Royal National Park weather can be as varied as the environments found in the park itself. No matter the temperature, it will always be a little colder in the damp, fern-laden valley floors or a little warmer out in the grasslands. The cliff tops and heath lands will usually be windier than other areas, and temperatures tend to drop like a stone at night.
The Royal National Park tends to have a greater number of rainy or cloudy days during the year than the national average, while daytime temperatures are a little below average, and humidity levels and wind speed averages are on par with the rest of Australia. Statistics show that the park’s wettest month of the year is usually March.
In summer (December to February), average temperatures in the park range from 160C to 270C, with maximum daily temperatures averaging between 25.80C and 260C. It’s recommended that park visitors wear sunscreen and hats during summer days. Meanwhile the minimum overnight temperatures in summer average between 15.90C and 17.60C, so campers should pack accordingly.
In winter (June to August), average temperatures in the national park range from 60C to 170C, with the maximum daily temperatures averaging between 15.80C and 17.20C. Park guests should make sure to bring thick coats and sleeping bags if camping at this time of year, as the minimum overnight temperatures in winter average between 6.60C and 8.20C. Generally winter days in the Royal National Park are moderately cool, but they can turn cold quickly when the wind picks up, so it’s a good idea to always bring a jumper.
Humidity levels average around the 55% to 65% mark, with higher levels in the mornings generally dropping off in the afternoons. The highest and lowest temperatures ever record in the area were 420C in 1977 and -0.60C in 1968. The highest recorded rainfall was 254.5mm in one day.
Summer is obviously the best time to go swimming and or paddling in Royal National Park NSW, so these are the ideal months for visiting the park’s many beaches, and other swimming holes in the rivers and creeks. The Christmas holidays are the busiest time of year for Bonnie Vale campground, as well the Audley Boatshed, with families flocking there for camping, picnics and rowing boats or kayaks down the river. Summer weather also provides the best and clearest views of the panoramic scenery to be found at the park’s various lookouts.
Despite the colder temperatures, winter seems to be a popular time for taking the Coast walk and camping at North Era. One reason is that June to August is the best time to spot whales from the cliffs on the coast. Winter is also a good time for bushwalking along the park’s trails, without having to deal with the harsh summer heat – walkers should be wary of boggy ground after rainfall though.
Spring (September to November) is the best time to see the beautiful wildflowers in bloom on the heath lands along the coast. It is a great season to take a walk out to the cliffs for those who want to experience the beauty of nature.
