Best Time to Visit Cairns Australia (Weather, Events, & More)
Planning your next getaway and wondering about the best time to visit Cairns, Australia? This tropical paradise, known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and lush Daintree Rainforest, offers unique experiences throughout the year. However, to truly make the most of your trip, timing is key. Let’s dive into the details to help you decide when to book your Cairns adventure.
Table of Contents
- Best Time to Visit Cairns Australia (Weather, Events, & More)
- Best Overall Time to Visit Cairns Australia
- Monthly Overview of Cairns Australia
- Detailed Monthly Analysis
- Cairns Australia in January
- Cairns Australia in February
- Cairns Australia in March
- Cairns Australia in April
- Cairns Australia in May
- Cairns Australia in June
- Cairns Australia in July
- Cairns Australia in August
- Cairns Australia in September
- Cairns Australia in October
- Cairns Australia in November
- Cairns Australia in December
- Special Events in Cairns Australia to Look Out For
- Pro Tips for Traveling to Cairns Australia
- Cairns Australia Travel FAQ
Best Overall Time to Visit Cairns Australia
If you're pondering the best time to visit Cairns, Australia, aim for the months of April through September. During this period, you'll enjoy mild temperatures and low rainfall, making it perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the lush Daintree Rainforest. This timeframe avoids the heavy rains and extreme humidity of the wet season, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Visiting Cairns during the low season, from October to March, has its pros and cons. On the upside, you'll benefit from fewer crowds and potentially lower prices on accommodation and tours. However, this period coincides with the wet season, which can bring heavy rains and higher humidity, possibly affecting outdoor activities and access to some attractions. Additionally, it's the stinger season, so swimming in the ocean without protective gear is not advisable.
Monthly Overview of Cairns Australia
Month | Season | Avg. Days of Rainfall | Avg. Temperature (°F/°C) | Hotel Costs |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | Wet | 16 | 84/29 | High |
February | Wet | 17 | 84/29 | High |
March | Wet | 18 | 82/28 | Medium |
April | Wet | 15 | 81/27 | Medium |
May | Dry | 10 | 79/26 | Medium |
June | Dry | 6 | 75/24 | Low |
July | Dry | 5 | 75/24 | Low |
August | Dry | 5 | 77/25 | Low |
September | Dry | 5 | 79/26 | Medium |
October | Wet | 7 | 81/27 | Medium |
November | Wet | 9 | 83/28 | Medium |
December | Wet | 13 | 84/29 | High |
Detailed Monthly Analysis
Here’s what to expect in Cairns Australia in each month of the year:
Cairns Australia in January
Visiting Cairns, Australia in January is a unique experience, as you're arriving right in the middle of the wet season. The city is vibrant with lush, tropical landscapes, but be prepared for frequent rain showers. These showers are typically heavy but brief, often occurring in the late afternoon, which allows for pleasant mornings and evenings perfect for exploring.
- Average Temperature: 31°C / 88°F
- Days of Rainfall: 19 days
- Season: Wet season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Snorkeling in the rain, visiting the Cairns Botanic Gardens, exploring the Great Barrier Reef during clearer days
Cairns Australia in February
Visiting Cairns in February is a unique experience, as you're arriving in the heart of the wet season. The city is vibrant with lush, tropical landscapes, thanks to frequent rains. While you might encounter heavy showers, they typically occur in short, intense bursts, primarily during the afternoon. This pattern often leaves the mornings and evenings relatively clear, allowing for some exploration and enjoyment of the tropical warmth.
- Average Temperature: 26°C / 79°F
- Days of Rainfall: 20 days
- Season: Wet season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Exploring the Great Barrier Reef, visiting the Daintree Rainforest, attending the Cairns Chinese New Year Festival
Cairns Australia in March
Visiting Cairns in March is a unique experience, as you're right in the middle of the wet season. The city is vibrant with lush, tropical landscapes, but be prepared for frequent rain showers. These showers are typically heavy but brief, often occurring in the late afternoon, which allows you to enjoy the mornings and evenings outdoors.
- Average Temperature: 26°C / 79°F
- Days of Rainfall: 18 days
- Season: Wet season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Snorkeling in the rain, visiting the Cairns Botanic Gardens, attending the Feast of the Senses festival
Cairns Australia in April
Visiting Cairns in April is a delightful experience as you catch the tail end of the wet season. The weather begins to dry up slightly, making it a great time to explore the outdoors. The city is less crowded than in peak tourist seasons, offering a more relaxed vibe. Plus, the surrounding rainforests and reefs are vibrant and teeming with life after the wetter months.
