Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Ariana Svenson
Looking for the best time to visit Cairns? Known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is one of the most-visited destinations in Australia. Each year, Cairns welcomes over three million tourists. Cairns has stunning beaches, ancient rainforests, and world-famous reefs.
If you’re going on a trip to Cairns, check out the best time to visit Cairns so you can enjoy a fantastic trip.
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When is the BEST Time to Visit Cairns?
The best time to visit Cairns if you’re heading out to the reefs is between June and October. The water is calm, clear, and free of marine stingers, making it perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or diving. The temperature is pleasant, and rain is rare.
But if you want cheaper flights, lower hotel rates, fewer crowds, and more holiday deals, consider visiting Cairns in April/May or September/October. During these shoulder months, you can dodge severe rainfall and sweltering heat. There may be stringers on the local beaches, but the risk is lower on the reefs, and you can wear a protective suit.
Remember that visiting Cairns in the shoulder season is a gamble, as you may experience overcast skies and heavy rains. If you have activities that require good weather, think carefully before scheduling your trip during these months. Still, the shoulder season is still an excellent time to visit Cairns. Take it from our experience. While we had a few days of rain, we saved at least $1000 by traveling in the last week of May instead of the first week of June.
The Worst Time to Visit Cairns
Perhaps the worst time to visit Cairns is from December to March, the wet season. Temperatures and humidity levels are uncomfortably high, and frequent rains and possible tropical cyclones hamper most water activities.
Some resorts and hotels close in the wet season for a break, limiting your choices.
Seasons in Cairns
Located as it is in the tropical North, Cairns has a beautiful tropical climate. As with other tropical places, the weather in Cairns, Australia, is variable. Cairns have two distinct seasons: wet and dry, but the winter temperatures are mild enough to swim nearly all year round.
Dry Season in Cairns
The dry season begins in April and lasts until October. There’s hardly any rainfall, but there may be light and brief showers. The average temperature ranges from 17.5 °C to 26 °C.
The pleasant weather and clear skies make the dry season ideal for water sports and other outdoor activities, such as hiking in the Daintree Rainforest. However, this season is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit Cairns.
The dry season is also the best time to visit places like Cape Tribulation. You can read about our Cape Tribulation Road Trip here.
Wet Season in Cairns
The weather warms up as October ends, marking the start of the wet season, which lasts from November to March. The air becomes more humid, and rains fall more frequently. January is the hottest month, while February is the wettest.
You should be flexible with your plans if you visit Cairns this time of the year. Prices are cheaper during the rainy months, and the vegetation is at its lushest, resulting in the locals calling it the green season. The downside is the weather is unpredictable, and the temperatures are oppressively high.
Cairns summer is also wet season. Remember – Cairns’ climate is considered “tropical monsoon”! The wet season begins around December and lasts through March, with most of the region’s annual rainfall – over 2000mm (78.7 inches)! – occurring during these months. This can cause flooding of the Mulgrave and Barron Rivers, which sometimes affects road and rail transportation. That would be a problem for those planning Cairns holidays during this time.
Stinger Season in Cairns
Between November and May, deadly Irukandji and box jellyfish, also known as stringers, appear along the Far North Queensland coastline to breed. Though harmless-looking, they can be fatal to humans due to their venom. During the stringer season, local beaches set up enclosures bordered by swimming nets to protect bathers. If you’re going for a swim, stay within the safe areas and wear a protective stringer suit.
Thankfully, those diving or snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef would probably not encounter these jellyfish as they are more common in shallow water. However, ask your tour operators and locals for their opinion, they would know better than us!
Cairns by Month: Discover the Best Time to Visit Cairns
The weather can dramatically affect your vacation in Cairns, so you must choose the right time to visit. Here’s a breakdown of the climate each month and a list of family-friendly events to watch out for.
January in Cairns
January is in the wet season and is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures reaching 32°C . Rain is 4.31 inches, but tends to fall in the late afternoon and overnight, so you usually still get about 13 hours of sunshine.
Bring a rain jacket, a dry bag, and insect repellent when you explore the outdoors.
