What Is The Best Month To Visit The Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s most extensive coral reef system.

Stretching over 2,300 kilometres along the coast of Queensland, the reef features hundreds of islands, almost 3,000 individual reefs, and countless marine life to spot.

Lucky for you, there are a few months that are ideal for visiting the Great Barrier Reef! The best time to visit is between May and October when the water temperature is perfect, and visibility is clear due to minimal rainfall. However, this is also peak season, so you can expect more people. Despite the crowds, the experience is well worth it.

If you decide to visit during the off peak season, the reef is still a fantastic destination and is less crowded. Regardless of when you visit, there are plenty of activities to enjoy!

Things to do at the Great Barrier Reef

Whether you join during the best time or throughout the rest of the year, here are some of the things you can do to explore the reef.

• Snorkelling
  

  

  Dive underwater and discover a whole new world while snorkelling. Even if you’ve never tried it before, snorkelling is an excellent activity for first-time visitors to the Great Barrier Reef.

• Diving
  

  

  Diving is a fantastic way to explore the reef! You can choose between scuba diving and helmet diving. Scuba diving allows you to go deeper and explore more of the reef, offering a chance to swim alongside marine life. Helmet diving, on the other hand, doesn’t require you to be a great swimmer, as you essentially walk along the reef’s seabed.

• Glass bottom boat
  

  

  If you have a young family or prefer not to get into the water, the glass bottom boat is a great option. This allows you to see the range of marine life and coral reefs below the water’s surface without snorkelling or diving.

Don’t forget to book a tour to explore the reef! Whether you opt for snorkelling or diving, you’ll receive the necessary equipment and instructions on how to use it.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward began with a passion for travel and turned it into a thriving tourism business. He co-founded Sightseeing Tours Australia after starting out as a tour guide in Melbourne. Cameron delights in helping visitors get the most from their trip to Australia. Whether he's leading tours or writing about his favourite places, Cameron loves sharing his local insight with fellow travellers.