August In Cairns
August is an amazing time to visit Cairns because the weather is warm and dry, it's whale season, it's NOT stinger season, and the July school holiday crowds have dropped off. Cairns in August has fewer crowds, affordable prices, crystal clear oceans filled with marine life, and pleasant weather. It's arguably one of the best months for outdoor adventures in Cairns!
So whether you want to see whales on the Great Barrier Reef, go road-tripping or hiking in the rainforests, or just enjoy the delights of the city centre, August is a lovely time to do it all.
Here is everything you need to know for visiting Cairns in August!
What is the weather like in Cairns in August?
The weather in Cairns in August is hot during the day, warm or cool at night, and very dry. August is the end of winter in Cairns, so temperatures are slightly warmer than July and the days are starting to get a bit hotter. But even in the mornings and evenings when the temperatures drop to around 18 °C or 64 °F, it never gets too cold because Cairns has a tropical climate.
Overview of August in Cairns Temperatures
- Average daily temperature: 22 °C or 72 °F
- Average daily high: 26 °C or 80 °F
- Average daily low: 18 °C or 64 °F
Does it rain in Cairns in August?
August is one of the driest months in Cairns, with an average of only 4 rainy days throughout the whole month. This provides optimal conditions for outdoor adventures like sailing on the Great Barrier Reef, skydiving, scenic flights, or hiking in the surrounding rainforest. So though there may be a handful of rainy days in August, you'll likely have mostly clear skies throughout the month.
Take advantage of the dry weather in Cairns with these activities!
Can you swim in Cairns in August?
You can safely swim in the oceans around Cairns in August because it's not stinger season! Stinger Season in Tropical North Queensland runs from November to May, so the winter months are safe for swimming or snorkelling in the ocean. In August, the average ocean temperature around Cairns is roughly 24°C or 75°F. Though you don't need to worry about jellyfish in the ocean in August, wetsuits may still be provided on your Great Barrier Reef tours if you want some extra warmth.
Can you visit the Great Barrier Reef in August?
August is a great time for diving and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef near Cairns. The low rainfall brings increased visibility under the surface and clear skies for sailing tours and scenic flights over the reef. The water temperature is at its lowest, but it's still much warmer than other locations in Australia that are further south!
Because Australian school holidays end in July, August generally means fewer crowds on the reef as well. So your day trips, liveaboards and island tours will likely be uncrowded, which adds an extra layer of serenity to being out on the Coral Sea.
What's On In Cairns In August
August is relatively light in terms of events in Cairns, which is perfect for those who prefer a quieter experience in the city. The Great Pyramid Race at the beginning of August is held in Gordonvale south of Cairns and is popular among runners. The Cairns Festival at the end of August has lots of cool performances, art installations, and more. Those are the main two events in August in Cairns!
Winter school holidays end in July, so the level of domestic travellers to Cairns often drops off in August. However, August is prime travel time for countries in the northern Hemisphere, as many people are on summer holidays. So there may be an influx of international travellers! But overall, August is one of the quieter months in Cairns with lower prices and crowds, so it's a peaceful time to visit.
Top Tips For August in Cairns
Here are some tips to help you plan your August adventures in Cairns!
It's still whale season on the Great Barrier Reef
Whale season in Cairns generally runs from late May until September. So during a multiday liveaboard or private charter on the Great Barrier Reef, there is a good chance of seeing whales in August! You may also spot whales on reef day tours, though you have a better chance of seeing them on longer trips where you have multiple days at sea. Humpback whales are common to see in August, though the last Dwarf minke whale sightings of the season are usually in July.
Pack a few warm clothes
Though winter is coming to an end and the daily temperatures are getting warmer, the nights and early mornings are still chilly in August in Cairns. So don't forget to pack some warmer clothes even though Cairns is a tropical destination! If you're on a Great Barrier Reef liveaboard, enjoying the nightlife in Cairns after dark, or doing some early morning hikes, you'll be glad to have an extra layer to stay warm.
Is August a good time to visit Cairns?
August is an amazing time to visit Cairns for pleasant winter weather, low crowds, and great visibility on the Great Barrier Reef. The days are often dry and sunny, giving you ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Winter also brings whales to the Great Barrier Reef, and there are no stingers so you can safely swim or snorkel without a stinger suit. August generally has lower crowds and therefore great prices on accommodations, tours, private charters, and other activities around Cairns. So start planning your trip to the tropics this winter!