Australia Day: Locals celebrate the founding of the first European settlement in Australia on January 26 with outdoor concerts, parades, community barbeques, and fireworks. You’ll find live music and food stalls on the Esplanade in the city center.
February in Cairns
February is the wettest month in the Cairns region, with an average rainfall of 6.76 inches. The daytime temperatures range between 23°C to 31 °C, while the nights are slightly cooler. Tropical cyclones and flooding occasionally occur during this month.
Some businesses, hotels, and restaurants close for a break in February. You can still go to the reefs, beaches, and rainforests surrounding Cairns, but be aware that trips may get canceled and the roads shut due to bad weather.
March in Cairns
March marks the start of autumn in Cairns, and the temperatures drop slightly but still range between 23°C to 31 °C . This month isn’t as wet as February, though it gets about 4.5 inches of rain. You can visit the Great Barrier Reef if the weather permits.
March is the best time to visit the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
April in Cairns
The dry season begins in April, but you may still experience sporadic rain showers. Temperatures hover between 22°C to 29 °C , and most days are sunny with bright, clear skies. As April is part of the shoulder season, hotel rates remain low, domestic flights cheap, and tourist crowds few.
However, if Easter falls in April, crowd levels may spike up as families arrive to enjoy the long weekend and school break. Easter is one of the most popular times for a holiday, all around Australia. Still, the month is relatively quieter compared to the peak season.
May in Cairns
By May, the temperatures have dropped to between 20°C and 28°C. The end of the month is a great time to visit the reefs before the crowds arrive. The average water temperature is around 26ºC, visibility is good, and the stringer season is over.
Cairns weather is a gamble during shoulder season, though, which in our case, didn’t pay off as we had cloudy weather and rain on a few days. So think about how important good weather will be for the activities (like snorkeling) you plan to do when planning your Cairns family vacation.
May is the perfect time to visit nearby places such as Port Douglas. We did a 7-day Cairns Itinerary followed by a 7 day Port Douglas Itinerary in May. We did get some cooler and wet weather, but that was just our experience and we still had a great holiday.
The Great Barrier Reef Masters Games: The four-day event gathers local and international athletes to compete in 20 team and individual sports, including judo, swimming, football, rugby, archery, beach volleyball, track and field, cycling, and golf. This year’s games happen on May 25 to 28.
June in Cairns
Winter arrives in June, and temperatures range between 18°Cto 27°C . You get about 11 hours of daylight with hardly any rain.
Nights can get cold, and you may need a sweater to keep warm. The average water temperature in June is 24.5°C (76.1°F), making it ideal for water-sports, snorkeling, or diving on the reefs.
Cairns EcoFiesta: Held at the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. This environmental festival is full of live music, locally-sourced food, workshops, and green-tech expos.
July in Cairns
Nights are cold, even chilly, and require warm clothing. July has the lowest daytime temperatures, ranging between 17°C to 26°C. Water temperature is at 22°C , rainfall is at 0.57 inches, and daylight lasts 11 hours.
In July, crowds flock to Cairns to see the Great Barrier Reef and the other attractions. It is also the start of the Humpback Whale season (July to September). On a Coral Sea cruise, you will likely spot these gigantic creatures in their natural habitat.
The Cairns Show: This three-day festival celebrates the region’s agricultural, pastoral, mining, and cultural industries. There’ll be arts and crafts competitions, pole climbing, entertainment, fireworks, food expos, and more.
August in Cairns
Winter is coming to an end, making August a tad warmer than July, with temperatures hovering between 17°C to 27°C . Cruises, tours, and water-sports are in full swing as tourists enjoy the pleasantly balmy 24.44°C sea temperature. If you plan to visit Fitzroy Island, August is the best time to visit. However, we visited in May and still had a great time. I highly recommend that you stay overnight. You can read our Fitzroy Island Resort Review here.
Cairns Festival: Traditionally held at the end of August until the start of September, the 10-day festival celebrates art, culture, and the joys of living in tropical North Queensland. Its highlights include the Grand Parade, fireworks, concerts, and family-friendly activities.
