Port Douglas & Tropical North Queensland generally enjoys two distinct seasons.

Wet (Greening) Season: December - April (Hot and Wet).
Average summer temperature 23° C - 30° C (73° F - 86° F).
Higher humidity with frequent rain showers.
The showers can be spectacular, sometimes accompanied by amazing displays of lightening.
Cyclone season in Tropical North Queensland is from December to March.

Peak (Tourist) Season: May - November (Warm and Dry).
Average winter temperature 19° C - 24° C (66° F - 75° F).
Dry with clear skies & comfortable temperatures day & night.
Easter is the start of the main tourist season which continues until the end of the year.
Accommodation should be pre-booked well in advance.

Fresh & saltwater swimming pools can be found throughout the hotels, motels & resorts in Port Douglas meaning a relaxing swim need never be far away.

Mossman Gorge is another favourite with locals & is just a short drive north of Port Douglas. This cool freshwater river, surrounded by lush rainforest, is a refreshing alternative to swimming in the warmer waters of The Coral Sea.
Care should be taken following heavy rain as strong currents are possible.

Saltwater crocodiles are also to be found in some of the waterways in Tropical North Queensland. Please take notice of warning signs & ask if in doubt.

During the warmer months from November to April, marine stingers (Box Jellyfish) inhabit the waters close to shore. Safe swimming enclosures, patrolled by the Surf Life Saving Association, provide protection during this time for those wishing to swim at Four Mile Beach.

Surf Lifesaving Queensland (SLSQ) has recently developed and implemented a new policy for Irukandji stings. The beach is closed anytime a researcher nets an Irukandji, regardless of a sting or not. Additionally, the beach is closed immediately after the first sting is confirmed. The beach (enclosure) remains closed until a change of tide and weather pattern occurs and/or net drags are carried out and no jellyfish are collected.

Further, a warning sign may be used alongside the yellow warning flag suggesting days when the presence of Irukandji may be higher than normal. This will be after 2 days of northerly / north-easterly winds together with an afternoon high tide.

This new policy will hopefully help reduce the number of Irukandji sting cases in Queensland where Surf Life Saving Queensland lifesavers or lifeguards patrol the beach.