Australia (Cairns) · May
Best travel monthTravel seasonAustralia · Oceania
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 time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel season — mid-range prices, good availability.
May is one of the best travel months for Australia (Cairns) — conditions are stable, temperatures reach 28°C (82°F), and outdoor activities are excellent.
Daytime highs average 28°C (82°F), cooling to 21°C (70°F) at night (daily average: 24°C (75°F)). Peaks reach around 30°C (86°F), the coldest nights around 16°C (61°F). The sun shines an average of 7 hours per day; there are 8 rain days with 76 mm (3.0 in) total. The water is a warm 26°C (79°F) — perfect for snorkelling and swimming.
Pack light summer clothing, sunscreen, and swimwear — beach and water conditions in May are ideal.
Packing list for Australia (Cairns) in May
- T-shirts and shorts
- Swimwear and beach towel
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit Australia (Cairns)?
- Yes — May is one of the best months to visit Australia (Cairns) (Climate Score: 72/100). Pleasant temperatures (28°C (82°F)), good sunshine (7 h/day), and few rain days (8) make it one of the most recommended months.
- How warm is it in Australia (Cairns) in May?
- In May, Australia (Cairns) sees daily highs of 28°C (82°F). Nights cool to 21°C (70°F), with a daily average of 24°C (75°F). Peaks reach around 30°C (86°F), the coldest nights around 16°C (61°F).
- How much rain falls in Australia (Cairns) in May?
- In May, Australia (Cairns) receives an average of 76 mm (3.0 in) of rain over 8 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Australia (Cairns) get in May?
- Australia (Cairns) averages 7 sunshine hours per day in May — close to the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Australia (Cairns) in May?
- Water temperature in Australia (Cairns) in May averages 26°C (79°F) — ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
