Brisbane, further south but still in Queensland, has a warmer winter than Sydney or Melbourne, but it’s still not as warm as Townsville. Brisbane’s winter highs average around 21–23 °C, a few degrees cooler than Townsville.
Darwin, up in the Northern Territory, also has a tropical climate, but its winter nights rarely fall below 20 °C. Townsville’s can drop to the mid-teens, so you get cooler, less humid nights that make it easier to sleep.
Seasonal Patterns and Notable Features
You’ll barely see any rain in Townsville’s winter. From June through August, the total usually stays under 60 mm. That’s a huge difference from the wet season, when a single month can dump more than 300 mm.
Most days are sunny, with clear skies overhead. Lower humidity means fewer clouds, so the weather feels bright and stable. Winds are moderate, averaging 15–20 km/h, and that adds to the comfort when you’re outside.
Temperatures stay pretty steady, too. Unlike the south, where cold fronts can suddenly drop the temperature, winter in Townsville changes gradually. This makes it easy to plan hikes, beach days, or trips to Magnetic Island without worrying about the weather turning on you.
Average Winter Temperatures in Townsville
Townsville’s winter is all about mild, steady temperatures—warm days and cooler nights. The numbers don’t swing much, but you might notice a few cooler evenings, especially early in the season.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
Most winter days, the temperature lands between 23°C and 26°C (73°F–79°F). It’s warm enough to enjoy being outside, but not uncomfortably hot. Sunshine is the norm, and the sky is usually clear.
At night, things cool off to around 13°C to 16°C (55°F–61°F). That’s not exactly cold, but you might want a light sweater or jacket, especially near the coast or in open spaces.
The shift from day to night can feel pretty noticeable. Warm afternoons often give way to crisp evenings, which is just how the dry season goes up here.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Winter runs from June to August. June tends to be a bit cooler, with days averaging 24°C (75°F) and nights near 14°C (57°F).
July is usually the coolest month. Daytime highs drop to about 23°C (73°F), and nights can fall closer to 13°C (55°F). If you’re up early, July mornings can feel the chilliest.
By August, things warm up again. Days climb back toward 25°C (77°F), and nights hover around 15°C (59°F). This gentle warming hints that spring isn’t far off.
Since these averages don’t change much, packing for winter is easy. Heavy layers aren’t necessary—light, comfortable clothes are usually enough.
Temperature Extremes and Records
Extreme cold almost never happens here. Even on the coldest winter nights, temperatures rarely fall below 10°C (50°F). You won’t see frost in Townsville thanks to its tropical setting.
Sometimes, a warm spell pushes daytime highs above 28°C (82°F), especially in late August. These hot days don’t last long, but they do show up every once in a while.
Climate records show winter temperatures have held steady for decades. Townsville’s tropical savanna climate keeps winters mild, so you can count on predictable weather.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Townsville’s tropical climate means a sharp divide between wet and dry seasons. Most rain falls in the summer, while winter brings much less and fewer rainy days.
Average Rainfall by Month
In winter (June to August), you’ll see very little rain. Monthly totals usually stay below 30 mm, and July is often the driest.
Compare that to the wettest months—January and February—when 200–270 mm can fall. That’s a huge difference, and it really shows how dry winter is compared to the heavy summer downpours.
Here’s a quick look at rain by month:
| Month | Avg Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| January | ~274 mm |
| February | ~244 mm |
| July | ~20 mm |
| September | ~14 mm |
So, if you visit in winter, expect dry days and maybe just a light shower now and then.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Winter barely brings any rainy days. From June to August, you might get 2 to 4 days with measurable rain each month. Showers are usually short and don’t mess up your plans.
February, on the other hand, averages about 12 rainy days. September is the driest, with just 3 rainy days or so.
Planning outdoor activities in winter is pretty easy. Most days are clear, and if it does rain, it’s rarely for long.
