Start of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Port Douglas & Daintree in December
Port Douglas & Daintree's warmest month brings highs averaging 86°F (30°C), lows of 78°F (25°C) and about 7.3 in (185 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 56/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 86°F (30°C)
- Avg low
- 78°F (25°C)
- Rain
- 7.3 in (185 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 54%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 59 min
- Comfort score
- 56/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 86°F (30°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
Even at night it stays warm, around 78°F (25°C).
With 78% average humidity, it feels muggy.
Expect regular rain: about 7.3 in (185 mm) falls in the month.
Plan around December
December sits mid-table; the best months are July – October.
- Longest days of the year, about 12 h 59 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 79/100 in November to 56/100.
- Our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends May – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 86°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Quick-dry fabrics78% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Port Douglas & Daintree in December
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Agincourt Reef
Ribbon reef on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, reached by Quicksilver catamaran.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 86°F.
Salsa Bar & Grill
Long-running Port Douglas restaurant with tropical Australian dishes and seafood.
Why now A break from 86°F afternoons.
Port Douglas Sunday Market
Weekly market in Anzac Park with crafts, tropical fruit and fresh juices.
Why now Best first thing, before the 86°F afternoon heat.
Cape Tribulation
Where the Daintree rainforest meets the reef, with boardwalks and quiet beaches.
Hemingway's Brewery
Waterfront brewery at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina with craft beers and marina views.
Why now Somewhere to sit out the hottest hours.
Nearby in December
- Cairns in December~36 mi · highs 90°F, 7.0 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Port Douglas & Daintree in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Port Douglas & Daintree?
It's middling, scoring 56/100. The best months are July – October, at up to 96. Expect highs of 86°F (30°C) and 7.3 in (185 mm) of rain. Our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends May – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Port Douglas & Daintree in December?
Average highs are 86°F (30°C) and average lows 78°F (25°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Port Douglas & Daintree in December?
Yes: about 7.3 in (185 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 73.9 in (1877 mm).
What should I pack for Port Douglas & Daintree in December?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 86°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), quick-dry fabrics (78% average humidity) and rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain).
More on Port Douglas & Daintree
Planning Port Douglas & Daintree in December?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.