If you want to enjoy Townsville at its best, timing really does matter. This coastal city in northern Queensland stays warm year-round, but the mix of sunshine and rain definitely shifts with the seasons.
Most people find Townsville most comfortable during the dry months from May to October, when days are sunny, humidity drops, and rain isn’t much of a worry.
You’ll usually see temperatures between 26°C and 30°C during this stretch. That’s perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, hiking up Castle Hill, or just relaxing on Magnetic Island.
Outside those months, the wet season brings more humidity, heavy rain, and the occasional tropical storm. That kind of weather can throw a wrench in your outdoor plans.
If you know how the climate changes each month, you can plan your trip for the weather that suits you best. Maybe you want long sunny days by the water, or cooler mornings for hiking, or maybe you’re after the buzz of local events—whatever your vibe, understanding the seasons will help you make the most of Townsville.
Overview of Townsville’s Climate
Townsville sits up in northern Queensland with a warm, tropical climate shaped by its coastal spot. You’ll notice a clear split between wet and dry seasons, and temperatures rarely get chilly.
Tropical Savanna Climate Explained
Townsville has a tropical savanna climate, so two big seasons really set the tone. From December to March, the wet season rolls in with heavy rain, high humidity, and plenty of thunderstorms.
February usually tops the charts as the wettest month, often getting more than 300 mm of rainfall.
The dry season stretches from April to November. Skies turn clearer, humidity drops, and rain barely shows up.
Average daytime highs range from 25°C in July to 32°C in January. Nights get cooler in winter, but you won’t need to pack a parka.
Humidity spikes in summer, making it feel hotter than the thermometer says. The cooler months? Way more comfortable, with fewer muggy days and lower dew points.
Most of the year, you can count on a lot of sunshine. October averages about 10 hours of sun per day.
This rhythm really helps you plan outdoor activities. The weather stays most reliable between May and September. The wet months can be a bit unpredictable with sudden downpours or storms.
Impact of Queensland Location on Weather
Townsville sits on Queensland’s northeast coast, looking out at the Coral Sea. Its spot gives it a little protection from the worst tropical cyclones compared to other coastal towns, but storms can still show up from December to April.
The city sits in a rain shadow thanks to nearby mountain ranges. That geography keeps annual rainfall lower than in other tropical areas of Queensland, so Townsville gets known as one of the drier coastal cities.
The sea stays warm all year, averaging 23°C in winter and getting up to about 29°C in summer. So, you can swim pretty much whenever you want.
From October to May, though, marine stingers like box jellyfish move in, and you’ll want to wear a protective suit.
Winds usually come in from the east, keeping things breezy, especially in the months between seasons. All these factors combine to give Townsville a tropical climate that’s a bit more manageable than some other places nearby.
Seasonal Weather Patterns in Townsville
Townsville’s weather really flips between two main periods, and those shifts shape your whole travel experience. One period brings long stretches of sunshine with barely any rain. The other means heavier showers, more humidity, and the chance of tropical storms.
Dry Season: May to October
During the dry season, you get clear skies, hardly any rain, and humidity that’s easy to handle. Rainfall averages just 10 to 25 mm per month. Sometimes you’ll only see one rainy day in a whole month.
That makes it great for outdoor adventures, whether you’re hiking Castle Hill or heading out to Magnetic Island.
Temperatures usually run from 14–28°C, with July standing out as the coolest month. Nights can feel mild in June and July, but the days stay warm and pleasant.
Humidity drops to about 65–70%, so the air feels a lot less sticky than in summer. Sunshine is plentiful, with 8–10 hours per day—plenty of daylight for sightseeing.
The sea stays warm enough for swimming, between 23–25°C. Cyclones rarely threaten during these months, so it’s the safest time for coastal fun.
Wet Season: November to April
During the wet season, you’ll face more rain, higher humidity, and hotter temperatures. Rainfall peaks in January and February, with monthly averages of 250–340 mm over 10–12 days.
