The climate of Rockhampton
Rockhampton, situated in the Australian state of Queensland, falls under the Humid subtropical, no dry season Köppen climate classification, termed as 'Cfa'. This categorization pinpoints the hallmark feature of this region's climate, which is consistent humidity throughout the year combined with a moderate variance in temperatures.
Annual average temperatures reflect a fluctuation, resulting in an alternating pattern of warm and cool months. Recorded maximum temperatures thrive in the period from
November to
January, reaching up to 31.1°C (88°F), while the cooler period typically spans from
May to
July, with the lowest average temperature dropping to 21.4°C (70.5°F) in July. The minimum temperatures following similar trends, are highest between November and January, reaching peak at 21.2°C (70.2°F) in January, and are coolest from
June to
August, reaching down to 11.7°C (53.1°F).
Rainfall is evenly dispersed during the entire year, although two distinct periods can be recognized. The period from November to
March, where the average rainfall ranges between 48mm (1.89") and 66mm (2.6"), and the second period, from
April to
October, sees a noticeable dip in rainfall, with lowest recorded at 10mm (0.39") in
September. The former period also corresponds with maximum number of rainfall days, which are between 14 and 14.8 days per month, while the latter period sees reduced days of rainfall, as low as 6.6 days in September.
Another crucial aspect for consideration is the daylight duration and sunshine duration. The longest daylight hours are experienced from November to January, reaching up to 13.6 hours in
December, and the shortest during the period from May to July with a minimum of 10.7 hours in June. Similarly, the duration of sunshine ranges from 6.3 hours in June to 10.4 hours in November, indicating a healthy solar intensity throughout the year.
The region sees a moderate range of wind speeds with the highest average recorded as 12.5km/h (7.8mph) in January, and minimal speed is seen at 9.2km/h (5.7mph) in August. From the details, it is apparent that Rockhampton's climate and weather conditions are prime examples of a humid, subtropical climate with no dry season.
The best time to visit Rockhampton
Rockhampton's weather is usually welcoming for visitors throughout the year. However, the ideal visitation period tends to be between
August and
October. During these months, the city enjoys moderate temperatures, reduced rainfall and an appreciable number of sunshine hours. With average temperatures fluctuating between 23.5°C (74.3°F) to 28.4°C (83.1°F) and minimal rainfall, outdoor activities, sightseeing, and local explorations are most convenient and enjoyable.
The worst time to visit Rockhampton
While
Rockhampton is typically inviting throughout the year, the peak summer period from
January to
March may present some discomfort due to higher humidity levels and increased rainfall. Although the average maximum temperature does not exceed 31.1°C (88°F), the relative humidity percentage is at its peak, reaching near about 78%. In conjunction with increased precipitation, this can disrupt outdoor activities. Hence, potential visitors are advised to consider these climatological patterns when planning a trip.
Spring weather in Rockhampton
From
September to
November,
Rockhampton welcomes the spring season. Temperatures start to climb, reaching between 26.5°C (79.7°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F), while minimum temperatures range from 14.6°C (58.3°F) to 19.5°C (67.1°F). Fall in rainfall levels, reaching its bottom at 10mm (0.39") in September, and a reduction in rainfall days to as low as 6.6 days signifies the onset of the drier season. An increase in daylight hours reaching 12.6 hours along with extended sunshine hours up to 10.4 hours makes this season an attractive period for tourists.
Summer weather in Rockhampton
The summer season in
Rockhampton, stretching from
December to
February, is marked by intense heat and an upswing in rainfall. Maximum temperatures reach up to 31.1°C (88°F), and the minimum temperatures stay at a moderately warm level, oscillating between 21.2°C (70.2°F) to 19.5°C (67.1°F). Rainfall levels see a rise in this period, peaking at around 64mm (2.52") in December, while the humidity peaks at about 78% making it the most humid period of the year.
