So what causes this tropical weather?
During the summer, the sea becomes warm (about 27 degrees - I know, I've swam in it). The prevaling wind is from the east, so as the warm moist air from the Tasman Sea is forced up over the mountains the air cools, condenses and clouds are formed. The resulting rain makes this area one of the wettest in Australia with an average of 12 feet of rain each year.
The picture above shows the beach at Port Douglas - notice the clear blue skies over the sea, and the clouds over the mountains.
