Locals call this the “Waterhole Holiday Period,” and for good reason. The humidity means that the rainforests are thick and green, while the frequent rainy spells mean truly thunderous waterfalls. The Coral Sea is calmer than ever, with barely any winds to disturb its pristine waters, so it’s a great time for snorkelers and divers to catch a glimpse of decorator crabs, slipper lobsters, or paleo worms.

Days can be sweltering, especially if you’re in the sun. Go heavy on sunscreen and light on clothing for maximum comfort while immersed in outdoor activities.

Stinger nets go up around the beaches in November, but there’s no avoiding these jellyfish as you snorkel in the open ocean. Stinger-resistant wetsuits are provided by tour companies.

Take a leisurely stroll past Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina to marvel at the multi-million-dollar cruise ships, some as long as half a football field.

Monsoon season is in full swing, with evening thunderstorms getting darker and heavier in March. The torrential rainfall—called “curtain rain” by locals—brings out the incredible tropical splendor of the rainforest. Meanwhile, the Coral Sea sits calm and still on sunny, windless days. The reef is teeming with fish, including schools of brightly colored clownfish.

Hiking in the rain is a favorite activity in these parts. Join the locals puddle-stomping along the bush trails past streams and rivers at full force. You’ll get soaked, so waterproof your belongings.

May brings the town's biggest fair: the Port Douglas Carnivale. That’s a weekend bonanza featuring local foods and wines, live performances, and parades under the swaying palms of Port Douglas.

There’s so much to savour in winter, the middle of what locals more commonly refer to as the dry season. Balmy temperatures, clear skies, and fresh breezes make this prime beach season. This is one of the most popular times to visit the Great Barrier Reef, so remember to book your lodgings several months in advance.

Catch singing humpbacks or dancing minkes on their annual migration north while aboard a sailboat in the Great Barrier Reef. Don’t forget to drop by Low Isles, a sandy cay surrounded by the pristine turquoise waters of the Coral Sea.

Snorkeling and diving are especially popular because calm waters means great visibility for sweetlips and other colorfully named fish.

Weekends are made for cafe hops and bar crawls along the seaside Macrossan Street, where the local Sunday Market awaits. It’s a treasure trove of handcrafted jewellery, tropical souvenirs, and local delicacies.