Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Great Barrier Reef in November

Hi everyone,
I have a relative visiting in mid-November who would like to see the GBR.

I've been told the best time is around June and July as that's when it's clearest, but I don't know what it's like mid-November. Weather seems to show mid/high 20s for Whitsundays and high 20s/low 30s for Cairns. How much of a bother is the rain?

We'll probably be there just for 3 or 4 days. Primary interests are seeing the reef (snorkeling) and some nature stuff (walks, hikes).

I had a friend go to Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays and raved about it. Reports here give a thumbs up to the Whitsundays, but there's also good feedback about Cairns (but staying in Port Douglas ;)).

Budget is moderate.

So my questions:
-for mid-November, which would you recommend: Whitsundays or Cairns area?
-if Whitsundays, is there an alternative to Hamilton Island? (Have heard it's a bit too developed, although with an airport there it's quite convenient)

Cheers,
Will

Whitsundays are far nicer (if you want beauty, isolation and world-class ecotourism) but also expensive. Up to USD1000 per day is easy to spend, and USD500 per day is maybe a typical spend unless you actively seek cheaper. Cairns is a fraction of that, but proportionately less special.

Hi everyone,
I have a relative visiting in mid-November who would like to see the GBR.

I've been told the best time is around June and July as that's when it's clearest, but I don't know what it's like mid-November. Weather seems to show mid/high 20s for Whitsundays and high 20s/low 30s for Cairns. How much of a bother is the rain?

We'll probably be there just for 3 or 4 days. Primary interests are seeing the reef (snorkeling) and some nature stuff (walks, hikes).

Cairns rarely sees any rain in November, and if so just a mid-afternoon thundershower. Rainy season doesn't start until at the earliest late January.

The most important item for GBR trip comfort is windspeed. Check just prior to coming, and pick the calmest day for your reef trip. Wind above 25kts makes the ride out/back very uncomfortable, even on the big cats. Generally the ocean is much quieter at reef areas even during wind events, but the calmer the better.