- Average Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
- Days of Rainfall: 18 days
- Season: Transition from wet to dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, visiting the Daintree Rainforest, attending the Feast of the Senses festival
Cairns Australia in May
Visiting Cairns in May is a delightful experience as you're catching the tail end of the wet season, transitioning into drier days. The weather is comfortably warm and the crowds are fewer, making it a great time to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest without the peak season rush.
- Average Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
- Days of Rainfall: 10 days
- Season: Transition from Wet to Dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Snorkeling and diving in the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the Daintree Rainforest, attending the Cairns Blues Festival
Cairns Australia in June
Visiting Cairns, Australia in June is a delight as you're right in the middle of the dry season. The weather is mild and comfortable, perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical rainforests without the heavy rains that characterize other months. June is also a great time to catch some vibrant local events and enjoy outdoor activities in cooler conditions.
- Average Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
- Days of Rainfall: 5 days
- Season: Dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Snorkeling and diving in the Great Barrier Reef, hiking in Daintree Rainforest, attending the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair
Cairns Australia in July
Visiting Cairns, Australia in July is a delight as you're right in the middle of the dry season. The weather is mild and perfect for exploring the great outdoors without the heavy rains that characterize other months. It's an ideal time to experience the natural beauty of the region, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest.
- Average Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
- Days of Rainfall: 5 days
- Season: Dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the Daintree Rainforest, enjoying the Cairns Esplanade
Cairns Australia in August
Visiting Cairns, Australia in August is a delight as you're right in the middle of the dry season. The weather is mild and perfect for exploring the great outdoors without the heavy rains that characterize other months. It's an ideal time to experience the natural beauty of the region, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest.
- Average Temperature: 26°C / 79°F
- Days of Rainfall: 2 days
- Season: Dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the Daintree Rainforest, attending the Cairns Festival
Cairns Australia in September
Visiting Cairns, Australia in September is a delightful experience as you're catching the tail end of the dry season. The weather is warm but not overly hot, making it perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical rainforests. The city is less crowded than in peak tourist months, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere as you wander through the vibrant markets and along the scenic esplanade.
- Average Temperature: 26°C / 79°F
- Days of Rainfall: 5 days
- Season: Dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Snorkeling and diving in the Great Barrier Reef, visiting the Daintree Rainforest, attending the Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival
Cairns Australia in October
Visiting Cairns in October is a delightful experience as you're catching the tail end of the dry season. The weather is warm but not overly hot, perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and rainforests comfortably. Plus, the tourist crowds start to thin out, giving you a more relaxed visit.
- Average Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
- Days of Rainfall: 7 days
- Season: Dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Snorkeling and diving in the Great Barrier Reef, visiting the Daintree Rainforest, attending the Cairns Tropical Pride Festival.
Cairns Australia in November
Visiting Cairns in November is a unique experience as it marks the transition into the wet season. The weather is warm and the rainforests are vibrant, but you should be prepared for frequent showers. These showers are typically short and can provide a refreshing break from the heat, making early mornings and evenings ideal for exploring.
- Average Temperature: 27°C / 81°F
- Days of Rainfall: 11 days
- Season: Beginning of wet season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, visiting the Daintree Rainforest, attending the Cairns Tropical Pride Festival
Cairns Australia in December
Visiting Cairns, Australia in December is a unique experience as it coincides with the early stages of the wet season. The weather is warm and humid, with frequent rainfall, typically in the form of short, heavy downpours. This doesn't stop the city from bustling with tourists and locals alike, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and lush, tropical landscapes that are even more vivid during this time of year.
- Average Temperature: 28°C / 82°F
- Days of Rainfall: 18 days
- Season: Wet season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Exploring the Great Barrier Reef, visiting the Daintree Rainforest, attending the Cairns Tropical Pride Festival
Special Events in Cairns Australia to Look Out For
Cairns Festival
- Date: Late August to Early September
- Description: A celebration of Cairns' vibrant culture and community spirit with parades, music, art, and food events spread over ten days.
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair
- Date: July
- Description: An ethical buying and selling platform for Indigenous Australian art that also features performances, workshops, and discussions to promote cultural understanding.
Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival
- Date: October
- Description: Dubbed as "the world's best adventure course," runners experience breathtaking views while participating in various race lengths from 5km to the full marathon.
