Weather in Cairns

Planning your day in Cairns? Check out the latest weather information and detailed forecasts presented below to make your journey as comfortable as possible.

The climate of Cairns can be described as tropical, guaranteeing travellers warm weather throughout the year. There is no sharp change of four seasons familiar to many regions here; instead, the climatic rhythm is set by two main periods: the hot wet season and the milder, comfortable dry season. Thanks to stable temperatures, which even in the coolest months average around 20°C, the city creates a feeling of eternal summer.

The wet season, lasting roughly from December to March, is distinguished by high humidity and frequent rainfall — for example, in January the number of rainy days can reach 24. In contrast, the period from June to October is considered the "dry season" and is often a favourite among tourists. At this time, rain becomes a rarity (about 8–9 wet days per month), and the air becomes fresher and more pleasant, which is ideal for exploring Australia's nature and relaxing on the coast.

The climate in Cairns is characterised by stable heat throughout the year, making it a classic representative of the tropical zone of Australia. The hottest months fall during the local summer: January and February. At this time, the average temperature holds at 26°C, while daily highs regularly reach 28°C. Nights during this period also remain very warm, practically never cooling below 24°C, creating an atmosphere of eternal summer.

The winter season, which lasts from June to August, can only be called winter here nominally. This time of year brings pleasant coolness, but certainly not cold. July is considered the coolest month with an average temperature of around 20.3°C. During the day, the air warms up to a comfortable 22°C, and night-time minimums rarely drop below 18.4°C. Such mild weather is ideal for long walks and excursions, as the exhausting heat recedes.

A characteristic feature of Cairns' temperature regime is the very small amplitude of fluctuations between day and night figures. The difference between the maximum and minimum during the day is usually only 3–4 degrees. This means that tourists are unlikely to need warm clothes: the stable and even climate allows you to enjoy your holiday in light clothing during any month of the year.

The climate of Cairns is determined by its tropical location, so precipitation here falls exclusively as rain, and snow never occurs. Throughout the year, a change of seasons is clearly traceable: a wet summer and a drier winter. Travellers should consider this cycle when planning trips to the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics.

The rainy season usually lasts from the end of the year to the beginning of autumn. The "wettest" months are January, February, and March. According to statistics, in January rains can occur up to 24 days a month, making this period the wettest of the year. Precipitation at this time often takes the form of warm tropical downpours.

The dry season, which is considered the most comfortable for tourism, falls in the period from June to October. At this time, the number of rainy days is reduced to a minimum — on average about 8–10 days a month. There is particularly little rainfall in August and September, when the weather becomes the clearest and most stable.

Since Cairns is located in a tropical climate zone, the basis of your wardrobe should be light clothing made from natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen. In the summer period, which coincides here with the rainy season (from December to March), humidity rises, and precipitation falls quite often — up to 24 rainy days a month. During this time, be sure to put a light raincoat or compact umbrella in your suitcase, as well as several sets of quick-drying clothes.

If you are planning a trip in the dry season (from June to August), when the air temperature becomes slightly lower, it is worth using the principle of layering. During the day, you will be comfortable in a t-shirt and shorts, but for evening walks or sea excursions where it might be windy, a light jacket, windbreaker, or jumper will come in handy. Temperatures in these months rarely drop below +18°C, but the coolness is felt more strongly on the water.

Don't forget about comfortable shoes: sandals are suitable for the city and the beach, while closed trainers with non-slip soles will be required for hiking in national parks and tropical forests. The sun in Australia is very active year-round, so sunscreen with a high SPF factor, a wide-brimmed hat, and quality sunglasses are essential items.