You’ll see short, intense downpours, and sometimes flooding happens.
Daytime highs often hit 31–33°C, with humidity up at 70–76%. Nights stay warm, rarely dropping under 22°C.
That mix of heat and humidity can feel pretty intense if you aren’t used to the tropics.
The sea warms up to 28–29°C—great for swimming, but marine stingers are around from November to May, so stinger nets or protective suits are a must.
This season also brings the tropical cyclone risk, mainly from December to March. Not every year gets a cyclone, but it’s something you should keep in mind when planning.
Monthly Breakdown: Temperatures and Rainfall
Townsville’s tropical climate means warm or hot weather all year, with a clear split between wet and dry seasons. Every month feels warm, but rainfall patterns really change from summer to winter.
Average Temperature by Month
Daytime temperatures in Townsville range from about 25°C (77°F) in the coolest months to 31°C (88°F) in the hottest months.
June and July are the mildest, with highs near 25°C and lows around 13–14°C. If you like less humidity, these months are a sweet spot.
From November through March, things heat up. Highs average around 31°C, and nights stay warm at 23–24°C. Humidity goes up too, making it feel even warmer.
Spring and autumn—April, May, September, and October—fall somewhere in between. Highs usually hit 27–29°C, with evenings cooling down to 17–21°C.
These months offer a nice balance for outdoor activities.
| Month | Avg High °C | Avg Low °C |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | 31 | 23–24 |
| Apr–May | 27–29 | 18–20 |
| Jun–Jul | 25 | 13–14 |
| Aug–Sep | 26–28 | 15–17 |
| Oct–Nov | 29–31 | 21–23 |
| Dec | 31 | 24 |
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Rainfall in Townsville follows a strong seasonal cycle. The wet season runs from December to March, when monthly totals often go over 200–270 mm.
January is usually the wettest month, with heavy showers and storms. Rain usually comes in short bursts, not all day.
From April through October, rainfall drops off sharply. In June, July, and August, precipitation is really low—often less than 30 mm per month.
These dry months bring lots of sunshine and clear skies, so you can count on outdoor plans.
By October and November, a bit of rain returns, but totals stay modest compared to summer. You’ll get 4–5 rainy days each month, with about 30–60 mm of rain.
That’s a sign the wet season is coming back.
| Month | Avg Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | 200–270 | 10–12 |
| Apr–May | 40–90 | 3–5 |
| Jun–Aug | 20–30 | 1–2 |
| Sep–Oct | 28–60 | 3–4 |
| Nov–Dec | 60–140 | 5–8 |
Best Months for Outdoor Activities
The dry season from May to October brings the most reliable weather for outdoor plans. Clear skies, mild humidity, and steady sea conditions make this period the best bet for water activities or exploring nature.
Swimming and Beach Conditions
If you’re planning to swim or relax on Townsville’s beaches, May through October is the safest and most comfortable time. Rainfall is low, skies are clear, and the sea stays calm.
That means fewer strong currents and more predictable swimming.
Sea temperatures usually sit between 22°C and 26°C (72°F–79°F). That’s warm enough for swimming, snorkeling, or paddleboarding without a wetsuit.
The wet season, by contrast, often brings rough seas, higher stinger risks, and sometimes beach closures.
Popular spots like The Strand and Magnetic Island draw more visitors in the dry season, but the good conditions make it worthwhile.
You’ll see lifeguard patrols, marked swimming areas, and more reliable ferry schedules to the islands.
Wildlife and Nature Experiences
For wildlife and nature, the dry season is hard to beat. Lower humidity makes hiking Castle Hill or Paluma Range National Park a lot more comfortable.
Trails aren’t muddy, and you get better visibility for spotting native animals.
Birdwatching also gets better in these months, since migratory birds return and lower water levels bring wildlife closer to rivers and lagoons.
Kangaroos, wallabies, and reptiles are more active in the cooler mornings and evenings.
