April In Cairns
April in Cairns is considered shoulder season, when the heat and rains of summer subside and the gorgeous weather of the dry season begins! It's one of the best times to visit Cairns, as the dry season brings warm temperatures, clear skies, lighter humidity, and amazing conditions for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest. April also has Easter Long Weekend and Anzac Day, so it's an especially festive time to visit Cairns.
Here is everything you need to know about visiting Cairns in April!
What is the weather like in Cairns in April?
April has warm, pleasant temperatures and mostly dry, sunny weather, making it one of the best months to visit Cairns! January, February, and March are the rainy season in Cairns, with March being the end of the wettest months. By April, the dry season starts and brings less humidity and clear skies.
April is also the middle of autumn in Australia. Though Cairns has a tropical climate, you will notice a slight shift in temperatures in April. The heat starts to subside a bit, bringing much more comfortable weather that is hot but not scorching. Many consider April to have some of the best weather in Cairns!
Overview of April in Cairns Temperatures
- Average daily temperature: 25 °C or 77 °F
- Average daily high: 28 °C or 82 °F
- Average daily low: 22 °C or 72 °F
What to wear in Cairns in April
When planning what to wear in April in Cairns, sun protection and comfort are key. The weather will likely be sunny and hot during the day, with a bit of humidity. April doesn't have the intense heat or humidity of summer, but it definitely still gets hot. Wear comfy, breathable clothes during the day in light materials like cotton or linen. Summer clothes are ideal, but also think about sun protection. If you're not wearing long pants and shirts, be sure to have a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
In the mornings and evenings, the temperatures can drop to the low 20s Celsius (70s Fahrenheit). So it will still be warm, but you may want a light jacket if you're out and about or out on the water. And be sure to pack a swimsuit for all those snorkelling trips, waterfall swims, and beach days!
Is the Great Barrier Reef good in April?
April is one of the best months to visit the Great Barrier Reef, as the rainy season has ended but the peak season crowds may not have picked up yet. There is often incredible clarity at the reef sites around Cairns, so you have a good chance of spotting some marine life. The water temperature will still be warm from the heat of summer, making diving on the Great Barrier Reef extra comfortable. But in reality, there is no bad time to visit the Great Barrier Reef!
Explore the Great Barrier Reef with these popular day tours!
Can you swim in Cairns in April?
Yes, you can swim in Cairns in April! Just remember that it is Stinger Season, so you should always wear a stinger suit while diving on the reef or choose to swim in freshwater locations instead. Between November and May every year, the oceans around Tropical North Queensland are home to some jellyfish that can be harmful to humans. But they are tiny, and a lycra stinger suit will protect your skin against these little marine stingers. Great Barrier Reef tours will provide stinger suits during April and the rest of stinger season so you can enjoy the reef with no hassle.
What's On In Cairns in April
April is a busy month in Cairns! There are a few public holidays, where residents will have work off and visitors will be ready to make the most of their time in Cairns. Easter is in mid-April, and there is a long weekend which is the perfect time to go on some long adventures in Cairns like road trips, Great Barrier Reef liveaboards, or trips up to the Daintree Rainforest. Anzac Day is also at the end of April, so there will be a Dawn Service and parade in Cairns. Just remember that some tours may incur public holiday surcharges if you choose to travel on one of these holidays!
Top Tips For April in Cairns
Here are some top tips for planning your trip to Cairns in April!
Remember it's still stinger season
Stinger Season in Cairns ends in May, so you should still wear a stinger suit while swimming in the ocean around Cairns in April. You can also seek out mainland beaches around Cairns that have stinger nets, or just choose to swim in freshwater swimming spots like local waterfalls or the Cairns Lagoon. Either way, just be responsible while swimming in the ocean to keep yourself safe!
Book in advance (especially during the Easter holidays)
With lots of holidays in April, Cairns can get busy at this time of year. You'll want to book tours, accommodations, and flights as far in advance as you can! It's a popular time to visit Cairns because of the gorgeous weather, so many attractions may sell out or jack up the prices if you wait too long. Save yourself some money and hassle and book your trip to Cairns in April in advance.
Rainy season is over, but still be prepared for a few showers
Though April marks the beginning of the dry season in Cairns, there may still be some showers. Like anywhere in the world, weather is not always predictable! But at this time of year, the showers will likely be in the afternoon or evening. You may want to pack an umbrella or rain jacket just in case, or plan your daily activities earlier in the day so you can hibernate in a cafe, bar, or restaurant if it rains in the evening.
Is April good to visit Cairns?
April is one of the best months to visit Cairns, thanks to the pleasant weather of the shoulder season and the vibrant local holidays. With the rain, heat, and humidity of summer decreasing, April is when Cairns really shows off its amazing tropical weather. All of the area's best activities are fabulous in April, from touring offshore islands, to exploring Kuranda, to spending multiple days on the Great Barrier Reef, to kicking back in the city and sightseeing. Just remember to book in advance and be aware of any public holiday surcharges in April!