Autumn weather in Rockhampton
Autumn in
Rockhampton, spanning from
March to
May, brings a reduction in temperature and humidity levels. Maximum daytime temperatures hover between 29.1°C (84.4°F) and 24°C (75.2°F), while evening temperatures fall to between 20.8°C (69.4°F) and 14.8°C (58.6°F). The rainfall recedes, making this a relatively dry period with a reduced number of rainfall days, while daylight and sunshine durations get slightly shorter.
Winter weather in Rockhampton
Winter in
Rockhampton, from
June to
August, sees the coolest temperatures of the year, ranging between 24°C (75.2°F) and 21.4°C (70.5°F), while the minimum temperatures venture as low as 11.7°C (53.1°F) in
July. Despite this, the city still enjoys significant sunshine with up to 6.7 hours per day, although daylight duration drops to a minimum of 10.7 hours by June. With the lowest humidity levels and a hardcore reduction in rainfall stretching to mere 13mm (0.51") in the month of July, this period represents a dry season for Rockhampton.
Weather in January
The tropical climate of
Rockhampton is felt most intensely in
January. The days can be quite torrid, with maximum recorded temperatures reaching up to 30.9°C (87.6°F). The constant sunshine, with up to 13.4 hours of daylight, makes this one of the brightest times of the year, albeit with relatively high humidity.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
Rockhampton, the sweltering heat carries over from
January to
February. Nevertheless, a small decline in maximum temperatures indicates the slow approach of autumn. Persistent humidity causes discomfort making outdoor activities less enjoyable.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As the summer starts to wind down,
March presents a tiny respite from the scorching extremes of
Rockhampton’s weather. However, the city retains most of its humidity, which remains high at 78% and temperatures still rise up to 29.1°C (84.4°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The shift from hot summer to cooler autumn months in
Rockhampton is most pronounced in
April. A significant drop in temperature from 29.1°C (84.4°F) in
March to 27.3°C (81.1°F) in April is a clear indication of this change. With the diminishing daylight hours and a considerable decrease in rainfall, outdoor activities can be pleasantly indulged.
Weather in April »Weather in May
By
May,
Rockhampton takes on the distinct features of the cooler season. The warm temperatures drop further, making the climate much more enjoyable during this period. Despite the reduced daylight hours, May still offers ample daylight for outdoor activities.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June gives a much stronger sense of
Rockhampton’s winter, as temperatures drop to their lowest, with typical lows registered at 12.3°C (54.1°F). Despite this, Rockhampton’s winter is still relatively mild, with no severe drop in temperatures.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As
Rockhampton reaches the height of winter in
July, the temperatures continue to dip, reaching a median low of 11.7°C (53.1°F). The reduced daylight hours are a stark reminder that winter is in full swing. The continual drop in rainfall makes July one of the driest months of the year.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Despite the continued nip in the air,
August in
Rockhampton signals the impending arrival of spring. This is reflected in the mild rise in average maximum temperatures from 21.4°C (70.5°F) in
July to 23.5°C (74.3°F) in August.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings with it the warm caress of spring to
Rockhampton. While the temperatures begin their upward trajectory, the relative humidity continues to decrease, providing a refreshing contrast. Despite the reduced humidity, the rainfall begins to increase, signaling the gradual transition to the wetter season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
There is a palpable sense of summer approaching by the time we come to
October in
Rockhampton. The rise in temperatures from 26.5°C (79.7°F) in
September to 28.4°C (83.1°F) in October clearly indicates the onset of the warmer season.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November presents an early glimpse of
Rockhampton’s fierce summer. The average maximum temperatures reach up to 30.2°C (86.4°F), giving a clear indication of the heat waves that are about to come. As the days continue to stretch out with more hours of daylight, summer's grip on the city strengthens.
Weather in November » Weather in December
As the year ends,
December marks the peak summer in
Rockhampton. The increase in temperature levels to a maximum of 31.1°C (88°F), combined with a substantial rise in rainfall up to 64mm (2.52"), announces the arrival of the hot and humid season.
Weather in December » [Resources]