COASTAL WEATHER OUTLOOK for Australia Day Weekend 2026
Weekend Coastal Weather Outlook: January 23, 24, 25, 26 2026
By Josh Toohey, Coastwatch
Get ready for a classic Australia Day long‑weekend on the water! The forecast is shaping up to be a beauty across Southeast Queensland and Northeast New South Wales, with warm temps, mostly calm conditions, and only minimal storm chance.
Friday
- A weakening trough may bring scattered afternoon showers and non‑severe thunderstorms, mainly inland.
Saturday
- Cloudy start, clearing into a sunny, calm afternoon.
- Light southeast winds — great conditions for the boating, surfing, and fishing.
Sunday
- Mostly fine and warm, with a stronger ridge offshore.
- Winds shift northerly, a bit gusty (10–20 knots) later on, but still great for getting on the water.
Monday – Australia Day
- Hot, humid and mostly Excellent for coastal plans.
- Very warm temperatures: 34–36°C expected; feels-like near 40°C in some areas during to high humidity.
- Winds stay fairly light through the morning before a southerly change later in the afternoon (around 2–3pm or later), which may bring a few storms
- Severe Weather looks unlikely at this stage.
Overall
Great weather for the beach, fishing, boating and surfing — especially the mornings.
A cracker long weekend with:
- Warm, sunny conditions
- Generally light winds
- Low storm risk
- Excellent days to get out on the water
Don’t destroy what you came to enjoy!
BEACH SIGNS
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