I am considering sailing from Townsville to Darwin in the first 2 weeks of November.
Does anyone know the typical weather patterns and is it too late in the season
I'm in Far FNQ and yesterday and today have been the first indications the wet season is building. High rolling Cumulus and some grey threats along with shifting winds to the north. Actually the first grey cloud I have seen in 6 months! 
you will still find plenty of southerlys over the next few months though.
Check the previous years observations on the BoM page.
Hi mate. I live in Townsville but am away picking up my new boat at the moment.
As you are from WA I am sure you would be aware that we are now in the early stagesof the cyclone season and need to keep that in mind.
Once you get up past the Cairns/Daintree area you should expect good wind from abeam or astern. Cooktown north is know fir its strong southerly based wind
You should have good winds once you round the Cape but it would be wise to check the weather as the lows at this time of year can cause a lot of weather changes across the top.
I would expect you would have a fast and bumpy trip fir the most part.
Cheers, Rick.
It is still a good time to go but if you get nailed by a cyclone .... Keep us all informed!
Checking cyclone history for North Queensland and I am unable to find any that have occurred in November seems most occur between January and April.
I will keep up with the weather updates and look out for those lows as suggested.
Hopefully it will be a fast and not so bumpy ride.
Last cyclone that hit Thursday island was in the 50s I believe.
Most of the Cape has been getting northerlys for the past couple of days.
Select to expand quoteRiffRaff said..
I am considering sailing from Townsville to Darwin in the first 2 weeks of November.
Does anyone know the typical weather patterns and is it too late in the season
The seasons are the seasons but to get from Townsville to Darwin in two weeks is a big ask anytime of year.
OK, so it will take longer than two weeks but you plan on leaving Townsville mid Novenber. For this voyage you need a well provisioned yacht.
There are not many shops between Port Douglas and Thursday Island. Even fewer shops between there and Darwin.
Posts about your experiences will be appreciated by the crew here. The odd pic or two enhances the story. There are some amazing places along that route.
Look up "The Hole in the Wall" in the Wessels Group. With a favourable tide and a good strong donk it is a fantastic passage.
