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Mass spawningAnnual · after the November full moon

Great Barrier Reef Coral Spawning

Days after the November full moon, the entire reef releases its eggs at once in an underwater blizzard.

November to December 2026Estimated timingNovember to December 2026
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Great Barrier Reef Coral Spawning

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Known details

National Marine Sanctuaries / Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)

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November to December 2026Season
Great Barrier Reef, AustraliaWhere it happens
A few nightsthe whole reef spawns at once
Viewing advice

Timing is predicted only weeks ahead, keyed to the November full moon and water temperature.

The best time to see Great Barrier Reef Coral Spawning in 2026 is November to December 2026. Timing status: Estimated timing.

On a few synchronized nights after the late-spring full moon, corals across the Great Barrier Reef release trillions of eggs and sperm bundles at once, an underwater snowstorm that seeds the next generation. The exact night hinges on water temperature and the moon.

Great Barrier Reef: green chromis darting over table and branching corals at Lodestone Reef
Photo information

Great Barrier Reef Coral Spawning

Photo
Holobionics
Original
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Changes
Cropped

Where to see it

These are the spots that catch it best. Tap one to see what's worth a trip nearby.

Great Barrier Reef: a snorkeller gliding above a coral garden
Photo information

Great Barrier Reef Coral Spawning

Photo
Christo.j.brown
Original
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Changes
Cropped
Great Barrier Reef: plate corals in pink and violet on the reef floor
Photo information

Great Barrier Reef Coral Spawning

Photo
Camille Gerstenhaber
Original
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Changes
Cropped

Cosmic events during this window

Cosmic events that peak while this season is on, so one trip could catch both. Meteor showers show the moon, since a dark sky is what makes them.

Related natural events

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Frequently asked questions

When is Great Barrier Reef Coral Spawning 2026?

Great Barrier Reef Coral Spawning 2026: November to December 2026.