The best times to visit Coffs Harbour are from March to May and September to November. These shoulder periods involve pleasant weather along with fewer tourists and discounted prices, compared to the booming summer months.
March–May
During March and April, days around the mid-20s make for blissful lounging and splashing at the beach. And the accommodation rates are reasonable, too. Just know that the temperatures usually drop noticeably in May: Wrap up your trip before then or pack an additional layer.
June–August
The coldest period of the year, when the average high temperatures fail to reach the 20°C mark, is an excellent time to be active. Solitary Islands Coastal Walk runs along soft beaches and across windswept headlands for 60 km. As you take in the magnificent vistas, keep an eye out for humpback whales, migrating past Coffs Harbour from May until November.
September–November
Now, wildlife lovers thrive more than ever. A jaw-dropping event, thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters reside on Muttonbird Island, accessible via Jetty Beach’s north breakwater, from August through April. And humpback whales can typically be seen all the way through October. Oh, and September is the driest month of the year in Coffs Harbour — clear skies are likely for your wildlife spotting.
December–February
The peak season in Coffs Harbour starts a few weeks before Christmas and ends in February. As a result, Jetty Beach experiences large swarms of visitors who want to enjoy the warm weather; lines for the eateries in the marina and crowds at The Big Banana are highly likely. But Coffs Harbour’s appeal goes way beyond the centerpiece attractions, and nearby Park Beach and Diggers Beach offer solitude year round.
Weather in Coffs Harbour
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rain (mm) | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27 | 20 | 188 | 9 |
| February | 27 | 20 | 225 | 10 |
| March | 26 | 18 | 235 | 11 |
| April | 24 | 15 | 178 | 9 |
| May | 21 | 12 | 161 | 8 |
| June | 19 | 9 | 121 | 6 |
| July | 19 | 8 | 73 | 5 |
| August | 20 | 8 | 80 | 5 |
| September | 22 | 11 | 60 | 5 |
| October | 24 | 14 | 96 | 7 |
| November | 25 | 16 | 145 | 8 |
| December | 26 | 18 | 145 | 8 |
In case you wonder…
March hits the sweet spot as it’s still warm — both in the air and in the water — yet the crowds are smaller and the accommodation rates lower than during the peak season, which runs from December to February.
Typically, humpback whales migrate through Coffs Harbour from June to October.
Wedge-tailed shearwaters, or muttonbirds, inhabit Muttonbird Island from August to April.
More Coffs Harbour