Great Pyramid Race: This annual sports event is a trail and mountain race to the summit of Walsh’s Pyramid in Gordonville, a town near Cairns. Apart from the 12-km competition, it has a 1,800-meter junior race for participants 10 years and up and a Fun Run for all ages.
September in Cairns
The warm weather, long sunny days, and calm waters make September the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Spring has begun, temperatures ranging from 19°C to 28°C, humidity is still 67%, and average rain is 0.31 inches.
September is also fantastic for exploring wildlife attractions such as whale watching and crocodile spotting.
October in Cairns
Like September, October is quiet and less crowded. Still, it has some of the loveliest temperatures, 21°C to 30°C , for exploring Cairns, particularly the reefs.
The stinger season is still a month away, and sea waters are calm and delightfully warm. Best of all, prices are low.
Babinda Harvest Festival: Founded in September 1962, the festival celebrates a bountiful harvest. It features a pageant, a parade, market stalls, kids’ entertainment, live music, an expo of local arts, and more.
November in Cairns
November is the start of the wet season and the stinger season. Temperatures start to climb up to 31°C (87°F), and though not much rain falls, you may experience sudden thunderstorms in the afternoon. Reef tours continue to run except during terrible wind and weather conditions.
Understory Film Festival: The event is a short film competition for local students and independent filmmakers in North Queensland. It culminates with an open-air screening and awarding ceremony.
December in Cairns
December brings heavy rains and hot, humid days. Temperatures rise to 32°C , and rainfall becomes more frequent. You can still enjoy the beach, though trips to the reefs may get canceled due to bad weather.
Carols in the Park: Held every December, this festive event features a live production by the Cairns Performing Arts Center. You can have a picnic on the show grounds while enjoying the performances.
The School Holidays in Cairns
School holidays are perfect for visiting Cairns with kids. Here’s a list of Queensland schools and public holidays.
Best Time to Visit Cairns FAQs
What is the best month to visit Cairns?
The shoulder season, April and May or September and October, is the best time to visit Cairns. The weather is comfortably warm, the sea is calm, the tourist crowd is low, and prices are usually affordable.
What is the water temperature in Cairns?
The water temperature in Cairns varies depending on the season: 23°C in winter, 26°C in spring, 29°C in summer, and 27°C in the autumn. The average yearly sea temperature is 26°C.
When is the cyclone season in Cairns?
The cyclone season is from December to April, with February and March receiving the most cyclones, some bringing heavy rains, strong winds, and flash flooding. Many storms will form in Far North Queensland, though few make landfall.
What is the humidity in Cairns?
Cairns’ average annual humidity percentage is 63%. March is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 74% to 81%. September is the least humid month, with 55.0%.
Is it OK to visit Cairns in December?
You can visit Cairns in December, but it’s one of the hottest months and is often rainy. If you plan to go to the reefs, there are better times to have your vacation than in December. Some tours may get canceled due to bad weather. Just be flexible with your plans, and you’ll be fine.
What are the hottest months in Cairns?
The hottest months in Cairns are January, February, and December. Temperatures peak in January at 27.5°C with very high humidity!
What is the rainy season in Cairns?
The rainy season in Cairns is from November to March. February is the wettest month, with 6.76 inches of rain. Cairns has an average annual rainfall of 78.4 inches on an average of 154 days. Locals often refer to the rainy season as the green season because the region’s lush vegetation is at its most verdant.
What is the best time to go to the Great Barrier Reef?
The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from May to October. During these months, the water is comfortably warm for swimming, rainfall is minimal, and underwater visibility is high.
The Verdict – Best Time to Visit Cairns
Cairns teems with iconic natural wonders, but to fully enjoy your vacation, you should carefully consider when to visit. The dry season has fantastic weather conditions for exploring the reefs and the rainforests, but it can get crowded and pricey.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly hotels, cheap flights, and great deals – and don’t mind some rain – the shoulder season is your best option.
Now you have decided when to visit Cairns, you can view all our tips and advice on visiting Cairns Below:
The Best Day Trips from Cairns
The Best Snorkeling Sets for Kids
15 Things to do at Fitzroy Island Australia with Kids + Essential Info
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