The climate of Mackay
Mackay is characterized by a Humid subtropical climate with a dry winter, known in the Köppen climate classification as Cwa. Located within
Australia, this climatological disposition results in diverse weather patterns, setting the tone for an interesting blend of atmospheric conditions throughout the year.
In terms of temperature, measurements fluctuate from 20.8°C (69.4°F) to 28.5°C (83.3°F) on the higher side and from 16.7°C (62.1°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F) on the lower side. A sensation of warmth is consistently observed due to high humidity levels lingering between 74% and 80%. Monthly rainfall varies significantly, hitting a peak of 175mm (6.89"), usually in
March, then dripping down to as low as 9mm (0.35") around
September. Air pressure measurements on the surface remain roughly stable throughout the year, drifting between 1008.7mb and 1019mb. It is noteworthy that although the overall cloud coverage stands at around 30%-50% for each month, surprisingly, visibility remains sustaining at 10km (6.2mi) all the year round.
Some unique weather patterns in Mackay include the significant variation in rainfall, swinging from 150mm (5.91") in
January to a sparse 17mm (0.67") in
August. While the winter months are distinctively drier, the month with the maximum daylight is
December with 13.4 hours, somewhat counterbalanced by an average of only 10.2 sunshine hours.
The best time to visit Mackay
With its humid subtropical climate, the best time to visit
Mackay would be the winter months from
June to
August. With lower temperatures ranging from 16.7°C (62.1°F) to 17.3°C (63.1°F) and higher temperatures ranging from 20.8°C (69.4°F) to 23.3°C (73.9°F), along with the added benefit of relatively low humidity levels between 74% to 76%, this period offers a comfortable atmosphere for tourists. Additionally, these months witness the least amount of rainfall, with precipitation levels veering between just 17mm (0.67") to 28mm (1.1"), offering a lower likelihood of weather interruptions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Mackay
In contrast,
Mackay may not be suitable for visitation during the summer months from
December to
February. The humidity levels are higher during this period, registering between 75% to 79%, which may not be pleasant for all visitors. Also, these months witness considerably high rainfall, touching 150mm (5.91") in
January, which may impact travel plans. Moreover, the temperature also lies on the higher side, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 28.5°C (83.3°F) in February, presenting a challenge for those not accustomed to warmer climates.
Spring weather in Mackay
Spring ushers in a mild weather transition in
Mackay, with temperatures gradually declining from 27.5°C (81.5°F) in
September to a much cooler 23.3°C (73.9°F) in
November. On the lower end, temperatures dip from 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 19.6°C (67.3°F). Precipitation during this period witnesses a significant decrement, from 62mm (2.44") in September down to 27mm (1.06") in November. Moreover, the humidity also takes a downward trend, sliding from 80% in September to 76% in November. Wind speeds slow down, settling between 18.2 to 16.8km/h (10.4mph) across the spring period.
Summer weather in Mackay
The summer weather in
Mackay is characterized by a significant increase in temperatures, hitting a maximum of 28.5°C (83.3°F) in
February. The minimum temperatures also rise, cresting at 24.8°C (76.6°F). Humidity remains consistently high, oscillating between 75% to 79%. Rainfall overshoots dramatically during this time, hitting 150mm (5.91") in
January. The number of hours with sunlight per day also increases during this period, maxing out at 10.5 hours in February.
Autumn weather in Mackay
Autumn months in
Mackay bring a considerable reduction in overall temperatures, with higher temperatures scaling down from 28.1°C (82.6°F) in
March to 25.5°C (77.9°F) by
May. Lower temperatures take a similar downward route, from 23.9°C (75°F) to 21°C (69.8°F). Rainfall decreases markedly during this period, standing at 175mm (6.89") in March and shriveling to just 48mm (1.89") by May. Winds get somewhat stronger during these months, with speed measurements floating between 17.1 and 16.4km/h (10.2mph).
Winter weather in Mackay
Winter months in
Mackay exhibit pleasant weather conditions, with upper temperature values gently ranging from 23.3°C (73.9°F) in
June to 21.8°C (71.2°F) in
August. The minimum temperatures hover around a comfortable 17.3°C (63.1°F) to 16.8°C (62.2°F) margin during this period. The city sees less precipitation in winter, with rainfall levels dropping as low as 17mm (0.67") in August. Weather features intermediate wind speeds, typically around 16.8km/h (10.4mph) to 14km/h (8.7mph). Humidity levels lower to 74% by August.
Weather in January
Among the hottest months in
Mackay,
Australia,
January takes the lead, flaring with a high average temperature reaching up to 28.3°C (82.9°F) and rarely dropping below 24.8°C (76.6°F). The cloudy skies overhead coupled with high humidity makes this month quite sultry.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February continues the summer saga from
January, but the weather becomes slightly moderate. The overall weather pattern is largely similar to the previous month, yet rainfall increases notably reaching up to 168mm (6.61"), drenching the city over approximately 19.3 days.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The month of
March brings about slight variation in
Mackay's weather. Marking the end of the hot summer, the temperatures start to cool off slightly, but the weather remains generally warm. The average UV index dips to 6, lowering the risk of sunburn during outdoor activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
With the arrival of
April,
Mackay transitions into the pleasant phase of autumn. The summer heat waves subside, and a more comfortable atmosphere engulfs the city. Temperatures navigate in a more moderate region, dropping down to 22.6°C (72.7°F), offering a cool refuge to visitors from the scorching summer.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks a significant turning point in
Mackay's weather, making way for the arrival of winter. The month is characterized by a significant drop in temperatures, along with considerably dryer conditions, with average precipitation falling to 48mm (1.89").
Weather in May » Weather in June
Reaching the mid-year mark,
Mackay greets
June with its winter best. The temperatures dip even further, and a cool breeze pervades the city. The average barometric pressure peaks at 1018mb, contributing to the overall stability of the weather.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Mackay witnesses an interesting phenomenon, where the lowest temperatures for the year coincide with the least rainfall, recorded at 16.7°C (62.1°F) and 28mm (1.1") respectively. The winter season is at its peak, buttressing the low temperatures with a steady wind flow that amplifies the pleasant conditions.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August maintains the wintery trend with similar weather patterns as in
July. The wind speed records the lowest of the year; nonetheless, the city continues to enjoy pleasant breezes. The winter gradually starts to loosen its grip, and a slowly increasing temperature is noticeable by the end of the month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The arrival of
September signals the commencement of spring, with
Mackay gracefully transitioning from the clear, cool weather of winter. As the temperatures begin to climb back up, warmer days return towards the end of the month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Mackay plunges into full-blown spring, characterized by the noticeable rise in temperatures and a sky lit up by the sun for an impressive 10.5 hours. With the relative humidity remaining generally constant, one can observe the onset of the gradual ascent back to the typical Australian heat.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Mackay ushers in the balmy vibes of the early summer. The warmth triumphs, gradually enveloping the city once more. The days keep growing longer, and the average sunlight per day rises to 10.4 hours, illuminating the city for longer periods.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Mackay welcomes back summer in full swing. The temperatures lie slightly below the
January high, but the feel of summer is unmistakable. The rainfall inches up to its annual crest, measured at 103mm (4.06") and dispersed across approximately 15.1 days.
Weather in December » [Resources]