tracyh

I really want to see the Great Barrier Reef during my upcoming trip to Australia in January. However, I've read that the weather is hot and sticky and that there's stinging jellyfish to contend with.

Is it still worthwhile to go to? Is the weather truly uncomfortable?

dave_261

We're visiting the GBR in January for a few days.
We're actually staying in the Port Douglas/Mossman area for a few days, which I've read are pretty hot and humid. People have posted that the reef area gets some breeze, so is more comfortable.
Also, the jellyfish apparently are a problem by the shore (where many beaches have netted areas), but not an issue out by the reef.

tracyh

Thanks. I'm hoping it won't be too unbearable at the coast, since we'd probably only be on the reef for a few hours. I can take some heat and humidity, but I'm worried that my husband will be extremely uncomfortable.

MollyJones

be sure to accommodation with AC and a pool and you'll be fine.

pat_woolford

No-one's 100% sure that harmful jellyfish are not on reef, very rare, but it has happened, so be guided by crew as to the need to wear a "stinger" suit. Its a good idea anyway, saves you slathering yourself with sun protection cream (the sun is fierce if you get a day with no cloud cover and even then you'll burn), plus once the suit is wet it will keep you cool for some time. You can hire them from reef operator (on boat) for AU$5-AU$6.

Although there is a very slight chance of a cyclone (and there'd be plenty of advance warning) January is one of the very best times to visit reef, usually calm seas with top under-water visibility.

Reef Magic out of Cairns will take you to a pontoon with plenty of shade, underwater observatory, glass bottom boats, not too many people, with a superb reef for snorkelling or diving. It takes about an hour and a half from Cairns, with 5 hours on reef proper.

Angelblue71

It's definitely worth a trip to the reef.

In regards to the weather, well that's all relative to what you are used to. These days I don't really notice the heat because I spend a lot of time in Far Nth Qld, however a few years ago it was a different story because I wasn't used to it.I guess it depends where you're from. As someone else said, as long as you have airconditioning where you're sleeping you'll be fine. During the day I assume you'll spend a lot of it in the water so you'll be fine there-just wear lots of sunsceen as many tourists don't realise how harsh our sun can be in Oz.

As Pat said, be guided by the tour people and wear a stinger suit. They're cheap to hire and then you can have some peace of mind and enjoy the beauty of the reef.

Don't miss out on the reef over these two things.