Weather in Cooktown

To ensure your trip goes perfectly, check the current weather forecast for Cooktown. Below, you will find the latest weather updates and easy-to-read charts.

Cooktown welcomes travellers with a warm tropical climate, creating a sense of eternal summer. The weather in this picturesque corner of Australia offers stable warmth all year round: even during the "coolest" winter months (June and July), the average temperature hovers around a comfortable +22...+23°C, while in the height of summer, the thermometer confidently rises above +30°C.

The city's climatic rhythm is defined by the alternation of wet and dry seasons. The rainy season arrives from December to March: the number of days with precipitation increases significantly, bringing high humidity and brief but intense tropical downpours. During this time, nature is fully saturated with moisture, and air temperatures reach their annual peaks.

Many consider the dry season, which lasts roughly from May to October, to be the most favourable time to visit. During these months, rain becomes a rarity, the sky delights with its clarity, and the heat subsides, giving way to mild and pleasant warmth. The stable sunny weather during this period is ideal for excursions and exploring the region's attractions.

The climate in Cooktown is characterised by stable warmth throughout the year, which is typical for Australia's tropical regions. The hottest period falls during the local summer months — from December to February. At this time, the average air temperature holds at 27.5°C – 28°C, while daytime highs regularly exceed 31°C. The summer heat is often accompanied by high humidity, as these months account for the highest number of rainy days.

Winter, which lasts from June to August in the Southern Hemisphere, brings welcome freshness but remains very mild and pleasant. This time of year can be called ideal for travel: the exhausting heat subsides, giving way to comfortable temperatures. Even in July, considered the coolest month, the thermometer rises to 25°C during the day, with average readings around 22.5°C. Nights during this period remain warm, with minimums around 20°C, so tourists hardly need warm clothing.

A characteristic feature of the weather in Cooktown is the insignificant temperature difference between day and night — the variation is usually only 5–7 degrees. Transition seasons, such as spring (October-November) and autumn (April-May), also delight with warmth: average values vary from 24°C to 27°C. Thanks to such a steady temperature regime, the city is hospitable to travellers year-round, offering a choice between a hot tropical summer and a velvet winter season.

Precipitation in Cooktown is distributed unevenly throughout the year, which is typical for a climate with a distinct division into wet and dry seasons. The wettest period falls during the Australian summer and early autumn: it rains very frequently from December to March. The absolute peak for precipitation frequency is January, when about 25 rainy days are recorded, so travellers should be prepared for high humidity during this time.

The dry season arrives in the winter months and lasts approximately from June to October. This is generally the most favourable time to visit the region, as the likelihood of prolonged rains is minimal. In the period from July to September, the number of days with precipitation drops to 6 per month, and the volume becomes quite insignificant.

Transition periods, such as April, are characterised by a gradual decrease in precipitation, whereas in November, the frequency of rain begins to increase again, heralding the imminent start of the wet season. Given the region's warm climate, all precipitation falls exclusively as rain; snow never occurs here.

Cooktown is distinguished by a warm tropical climate all year round, so the basis of your luggage should consist of light items made from natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen. Since the sun in Australia is very intense, be sure to pack a wide-brimmed hat, high-quality sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 50+). T-shirts, shorts, and summer sundresses will be appropriate in any season, as even in the "coldest" months, the temperature rarely drops below +20°C.

When planning your trip, it is important to consider the seasonality of precipitation. If you are travelling in summer or early autumn (from December to March), be prepared for the wet season: it rains often, so a light raincoat, mac, or compact umbrella will become indispensable helpers. Winter (from June to August) is dry and comfortable here, ideal for walking. For winter evenings, when a fresh breeze may blow from the ocean, it is worth bringing a light cardigan, hoodie, or windbreaker, but you definitely won't need heavy jackets.

For exploring city attractions and nature trails, be sure to take comfortable closed shoes, such as trainers or light trekking boots. Also, don't forget swimwear for a beach holiday and a reliable insect repellent, which will be especially useful on humid and warm days. The principle of layering in clothing will be useful to quickly adapt to weather changes from sunny heat to sudden tropical downpours.