Cairns Wet Season
If you’re planning a trip to Cairns, it’s important to get familiar with the ever-changing seasons of Tropical North Queensland. The city, known for its thriving, green rainforests and flowing waterfalls, didn’t earn its reputation overnight! To achieve such stunning, luscious landscapes, Cairns deals with a distinct wet season each year, complete with heavy humidity and intense rainfall.
While visiting Cairns at this time of year might sound a little unnerving, the wet season offers plenty of totally unique, tropical experiences to those who are up for the adventure.
When is the wet season in Cairns?
Wet season in Cairns stretches from November to March, with January and February typically experiencing the most rainfall.
During this time of year, visitors can expect particularly high humidity and plenty of rainfall. On the flip side, it’s also when the rainforests, waterfalls, and other natural attractions come to life!
How much does it rain in Cairns?
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Cairns experiences an average annual rainfall of around 2000mm. Most of that rainfall occurs in the wet season between January and March. Wet season also falls during Australia’s summer months, so while it experiences heavier rainfall, Cairns is also facing average temperatures of 22 to 29 degrees Celsius.
Of course, Cairns still experiences comfortable sunny days at this time of year, but being prepared for the wet, hot days is essential.
Is the wet season bad in Cairns?
While the weather isn’t as nice in Cairns during wet season compared to peak travel season, it’s by no means bad!
Heavy rainfall and higher humidity can come with some obstacles for tourists, from flooding to travel disruptions to mild discomfort. But visiting Cairns during the wet season also comes with some unique perks.
What is good about the wet season in Cairns?
The natural scenery in and around Cairns is second to none during the wet season. If you’re visiting at this time of year, you can expect vibrant, green rainforests, mighty, cascading waterfalls, and thrilling, up-close experiences with tropical wildlife.
Cairns is renowned for its beautiful natural swimming spots, and visiting during the wet season when the water is flowing and the sun is beating down makes for a dreamy experience. We recommend Crystal Cascades, Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls, Lake Eacham, and Millaa Millaa Falls.
If you’re worried about being stuck in a hot and sweaty crowd during the wet season, then you’ll be pleased to know that this is actually far more likely during peak travel season. One of the biggest perks of visiting Cairns during the wet season is that there are far fewer tourists, so crowds will be at an absolute minimum. Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, or any other landmarks in peace and at a pace that suits you!
Fewer visitors also means off-peak pricing. When booking your Cairns trip, expect cheaper flights, accommodation, and tours during the wet season.
Things to do during the wet season in Cairns
You can make the best of a wet season visit to Cairns by planning activities that suit the weather conditions. Here are some of the top activities we recommend:
Explore Daintree Rainforest
Daintree Rainforest is recognised as the oldest living rainforest on earth, and it looks its absolute best during the wet season. The lush green ferns and twisted trees come alive when they’re nourished by the rain. Take a guided tour of the famous rainforest and keep your eyes peeled for thriving wildlife like Cassowaries, lizards, and flying foxes.
Go River Rafting
One of the most thrilling activities in Cairns gets an extra adrenaline boost during the wet season. A day of white water rafting on the Tully River is guaranteed to get your heart racing, and operates year-round no matter the water or rainfall levels. Get kitted out in your helmet and lifejacket, hop on board your raft, and paddle through Grade 3 and 4 white water rafting rapids!
Dive into the Great Barrier Reef
If you’re going to get wet, you might as well do it in the Great Barrier Reef! Heavier rainfall won’t affect the visibility underwater too much, so it’s a great time to go snorkelling or scuba diving and spot some of the marine life that lives in this kaleidoscopic underwater playground! Whether you’re interested in a day tour or a liveaboard diving intensive, there’s a Great Barrier Reef excursion for you.
Chase waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands
Within the mountain ranges that surround Cairns lie a collection of magnificent, crashing waterfalls. Whether you want to take a plunge to cool off from the summer heat or simply sit back and marvel at the natural wonders, a day trip to see the waterfall wonderlands surrounding Cairns is a must. Here’s a comprehensive list of our top waterfalls in the area. Take your own car or rent a vehicle and see them all for yourself. Or, if you’re not up for driving, book an exhilarating waterfall tour on a comfortable, air conditioned bus, complete with lunch, a lively tour guide, and lots of fun!
Indoor activities in Cairns
If you’re not quite ready to face the heat - or the rain - then fear not! There are plenty of indoor activities in Cairns to keep you busy.
Uncover the diverse range of marine life thriving in the Great Barrier Reef without ever setting foot on a boat at the Cairns Aquarium or at Reef Teach. Learn about the rich culture and history of Indigenous people at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, or wander through jaw-dropping exhibitions at Cairns Art Gallery. Spend a day shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre, or find some hidden gems at Rusty’s Markets or Cairns Night Markets.
Tips for visiting during the wet season
As long as you’re well prepared, you’re bound to enjoy your tropical Cairns adventure during the wet season! Here are some of our top tips for making the most of the city at this time of year.
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Keep up to date on the weather forecast: Wet season is also a popular time of year for tropical cyclones to pass through. Staying informed about any weather warnings is essential to your safety.
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Pack for the weather conditions: That means lightweight clothes that will help you cope with the humidity, but also waterproof gear and a rain jacket for the heavy showers. Insects thrive in hot, wet weather, so make sure you don’t forget your repellent!
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Be flexible: Unpredictable weather conditions can keep tourists on their toes. If there is too much rainfall or if a storm warning rears its head, there’s a chance your tour could be postponed. Being prepared for anything will make your trip a lot more enjoyable!
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Head off on your adventures earlier in the morning: Avoid the midday heat and the afternoon showers by beginning any outdoor activities as early as possible and taking advantage of clearer conditions.
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Stay hydrated: Intense humidity means you’re pretty much guaranteed to break a sweat and tire yourself out quicker. Stay cool and hydrated throughout the day.
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Be safe on the roads: If you’re heading off on a self-driven adventure, be extra cautious on wet roads and be wary of potential flooding.