Precipitation Variability
Rain in Townsville doesn’t spread out evenly over the year. Instead, it follows a strong seasonal rhythm. Annual rainfall averages about 937 mm, but over half of that can fall in just a few months.
Winter barely adds to the yearly total. The jump from February’s heavy rain to September’s dry spell really shows how much the climate shifts.
That’s classic tropical savanna—big wet season, dry winter. It’s worth remembering if you’re planning a trip or any outdoor events.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Townsville’s winter stays more humid than you might expect, especially if you’re used to drier southern cities. Even when it cools down, you’ll notice the air still has some moisture, which changes how the temperature feels.
Average Humidity During Winter
From June to August, relative humidity usually sits between 64% and 68%. July tends to be the least humid month, averaging around 64%, but that’s still on the higher side.
Mornings feel a bit more humid than afternoons. Cooler overnight air holds onto moisture, but as the day warms up, things dry out a little.
Daytime temperatures reach about 23–26°C (73–79°F), and with humidity in the mid-60% range, the air feels warm but not sticky. Nights cool to 13–16°C (55–61°F), and while the humidity lingers, it’s less noticeable when it’s cooler.
So, you don’t get that dry winter air like down south. Instead, the air feels mild and a bit moist, which a lot of people actually prefer for outdoor activities.
Impact on Perceived Temperature
Humidity definitely changes how you feel the temperature in Townsville’s winter. Daytime highs near 26°C might feel a little warmer because of the moisture in the air. It’s not as intense as summer, but you’ll notice it if you’re active.
Evenings have a softer, milder feel thanks to the mix of cool air and humidity. You probably won’t need heavy clothing, since the dampness keeps the air from feeling dry or sharp.
So, light clothing works for most people. If you’re sensitive to humidity, you might feel a bit sticky after a long walk, but the moderate temps help balance things out.
The air rarely drops below 60% humidity, which keeps your skin and breathing comfortable. Winter in Townsville is a season where you enjoy both warmth and moisture, but without the extremes of summer.
Wind Conditions in Winter
Winter winds in Townsville are steady and pretty predictable. You’ll notice moderate breezes that shape how the weather feels, with both speed and direction influenced by bigger climate systems.
Typical Wind Speed and Direction
In winter, you’ll usually get average wind speeds between 10 and 15 km/h. These breezes are noticeable, especially near the coast or in open spaces. Sometimes gusts get stronger, but they rarely cause any problems.
Most of the time, winds come from the southeast trade winds. This steady flow brings dry air, so you get cooler evenings and more comfortable days compared to the muggy summer months.
If you’re out near the shoreline, the southeast breeze feels stronger. Head inland, and it drops off a bit. For sailing or kiteboarding, winter brings reliable winds, but not the wild gusts you see in storm season.
Influence on Weather Patterns
The southeast trade winds really shape Townsville’s winter weather. They bring dry air, which keeps rain away and skies clear. You get more sunshine and lower humidity because of this.
These steady winds also help keep temperatures in check. Daytime highs stay mild since the breeze stops heat from building, and nights feel cooler thanks to the airflow.
For anyone visiting, this means fewer weather surprises. Outdoor events, beach days, and coastal tours all benefit from the predictable wind. Boating and marine activities are safer, too, so winter is a great time to get outside.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Weather
Townsville’s coastal conditions stay mild in winter. The sea remains warm enough for water activities, and local weather patterns don’t shift much. The ocean feels a bit cooler than in summer, but it’s still pretty comfortable compared to most other places.
Average Sea Temperature
In winter, the average sea temperature in Townsville sits between 22°C and 24°C (72°F–75°F). That’s noticeably cooler than the hottest summer days, when water sometimes reaches 29°C (84°F).
The Coral Sea keeps its temperatures pretty steady, so you won’t run into any shocking cold snaps. Even in July, the coldest month, the water rarely dips below 21°C (70°F).
