Cairns weather by month
Average daily high and low, total rainfall and days with at least 2.5 mm of rain.
| Month | High / low | Rain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C / 24°C | 481 mm · 15 days | Hot |
| February | 32°C / 24°C | 390 mm · 13 days | Hot |
| March | 31°C / 23°C | 437 mm · 15 days | Hot |
| April | 30°C / 22°C | 212 mm · 9 days | Fair |
| May | 28°C / 20°C | 98 mm · 8 days | Fair |
| June | 27°C / 18°C | 51 mm · 5 days | Great |
| July | 27°C / 17°C | 39 mm · 4 days | Great |
| August | 28°C / 17°C | 22 mm · 3 days | Good |
| September | 29°C / 19°C | 33 mm · 3 days | Good |
| October | 30°C / 20°C | 77 mm · 5 days | Good |
| November | 31°C / 22°C | 84 mm · 6 days | Hot |
| December | 32°C / 23°C | 255 mm · 9 days | Hot |
Cairns by season
Spring
Spring (September-November) is the shoulder season leading into the wet. Days are hot and humid, with increasing chance of afternoon thunderstorms. The reef water is warming up.
- + Fewer crowds than peak winter
- + Lush, green landscapes
- + Good visibility on the reef before stinger season
- − High humidity
- − Beginning of stinger season (suits required)
Summer
Summer (December-February) is the wet season: hot, humid, and rainy. This is the low season for tourism but the landscape is at its most spectacularly lush and vibrant.
- + Lush, waterfalls are flowing
- + Lowest accommodation prices
- + Fewer tourists
- − Heavy rainfall and potential for cyclones
- − High humidity
Autumn
Autumn (March-May) sees the tail end of the wet season. Rains ease, humidity drops, and the region transitions into the ideal dry season. A great time for value.
- + Reduced humidity and rain
- + Landscape still very green
- + Shoulder season prices
- − Stinger season persists until May
- − Sea can be rougher early in the season
Winter
Winter (June-August) is the peak dry season. Days are warm and sunny with low humidity, and nights are pleasantly cool. This is the most popular and reliable time to visit.
- + Perfect, sunny weather with low humidity
- + No stingers in the ocean
- + Ideal conditions for all outdoor activities
- − Peak tourist crowds and highest prices
- − Needing to book everything far in advance
Cairns month by month
Cairns in January
HotIn January, Cairns averages highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C, with about 15 rainy days and 481 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Cairns in February
HotIn February, Cairns averages highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C, with about 13 rainy days and 390 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Cairns in March
HotIn March, Cairns averages highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C, with about 15 rainy days and 437 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Cairns in April
FairIn April, Cairns averages highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C, with about 9 rainy days and 212 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Cairns in May
FairIn May, Cairns averages highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C, with about 8 rainy days and 98 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Cairns in June
GreatIn June, Cairns averages highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C, with about 5 rainy days and 51 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Cairns in July
GreatIn July, Cairns averages highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C, with about 4 rainy days and 39 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Cairns in August
GoodIn August, Cairns averages highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C, with about 3 rainy days and 22 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
Cairns in September
GoodIn September, Cairns averages highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C, with about 3 rainy days and 33 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
Cairns in October
GoodIn October, Cairns averages highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C, with about 5 rainy days and 77 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
Cairns in November
HotIn November, Cairns averages highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C, with about 6 rainy days and 84 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Cairns in December
HotIn December, Cairns averages highs of 32°C and lows of 23°C, with about 9 rainy days and 255 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Plan your Cairns trip
Best time to visit Cairns: FAQ
What is the best month to visit Cairns?+
June is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 27°C. July and August are close behind.
What is the rainiest month in Cairns?+
January is the wettest month, with about 481 mm of rain.
How hot does Cairns get?+
December is the warmest month, with average highs of 32°C and lows of 23°C. The coldest nights come in August, averaging 17°C.
Averages for 2006–2025 from the CAIRNS POST OFFICE weather station (2 km from the centre), NOAA Global Historical Climatology Network. Verdicts rate sightseeing comfort from daytime highs and rainy days.