The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef structure and marine park in the world.
This article will go through the pros and cons of each time of year and help you decide when you should visit the reef. Together with a team of co-authors, he assessed coral communities and their colony size along the length of the Great Barrier Reef between 1995 and 2017, with the results showing a depletion of populations. Stingers generally inhabit river mouths and shallow waters, meaning the risk is much lower out on the Great Barrier Reef; however, most tour operators will have full-body stinger suits available to ensure your safety. [/img_text_aside]eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'scubadivingearth_com-leader-2','ezslot_5',119,'0','0'])); [img_text_aside style=”2″ image=”https://www.scubadivingearth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/What-can-I-expect-to-see-on-the-Great-Barrier-Reef-in-December-200×300.png” image_alignment=”left” headline=”December%3A%20What%20to%20expect%20on%20the%20Great%20Barrier%20Reef” alignment=”left”]December is the hottest month and the start of the wet season on the Great Barrier Reef.

Please also share your photos. "A vibrant coral population has millions of small, baby corals, as well as many large ones-- the big mamas who produce most of the larvae," said Andy Dietzel, a doctoral student at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, in a statement.

The Great Barrier Reef is so special because of its size, it covers an area the size of Germany. link to Can you scuba dive with a broken bone? Although there can be visitors at the reef year-round, the seasons and weather does change quite a bit throughout the year. It’s one of the cheapest times to fly to Australia too. However, Saltwater Crocodiles (Salties) live in the waters and along the coastline of Queensland, in the Mangrove and salt marshes. It’s so large that it is visible from space (As per the the image). Good time to see Manta Rays. In August, the humpback whale migration begins to pass through the reef and will continue until September. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Water Temp: 32°C (90°F); Air Temp: 27°C (81°F) Exposure suit: Thin wetsuit; Weather: Warm and more humid, increased rainfall; Sea state: Calm; Visibility: Good; Cyclone: Possible. Because of the great water conditions, crowds are at their highest and accommodation prices are of course at their highest as well. Dwarf minke whales can be spotted on the reef during June and July, and manta rays also make an appearance. Peak tourist season is July, but some might consider water temps just a little cool then so either end of winter, such as May or September mught be a better bet. But not only that, it’s the shear number of corals, fish and other underwater species that congregate there too. You may consider switching to a thin wetsuit as the water temperature has dropped to 26C (79F).
The tropical weather of the region can have a big impact on the experience of travelers visiting the reef, from the water temperature to the chance to see the humpback whale migration. After the SE trade winds have abated but before the wet sets in. The dry season at the Great Barrier Reef occurs during winter. A tip is to look out for nudibranchs, which are colourful creatures and great to see.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'scubadivingearth_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',115,'0','0'])); Water Temp: 26C (79F); Air Temp: 27C (81F); Exposure suit: Thin wetsuit; Weather: Hot, humid with minimal rainfall; Sea state: Calm; Visibility: Mixed; Cyclone: Possible. November is also regarded as one of the better times to go before the start of the wet season. It is a hub for tourism in the region, with most visitors using it as a base to explore the rainforest and the reef. Still humid and a continuation of stinger season. Rain does not generally affect divers, unless you encounter a cyclone-level downpour. Australia are very lucky to have this fabulous scuba diver’s paradise on their doorstep. This is especially true as the air temperature is not much better at this time of the year either. It looks like the Australian Government is no different to the rest.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'scubadivingearth_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_4',121,'0','0'])); Perhaps it would be a good decision for you to go sooner rather than later, as it maybe that in a few years to come this amazing abundance of life may not be around to see. If this article hasn’t answered all of your questions.