Cairns Cup
- Date: August
- Description: A premier horse racing event that attracts visitors from all over Australia, featuring fashion, entertainment, and exciting racing over two days.
IRONMAN Cairns
- Date: June
- Description: Athletes from around the world gather in Cairns to compete in this grueling triathlon, which includes a swim in the Coral Sea, a bike ride along the Captain Cook Highway, and a run along the Cairns boardwalk.
Cairns Show
- Date: July
- Description: A three-day agricultural show that offers a mix of entertainment, competitions, and exhibits ranging from livestock to arts and crafts, reflecting the agricultural heritage of the region.
Cairns Underwater Film Festival
- Date: August
- Description: A film festival that showcases underwater photography and filmmaking, celebrating the beauty of the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef and beyond.
Reef Feast Palm Cove
- Date: October
- Description: A tantalizing food and wine event in the picturesque beachside village of Palm Cove, showcasing the best local produce and culinary talents of the region.
Pro Tips for Traveling to Cairns Australia
- Cash vs. Card: While major hotels, restaurants, and shops in Cairns accept credit cards, carrying some cash is handy for smaller purchases, markets, or in remote areas.
- Tipping Etiquette: Tipping isn't a standard practice in Australia, but it's appreciated for exceptional service. Feel free to leave a small gratuity of around 10% if you're really impressed.
- Water Safety: Always swim between the red and yellow flags at beaches, as these areas are patrolled by lifeguards. Be cautious of marine stingers during warmer months and consider wearing a stinger suit.
- Public Transportation: Utilize the local buses in Cairans to get around affordably. Consider purchasing a Go Card for convenience and to save on fares.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be respectful when visiting places of cultural significance like the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Listen, learn, and ask permission before taking photos.
- Must-Try Foods: Don't leave without trying some local seafood like barramundi or mud crabs. For a unique taste, try kangaroo steak or crocodile sausage.
- Explore Local Markets: Visit the Cairns Night Markets or Rusty’s Market to soak in local flavors and crafts. It's a perfect spot to pick up souvenirs and fresh tropical fruits.
- Stay Sun-Safe: The sun in Cairns can be fierce. Always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially if you're spending the day outdoors.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Be mindful of your environmental impact. Stick to marked trails on hikes, avoid touching coral when snorkeling or diving, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
Cairns Australia Travel FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit Cairns, Australia?
Yes, you'll need a visa to enter Australia. Most tourists opt for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or a visitor visa, depending on their nationality. Make sure to apply well in advance of your trip to avoid any last-minute hassles.
What currency is used in Cairns?
The Australian Dollar (AUD) is the currency used throughout Australia, including Cairns. It's a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases, but credit cards are widely accepted in most places.
What should I pack for a trip to Cairns?
Given Cairns' tropical climate, lightweight and breathable clothing is essential. Include swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, and a high SPF sunscreen for protection against the sun. A rain jacket might come in handy too, especially if you're visiting during the wet season from November to May.
Do I need to speak English to visit Cairns?
While English is the official language, you'll find that many tourist areas are equipped to accommodate non-English speakers with multilingual guides and information available. However, knowing some basic English phrases will enhance your experience.
Is Cairns safe for tourists?
Cairns is generally a safe destination for tourists. Standard safety precautions apply, such as watching your belongings and staying in well-lit areas at night. Be mindful of natural hazards like strong sun, marine stingers, or crocodiles in certain areas.
Is Cairns accessible for those with disabilities?
Cairns is relatively accessible for travelers with disabilities. Public buildings, major attractions, and transportation options usually provide facilities such as ramps and accessible restrooms. It's a good idea to check with specific venues or accommodation providers in advance regarding their accessibility features.
What type of outlet is used in Cairns?
Australia uses Type I power outlets, so if you're coming from a country with different sockets, you'll need an adapter. The standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz.
What are some must-visit places in Cairns?
Don't miss the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Kuranda Scenic Railway. For a taste of local culture, explore the Cairns Esplanade and its bustling night markets.
What local food should I try in Cairns?
Seafood is a must-try in Cairns, especially the local barramundi. Also, sample some tropical fruits like mangos, bananas, and papayas, which are grown in the region.
How do I get around Cairns?
Cairns is well-serviced by a network of buses that connect the city to major attractions. Renting a car is a good option if you plan to explore more remote areas. For trips to the Great Barrier Reef, numerous boat tours are available.