If you want to see waterfalls or rainforests at their lushest, late in the wet season can be stunning. Just know trails might be slippery.
May to October offers a good balance of accessibility and safety, so you can explore both coast and inland areas without too much hassle.
Humidity and Wind: What to Expect
Townsville’s tropical climate means you’ll notice both seasonal humidity changes and steady trade winds. Humidity peaks in the wet season, while wind speeds stay moderate but can feel stronger near the coast.
Monthly Humidity Levels
Humidity in Townsville swings a lot between wet and dry seasons. From December to March, the air feels muggy most days, with relative humidity often at 74–77%.
January and February are the stickiest, and you’ll feel it almost every day.
During the cooler months—June to August—humidity drops to about 69–70%. These months feel a lot more comfortable, with only a few muggy days.
September and October see humidity climb again, but it’s not as intense as summer.
The dew point tells you a lot about comfort. In the wet season, it sits around 22–23°C, so the air feels heavy and moist.
In the dry months, the dew point drops to 13–16°C, which is much drier.
| Month | Avg Relative Humidity | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 74% | Very Humid |
| Jul | 70% | Comfortable |
| Oct | 68% | Moderate |
If you like drier air, aim for a visit between June and August. If humidity doesn’t bother you, the warmer months might work, but expect more sticky days.
Typical Wind Speeds Throughout the Year
Townsville gets steady winds all year, mostly coming from the east. Average wind speeds are about 16–17 km/h (10–11 mph).
That’s enough for a light breeze, but not enough to ruin your plans.
The windiest months are usually March to May, with speeds at the higher end of that range. April tends to be the peak for wind.
These breezes help take the edge off the humidity as the wet season ends.
The calmest months are typically July and August, with speeds closer to 16 km/h. Even then, you’ll feel a steady airflow, especially near the water.
Wind direction stays pretty stable, so you can count on predictable patterns whether you’re at the beach or further inland.
This makes outdoor planning easier, since sudden strong gusts are rare unless a tropical storm comes through.
For most travelers, Townsville’s wind is mild and easy to handle. You’ll notice it most when paired with high humidity or during storm season, but it rarely gets in the way.
Tourist Seasons and Local Events
Townsville’s tourism really follows the tropical climate, with clear differences between the dry and wet seasons. Visitor numbers also climb during cultural festivals and community events that celebrate the city’s lifestyle and traditions.
Peak and Off-Peak Visitor Periods
The peak season hits from June to August. The weather usually stays dry, mild, and honestly, pretty comfortable.
Daytime temperatures hover in the mid-20s °C, which feels just right for wandering The Strand or catching the ferry to Magnetic Island. You’ll probably notice accommodation prices shoot up, and yeah, the attractions get crowded.
The shoulder months—April, May, September, and October—give you a nice sweet spot. The weather’s still good, but the crowds thin out.
Rainfall stays low, and the humidity doesn’t get too annoying, so if you’re hoping to dodge peak-season prices, these months work well.
The off-peak season lands between November and April, lining up with the wet season. You can expect heavy rain and sticky humidity, and sometimes, tropical storms roll through.
On the bright side, hotels drop their rates and the beaches feel way quieter. If saving money matters most and you don’t mind a little rain, this time could work out for you.
Major Festivals and Annual Events
Townsville throws a bunch of events that really show off its culture and laid-back coastal vibe. The Townsville Cultural Festival mixes food, music, and performances from all sorts of communities, so you’ll see both locals and visitors getting involved.
When winter rolls around, the Townsville Running Festival pops up and runners from all over Australia come to take part in the cooler weather. Around the same time, the Northern Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) kicks off with live acts, art exhibitions, and plenty of outdoor shows.
If you’re into maritime traditions, check out the Magnetic Island Race Week in late winter. Sailboats race along the coast, and the whole thing feels pretty festive. Markets, concerts, and community gatherings usually happen alongside these events, so you can get a real taste of local life that’s way more interesting than your standard tourist stops.