What to expect in Great Barrier Reef in November
November is a mixed month in Great Barrier Reef. You get 30° / 23°, but manageable crowds at the big attractions. Worth it for the right traveller.
Great Barrier Reef weather in November
Typical conditions in Great Barrier Reef during November, based on long-run climate normals rather than any single year. Treat it as a planning guide, not a forecast.
| Average high | 30°C 86°F |
|---|---|
| Average low | 23°C 73°F |
| Rainfall | Moderate 40/100 |
| Total rainfall | 108 mm4.3 in |
| Rainy days | 12 |
| Sea temperature | 27°C 81°F |
| Daylight | 12 h 54 min |
| How it feels | Hot — midday shade matters |
Rainfall figures are for Cairns.
Average highs sit around 30°C with lows near 23°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.
Crowds & demand
Crowd levels are Moderate for Great Barrier Reef — manageable crowds at the big attractions.
Prices & value
This month counts as shoulder season: prices close to the yearly average.
What to pack
Lightweight, breathable clothes, strong sun protection and a refillable bottle — highs near 30°C make midday heat the main constraint.
What it costs
Costs in November sit around the yearly average for Great Barrier Reef — neither a bargain nor a squeeze. Booking a few weeks out is usually enough. Compared with the most expensive month of the year, you are looking at roughly 36% less.
Who this month suits
- Anyone travelling on a budget
- People who would rather have space than perfect conditions
- Visitors who want to catch a festival
Events & what’s on
Look out for Coral Spawning, Marine Stinger Season while you’re there.
- Coral Spawning — Reef corals release synchronized clouds of eggs and sperm on warm summer nights.
- Marine Stinger Season — Box jellyfish and Irukandji risk closes unprotected beaches to swimmers each wet season.
Great Barrier Reef in November compared with nearby months
If your dates are flexible by a few weeks, this is what shifting them actually buys you.
| Month | Temp | Crowds | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 27° / 19° | High | $$ | 56 |
| October | 29° / 21° | Moderate | $$ | 60 |
| November · This month | 30° / 23° | Moderate | $$ | 62 |
| December | 31° / 24° | Moderate | $$ | 48 |
| January | 31° / 24° | Moderate | $$ | 55 |
These months score higher for Great Barrier Reef on the same blend of weather, crowds and price. Same destination, better odds.
Or go somewhere else in November
If the destination is negotiable but the month is not, these places are at their best in November.
Figures are climate normals and modelled estimates — a planning guide, not a forecast. We separate fact, estimate and recommendation. Updated October 2026
