Mackay is located approximately 400 kilometres away from the Tropic of Capricorn and is described as having a tropical/sub tropical climate. Seasonal summer and winter changes throughout the state of Queensland aren’t distinct, which means that Mackay enjoys one beautiful day after the next. The regular weather that shrouds the entire Mackay region consists of warm days and cool nights in the summer and slightly cooler nights and milder sunny days during winter.
The temperature in Mackay usually averages between a 30 degree maximum and 23 degree minimum in the summer months (December-February). In the winter months (June-August), the temperature fluctuates from a maximum of 24 degrees to a minimum of 12 degrees. With the temperature rarely exceeding 30 degrees, a visit to Mackay doesn’t have to be restricted because of the heat.
Mackay’s weather spectrum does include rain, but the days of sunshine greatly out-number the frequency of rainy days. Mackay’s average monthly winter rainfall is 45mm and in the summer months it’s 264mm. The largest proportion of rain falls from December through to March and Mackay’s driest months are August and September.
The Mackay region lies in a trade wind belt meaning that for most of the year it experiences soothing south to south-easterly winds, rarely ever reaching gale force strength. On a visit to any part of the Mackay district, it is advised that lightweight clothing is suitable for the majority of the year.