Weather in Mackay

Find out what weather awaits you in Mackay! In this section, you will find up-to-date reports, detailed forecasts, and visual charts to help you plan your day.

The climate in Mackay, located in Australia, can be described as warm and humid, with subtropical or tropical characteristics. Throughout the year, the temperature remains comfortable here, without sharp extreme fluctuations. Even in the coolest months, such as July, the average temperature is a pleasant 18.3°C, and at the height of summer, in January and February, it rises to 26.5°C.

There are two distinct main seasons in Mackay. The warm and wet season lasts approximately from December to April. During this period, the highest temperatures are observed, with maximum values potentially rising to 28.6°C (for example, in February), and the highest number of rainy days – up to 20 days per month, especially in January, February, and March. The cooler and drier season falls between May and September. At this time, temperatures are more moderate (for example, in July the average temperature is 18.3°C), and the amount of rainfall and rainy days significantly decreases, reaching a minimum in August and September (only 3-4 rainy days).

One of the notable features of the weather in Mackay is the presence of a distinct wet season, which brings frequent, though not always heavy, rainfall in the first third of the year. During the rest of the time, especially from June to September, drier and sunnier weather prevails. Overall, the city offers warm weather year-round, but tourists should consider seasonal differences in rainfall when planning their trip.

The climate in Mackay is characterised by warm temperatures year-round, with clearly defined wet and drier seasons, which is typical for a tropical region. The hottest months are January and February, when the average temperature holds at 26.5°C, and maximum daytime figures can reach 28.5-28.6°C. Minimum night-time temperatures during this period rarely drop below 24.0-24.5°C. The coolest month is considered to be July with an average temperature of 18.3°C, with daytime highs around 21.4°C and night-time lows potentially dropping to 15.3°C.

The summer period in Mackay, which falls on the months from December to March, is distinguished by consistently high temperatures. During the day, the air warms up to 28-29°C, and even at night, the temperature remains high, around 24°C. This creates a sensation of hot and humid weather, especially considering that these months account for the highest amount of rainfall and rainy days. The difference between day and night temperatures in the summer months is relatively small, amounting to about 4-4.5°C, which emphasises the constant warmth.

Winter in Mackay, from June to August, brings milder and more comfortable weather. Average daytime temperatures fluctuate around 21-22°C, making this time pleasant for outdoor activities. Nights become noticeably cooler, with temperatures around 15-16°C. In the winter months, the difference between maximum daytime and minimum night-time temperatures increases slightly compared to summer, reaching approximately 6°C. This indicates a more perceptible cooling after sunset; however, frosts or very low temperatures do not occur here.

In the city of Mackay, there is marked seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. The city experiences a wet season, predominantly in the summer and early autumn months, and a drier period in winter and spring according to the Southern Hemisphere.

The highest amount of precipitation falls from December to April. January is the wettest month, when an average of 11 mm of precipitation and about 20 rainy days are registered. February is also quite wet with 7 mm of precipitation and 19 rainy days. March, despite a lower amount of precipitation (4 mm), has the same large number of rainy days as January – about 20, which indicates frequent but perhaps not very intense rains. In December, 6 mm of precipitation falls across 16 rainy days, and in April – 5 mm across 18 rainy days. During this period, rains occur often, maintaining tropical humidity.

The dry season in Mackay falls between June and September. August stands out as the driest month: only 1 mm of precipitation and just about 3 rainy days. June and September are also very dry, with 1 mm of precipitation and 6 and 4 rainy days respectively. In July, slightly more falls – 2 mm of precipitation, also across 6 rainy days. In these months, the probability of rain is significantly lower.

Transition months, such as May (2 mm of precipitation, 13 rainy days), October (2 mm, 9 rainy days), and November (2 mm, 11 rainy days), demonstrate a gradual change in the character of precipitation. Given the warm climate of Mackay year-round, all precipitation falls as rain; snow is not characteristic here.

When planning a trip to Mackay, it is important to consider its warm, subtropical climate. Throughout the year, warm weather prevails here, but there is marked seasonality in rainfall. From December to April, the wetter season persists, when average temperatures range from 24°C to 28.5°C. During this period, it is worth taking a light waterproof jacket or raincoat and a compact umbrella, as the number of rainy days is significant. Choose clothing made from light, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. Be sure to pack sunscreen with high SPF, a hat, and sunglasses, as the sun in Australia is very active. Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the city will also be indispensable.

From May to November, the weather in Mackay becomes noticeably drier, and temperatures drop slightly, especially in the period from June to August, when average values are 18-22°C, and night-time temperatures can drop to 15-16°C. At this time, you will need not only summer clothes but also a light jumper, cardigan, or windbreaker for evening walks or cooler days. Although there is significantly less rainfall, a small folding umbrella may still prove useful for rare showers. The principle of layering your clothes will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. Do not forget swimming gear, as the water can be comfortable for swimming, and, of course, continue to use sun protection products.