Hot Air Balloons and Weather

The reason that hot air balloons fly early in the morning, is because this is when the wind is calmest and the sun is low in the sky. In addition, in areas of Australia, the temperature, such as in tropical regions like Cairns, the temperature of the air is coolest for the day in the earliest part of the day.

We can also consider that the angle of the sun is also relevant. As the sun is the source of wind, as it heats the earth unevenly. Clouds may keep one area cool while another heats up. Water and land heat up at different rates. Hot air is lighter than cool air, so it rises. As hot air rises, cool air slides in to replace it. The result: wind, which is essential for a fun morning’s ballooning.

In Australia there are a number of specially chosen locations, that are popular for hot air balloon rides. The one that provides Australia’s hot air balloon rides with ideal weather and climate conditions for this gentle activity is the Atherton Tablelands, west of Cairns and south west of Port Douglas. The region offers 96% takeoff reliability for the hot air balloon rides and has unrivalled panoramic views of the unique Australian landscape.