Maleny Weather -A lot to Like
Maleny Weather is one of the characteristics that makes the region a popular destination for Holidays, day trips and Weddings.
Here is this week’s weather at a glance: Just click on any day for a detailed forecast
MALENY WEATHERSub Tropical Climate
A country the size of Australia has numerous different climatic zones. But, for many, the sub-tropical coastal areas of Northern New South Wales and Coastal Queensland, (depicted on the map in Pale Green) are most sort after.
Weather in this area is heavily influenced by conditions in the Coral Sea to the North, Tasman Sea to the South and the Pacific Ocean to the East
Located only 90 kilometres north of Brisbane, and just 30 kilometres from the Pacific coast, Maleny and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in the Southern, and most moderate part of this popular climatic region.
In this article I am going to outline Maleny’s climate so you know what to expect, and so you can plan to visit when the climate suits you best.
Understanding A Sub-Tropical Climate
A Sub-Tropical Climate is characterised by mild to warm winters and hot, humid summers. In Maleny’s case the seasons of Autumn and Spring offer periods of stable, consistent and moderate weather conditions.
Key Features of Maleny’s Sub-Tropical Climate
In Maleny, the maximum Summer temperatures generally range from 28 to 32 degrees Celsius most days. In Winter, conditions are generally mild with tops in the high teens to low twenties.
Humidity during the summer months can reach 80% or more, creating a tropical like environment. Whilst not as stifling as you will find further north in areas like Cairns, the combination of 32 degrees and 80% humidity makes the day feel much warmer than the 32 degrees would suggest.
Rainfall is abundant here in the wet season, (between December and April) with our Winters being substantially drier.
According to the Australian Bureau Of Meteorology, the region receives around 2,000mm of rain annually. It is this rainfall, and the related humidity which fosters Maleny’s lush vegetation. Keeping the region green and appealing throughout the year, even when much of the continent is dry and brown.
As for Sunshine, Maleny receives plenty. Even so, many summer afternoons are characterised by brooding, building, stormy skies which frequently lead to refreshing afternoon or evening Thunderstorms
Our climate supports outdoor activities year round, which is great for visiting the local tourist attractions and enjoying the natural beauty which abounds here.
Summer in Maleny
Temperatures on average range between 28 and 32 degrees celsius, frequently with grey skies in the afternoon building to evening Thunderstorms. Often, these produce spectacular lightening shows, especially if your accommodation has panoramic views either South over the Glasshouse Mountains, North over the Obi Obi Valley, or East to the coast.
These evening storms deliver much of our high rainfall, in short overnight bursts. They also reduce temperatures and make sleeping easier. Average overnight minimums are in the mid to high teens.
Autumn
In Autumn the heat and rainfall start to drop away, with maximum’s in the low to mid 20’s and minimums in low to mid teens. It is not unusual to have a run of days with much the same temperature range. Humidity remains fairly high, in the area of 75% to 80% and by May rainfall figures have halved.
Maleny Winters
This is both the Driest and coolest time of year. Maximum temperatures are between 18 and 20 degrees, rainfall is less than a quarter of what it was in Summer, and humidity is down to between 50% and 60%.
This is a great time of year for Romantic getaways in the many luxurious Cabins throughout the Hinterland. Overnight temperatures drop to an average of around 10 degrees, with a few colder nights around 3 or 4. This means the area escapes frosts, but is ideal to enjoy a wood burning fire and a heated spa, in your luxurious Cabin.
August is our coolest month, with temperatures often lowered by relatively cold, Easterly and South Easterly winds which can be strong at times.
Turning to Spring
The early parts of Spring are still cool, with overnight average temperatures slowly rising from 12 in September to 16 by November. Similarly maximums edge up from low 20’s to mid 20’s and humidity from mid 50’s to mid 60’s. These months, (along with Autumn) are when we see our huge valleys turn into to beautiful misty panoramas in the mornings.
Maleny Weather from Month to Month
| Month | Min Temp | Max Temp | Ave Humidity | Ave Rainfall |
| January | 18.9 | 27.1 | 80% | 283mm |
| February | 18.7 | 26.3 | 84% | 317mm |
| March | 17.4 | 25.2 | 84% | 286mm |
| April | 15.1 | 23.7 | 81% | 189mm |
| May | 12.0 | 21.3 | 75% | 140mm |
| June | 10.5 | 18.8 | 78% | 109mm |
| July | 9.2 | 18.7 | 72% | 87mm |
| August | 10.0 | 20.3 | 67% | 65mm |
| September | 12.4 | 22.7 | 70% | 64mm |
| October | 14.4 | 24.3 | 69% | 108mm |
| November | 16.2 | 25.2 | 73% | 137mm |
| December | 17.6 | 26.4 | 76% | 197mm |
As these numbers suggest, the climate is enjoyable all year round. Transitions from day to day are moderate, and we rarely see the huge swings in temperatures and conditions seen in our southern and western states.
Similarly, transitions from Season to Season are also gradual.
Maleny is A Green Oasis
The end result of this climate is a region of lush vegetation and thriving sub-tropical rain forests.
For most of the year Maleny is lush and deep green. Some locals do lament the drier, browner months of late winter, but for visitors from coastal areas, or even as little as a hundred kilometers south, the area remains a green Oasis. Certainly, Maleny at it’s driest is much more lush than the dry Summer months in much of the Country.
Cyclone Season
Cyclones are a feature of weather in Tropical areas and are prominent most years across Australia from Western Australia to the Queensland coast. But, they do not travel far enough down the Coast to threaten the Sunshine Coast. The region can experience higher than average rainfall when Cyclones occur further north.
What you won’t see with Maleny Weather
This climate certainly misses out on Snowy peaks in Winter, but it also escapes the brutal run of 40 degree days in Summer. And, because our vegetation is mostly evergreen, we don’t have the colourful Autumn leaves etc that are so admired in southern states. Our transition into Spring, is not as distinct either, but that is because we have not seen our vegetation and foliage disappear over the Winter months.
Maleny residents enjoy the year around, moderate climate. Despite the high rainfall here, prolonged rainy days are few because the rainfall tends to be heavy and relatively brief.
Autumn, Winter and Spring are mostly sunny. Transitions from day to day and week to week are small and you can do just about anything outdoors. Summer is certainly warmer, and humidity is higher but the evening storms, showers and breezes produce comfortable sleeping conditions.
There is a lot to like about the Weather in Maleny, its one reason why the town is a sort after destination. Tourists and day trippers can enjoy it’s attractions all year round.
