Port Stephens has a mild coastal climate: warm, humid summers and mild winters, with rain spread through the year.
Season by season
Spring (September–November)
Warming seas, whales heading south and fewer crowds than summer.
Summer (December–February)
Hot beach days and boom netting, but the area is packed in the school holidays.
Autumn (March–May)
Warm water, calm days and quieter beaches. One of the best times to visit.
Winter (June–August)
Mild sunny days and whales heading north. Too cool for most swimmers.
Month by month
| Month | Avg high / low | Wet days | Daylight | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26° / 19°C | ≈11 | ≈14.2 h | Peak season |
| February | 26° / 19°C | ≈12 | ≈13.4 h | Peak season |
| March | 25° / 18°C | ≈13 | ≈12.3 h | Best |
| April | 23° / 15°C | ≈12 | ≈11.2 h | Best |
| May | 20° / 12°C | ≈12 | ≈10.3 h | Good |
| June | 18° / 10°C | ≈12 | ≈9.9 h | Quiet & cheap |
| July | 17° / 8°C | ≈10 | ≈10.1 h | Quiet & cheap |
| August | 18° / 9°C | ≈9 | ≈10.8 h | Good |
| September | 20° / 11°C | ≈9 | ≈11.8 h | Good |
| October | 22° / 14°C | ≈10 | ≈12.9 h | Best |
| November | 24° / 16°C | ≈11 | ≈13.8 h | Best |
| December | 25° / 18°C | ≈11 | ≈14.4 h | Peak season |
Approximate long-term averages, rounded; daylight is the approximate time between sunrise and sunset mid-month (Sydney’s latitude). Seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere: summer is December to February.
Festivals & events
- May–November Humpback whale migration past the heads; whale-watching cruises run.
- Summer Boom netting on dolphin cruises, weather permitting.
Crowds & booking ahead
The summer school holidays and Easter are very busy, with high prices and minimum stays. Autumn and spring are calmer, and winter is quiet apart from the whale cruises.