Here’s a quick winter reference:
| Month | Average Sea Temp (°C) | Average Sea Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 23°C | 73°F |
| July | 22°C | 72°F |
| August | 23°C | 73°F |
Most swimmers find these temperatures inviting, though folks who love truly tropical water might feel a bit of a chill.
Swimming and Coastal Activities
You can swim comfortably in Townsville during winter. The ocean stays warm enough for long swims.
Locals and visitors often keep snorkeling, diving, and paddling without wetsuits, though a few people grab light thermal gear in July.
The cooler air temperatures—usually 15°C to 25°C (59°F–77°F)—make coastal activities feel much more pleasant than in muggy summer.
Winds pick up a bit, which means sailing and windsurfing conditions improve.
Winter usually brings clearer skies and not much rain, so visibility for reef adventures gets a boost.
If you like quieter beaches and fewer crowds, this season could be your favorite for coastal fun.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Townsville gets fewer daylight hours in winter than in summer, but honestly, the city still enjoys a lot of sunshine compared to most places.
You can expect mostly clear skies and plenty of bright days, so outdoor plans rarely get interrupted.
Average Daily Sunshine
Winter brings 7 to 9 hours of sunshine per day. June averages about 8 hours, July bumps up to 8 hours 48 minutes, and August hits around 9 hours 11 minutes.
Most daylight hours are sunny. There are fewer cloudy spells than in the wet season.
In July, about 80% of the day is sunny, and August goes up to 81%. Even in June, with shorter days, about 74% of daylight is clear.
So, winter ends up as one of the brightest times of year in Townsville.
You can usually count on consistent sunshine for hiking, beach trips, or city exploring.
Length of Days and Twilight
Winter days in Townsville are shorter than summer, but you still get plenty of daylight. In June, the average day lasts about 10 hours 58 minutes. July stretches to 11 hours 4 minutes. August gives you 11 hours 28 minutes.
The gap between the shortest and longest winter days is pretty small, so daylight stays steady all season.
Twilight doesn’t last long, so night falls quickly compared to places farther from the equator.
Sunrise and sunset times don’t shift much, so you can plan your day without surprises.
Expect early sunsets, but the daylight is usually bright and clear—perfect for outdoor plans.
Weather Monitoring and Data Sources
Long-term monitoring sites and standardized methods provide Townsville’s winter climate records. These sources track temperature, rainfall, humidity, and cloud cover, so you can get a pretty accurate sense of the season.
Major Weather Stations in Townsville
The Townsville Aero weather station, right by the airport, handles most official climate records. It’s been running for decades, so the data is solid for long-term averages.
This station tracks daily highs, lows, rainfall, and wind—basically everything you’d want to know about winter trends.
Other stations, like Townsville Amo and some smaller regional sites, add extra details. These spots pick up on differences across the city and nearby areas, since coastal and inland weather can change a bit.
Multiple stations give you a bigger picture of winter weather. For example, the coastal station records sea breezes and humidity, while inland ones catch drier and slightly cooler readings.
When you look at data from all these places, you start to see how microclimates shape winter in different parts of Townsville. This helps travelers, residents, and planners make smarter choices based on what’s really happening locally.
How Winter Weather Data Is Collected
In Townsville, weather stations rely on standardized instruments to get reliable results. Thermometers track both maximum and minimum temperatures.
Rain gauges collect daily precipitation. Wind vanes and anemometers measure wind speed and direction.
Automated sensors keep tabs on humidity and pressure. Staff log the data constantly and send it to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), which keeps national climate records.
They only include sites with at least 10 years of data in official averages. That way, the stats you see actually reflect long-term patterns, not just a fluke year.
Staff also check winter data for consistency. If a station upgrades equipment or moves, they make adjustments to keep the records accurate.
This approach lets you trust the averages when you’re planning activities or comparing seasons.
Townsville’s system mixes automated readings with human oversight. That’s how the winter climate data stays both precise and dependable, even if the weather itself can be unpredictable.