Australia (Cairns)
Australia · Oceania
The best time to visit Australia (Cairns) is May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. In summer, daytime highs average 32°C (90°F), with peaks around 34°C (93°F); in winter, nights average 18°C (64°F), dropping to around 12°C (54°F) on the coldest. All climate data are based on historical monthly averages (2005–2025) to help you plan the optimal travel time.
Australia (Cairns) – What you should know
Cairns lies in the tropics of northern Australia and knows no winter in the European sense, only a dry and a wet season. The wet season from December to March is forceful: 399 mm (15.7 in) in January and 375 mm (14.8 in) in March, across thirteen to sixteen days. The dry season from June to September brings just 22 to 40 mm (0.9 to 1.6 in) a month across three to four rain days.
The main season accordingly falls on the southern-hemisphere winter side: June to September at 26–28°C (79–82°F), with little rain and up to 8.8 hours of sunshine in October. The sea stays warm enough for snorkelling at 23–24°C (73–75°F) even then, and visibility on the Great Barrier Reef is markedly better in the dry season, as less sediment washes down from the rivers.
One point belongs firmly in any plan: the stinger season. From roughly November to May, box jellyfish and Irukandji appear off the North Queensland coast, and their stings can be life-threatening. During that period, swimming happens only inside netted enclosures or in a full-body suit. The risk is lower on the outer reef, but operators supply protective suits there too.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 32° (90°)27– (81–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)27– (81–)34 (93) | 31° (88°)26– (79–)33 (91) | 30° (86°)26– (79–)32 (90) | 28° (82°)24– (75–)30 (86) | 27° (81°)23– (73–)29 (84) | 26° (79°)22– (72–)28 (82) | 27° (81°)23– (73–)29 (84) | 29° (84°)24– (75–)31 (88) | 30° (86°)26– (79–)32 (90) | 31° (88°)28– (82–)33 (91) | 32° (90°)28– (82–)34 (93) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 25° (77°)21– (70–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)26 (79) | 24° (75°)20– (68–)26 (79) | 23° (73°)19– (66–)25 (77) | 21° (70°)16– (61–)23 (73) | 19° (66°)14– (57–)22 (72) | 18° (64°)12– (54–)22 (72) | 18° (64°)12– (54–)22 (72) | 20° (68°)14– (57–)22 (72) | 22° (72°)17– (63–)24 (75) | 23° (73°)19– (66–)25 (77) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)26 (79) |
☀️Sunshine | 7h UV 8 | 6h UV 8 | 7h UV 8 | 7h UV 8 | 7h UV 7 | 7h UV 7 | 7h UV 7 | 8h UV 8 | 8h UV 9 | 9h UV 9 | 9h UV 9 | 8h UV 8 |
🌊Water Temp | 30° (86°) | 30° (86°) | 29° (84°) | 27° (81°) | 26° (79°) | 24° (75°) | 23° (73°) | 23° (73°) | 25° (77°) | 27° (81°) | 28° (82°) | 29° (84°) |
🌧Rain Days | 16d399mm (15.7") | 13d340mm (13.4") | 14d375mm (14.8") | 11d181mm (7.1") | 8d76mm (3.0") | 4d39mm (1.5") | 4d40mm (1.6") | 3d22mm (0.9") | 3d24mm (0.9") | 5d64mm (2.5") | 6d65mm (2.5") | 9d200mm (7.9") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
From January to December, UV levels in Australia (Cairns) reach 9 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
December offers great weather in Australia (Cairns) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Australia (Cairns)?
- The best time to visit Australia (Cairns) is May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Australia (Cairns)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Australia (Cairns) average 32°C (90°F), with peaks around 34°C (93°F); in winter, nights average 18°C (64°F), dropping to around 12°C (54°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Australia (Cairns) get?
- Australia (Cairns) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 8 rain days per month. The driest months are June, August, and September.
- How warm is the water in Australia (Cairns)?
- Water temperature in Australia (Cairns) ranges from 23°C (73°F) (July) to 30°C (86°F) (February). During the best travel months (May, June, July, August, September, October, and November), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
SepOctNov
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JunJulAug
