Plan your trip
The best time to visit Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast averages daytime highs of 25°C and overnight lows around 17°C across the year. Here's when to go — season by season and month by month — based on a decade of climate data.
In short
- 🌤️ Best overall: August, September, July — the most comfortable, driest stretch.
- 🔥 Hottest: January (~28°C) · Coolest: July (~20°C)
- 🌧️ Wettest: February · Driest: August
- 💸 Quietest / best value: the autumn and spring shoulder seasons (outside the Dec–Jan holidays).
10°C Cloudy in Sunshine Coast
Winter · H 22° / L 10° · Cosy season — warm up indoors.
Hottest month
January
avg high 28°C
Coolest month
July
avg high 20°C
Wettest month
February
~184mm
Driest month
August
~42mm
Our pick
For the best balance of comfortable weather and fewer wet days, aim for August, September, July. If you don't mind the heat, January is peak summer; for cooler, quieter exploring, July is the mildest stretch. Whatever month you choose, check what's on and our 48-hour itinerary.
Sunshine Coast season by season
What each season is actually like — and what it's best for.
Summer in Sunshine Coast
December – February
Summer is warm in Sunshine Coast — average highs around 28°C, overnight lows near 21°C, and about 437mm of rain across the season (wet). Beach days, early starts and long evenings out — pack sun protection, a hat and water.
Autumn in Sunshine Coast
March – May
Autumn is warm in Sunshine Coast — average highs around 25°C, overnight lows near 18°C, and about 348mm of rain across the season (wet). Mild, settled days make this prime time for walks, wine country, markets and leisurely lunches.
Winter in Sunshine Coast
June – August
Winter is mild in Sunshine Coast — average highs around 21°C, overnight lows near 12°C, and about 156mm of rain across the season (moderate rain). Cosy season — lean into cafes, museums, galleries and snug pubs; bring a few layers.
Spring in Sunshine Coast
September – November
Spring is warm in Sunshine Coast — average highs around 25°C, overnight lows near 17°C, and about 256mm of rain across the season (moderate rain). Everything reopens outdoors — parks, gardens, markets and the first warm days for the coast.
Peak season & crowds
Sunshine Coast is busiest — and accommodation priciest — over the December–January summer school holidays around Christmas and New Year, plus long weekends and major events. For thinner crowds and better value, the autumn (March – May) and spring (September – November) shoulder seasons are the sweet spot — mild weather without the peak-season squeeze. Book ahead if you're visiting around a festival; see what's on to plan around it.
Sunshine Coast weather month by month
Average daily high & low temperature and total monthly rainfall.
| Month | Season | High | Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Summer | 28°C | 22°C | 128mm |
| February | Summer | 28°C | 21°C | 184mm |
| March | Autumn | 27°C | 21°C | 164mm |
| April | Autumn | 25°C | 18°C | 82mm |
| May | Autumn | 23°C | 15°C | 102mm |
| June | Winter | 21°C | 13°C | 60mm |
| July | Winter | 20°C | 12°C | 54mm |
| August | Winter | 22°C | 12°C | 42mm |
| September | Spring | 23°C | 15°C | 45mm |
| October | Spring | 25°C | 17°C | 114mm |
| November | Spring | 27°C | 19°C | 97mm |
| December | Summer | 28°C | 21°C | 125mm |
Source: Open-Meteo historical climate data, 10-year averages (2014–2023). Day-to-day weather varies — check the current forecast before you travel.
Best time to visit Sunshine Coast — FAQs
When is the best time to visit Sunshine Coast?+
August, September, July generally offer Sunshine Coast's most comfortable mix of pleasant temperatures and fewer wet days. The warmest month is January (average high 28°C) and the coolest is July (average high 20°C).
What is the hottest month in Sunshine Coast?+
January is the hottest month in Sunshine Coast, with average daytime highs around 28°C.
What is the coldest month in Sunshine Coast?+
July is the coolest month, with average highs near 20°C and overnight lows around 12°C.
What is the wettest month in Sunshine Coast?+
February is typically the wettest month (about 184mm of rain on average), while August is the driest at around 42mm.
When is the cheapest, quietest time to visit Sunshine Coast?+
The shoulder seasons — autumn (March – May) and spring (September – November) — are usually quieter and better value than the summer peak. The busiest, priciest stretch is the December–January school-holiday period around Christmas and New Year.
What is summer like in Sunshine Coast?+
Summer (December – February) is warm in Sunshine Coast, averaging highs near 28°C and lows around 21°C, with roughly 437mm of rain across the season.
What is winter like in Sunshine Coast?+
Winter (June – August) is mild in Sunshine Coast, with average highs around 21°C and overnight lows near 12°C.
How many days do you need in Sunshine Coast?+
Two to three days covers the highlights — see our 48-hour itinerary for a ready-made plan — while four or more lets you explore the suburbs and day trips at a relaxed pace.