December In Cairns
December in Cairns is hot, lively, and full of amazing things to do! Marking the start of summer in Australia, December brings increased heat and humidity to Tropical North Queensland. The rainy season begins, though there is still a good chance of several glorious sunny days in Cairns. It's also holiday season, which means there are fun local events and an influx of visitors to Cairns. The streets are full of energy and the natural beauty beckons!
Our travel guide to Cairns in December will include tips about weather, local events, holidays, and conditions for outdoor adventures. Hopefully we can help you prepare for your December vacation in the Queensland tropics, an undoubtedly gorgeous part of Australia.
Finish off the year with a bang and start planning your trip to Cairns in December!
What is the weather like in Cairns in December?
The weather in Cairns in December can only be described as tropical! It's hot, humid, sometimes sunny, and sometimes rainy. The wet season kicks off at the end of November, but January and February are the rainiest months. So December often has plenty of dry, sunny days, particularly at the beginning of the month.
December is also the start of summer, meaning temperatures are some of the hottest of the year. But the tropical heat is one of the things to love about Cairns, especially if you're coming from a colder climate elsewhere in the world. You won't need to pack any heavy layers, even for the nights and mornings. Just make sure you have plenty of sun protection for your outdoor excursions around Cairns!
Overview of December in Cairns Temperatures
- Average daily temperature: 31 °C or 88 °F
- Average daily high: 28 °C or 82 °F
- Average daily low: 24 °C or 75 °F
Can you swim in Cairns in December?
You can safely swim in Cairns in December if you wear a stinger suit in the ocean or stick to freshwater swimming spots. Stinger season in Tropical North Queensland runs from November to May, so December is one of the months where harmful jellyfish may be present in the ocean.
But it's not that hard to stay safe during stinger season, and you can still enjoy the Great Barrier Reef! Most reef tours provide full-body stinger suits that will keep your skin protected from the tiny marine stingers, so you can snorkel, swim, and dive to your heart's content. Some mainland beaches also have stinger nets for an extra layer of protection.
Is it good to visit Great Barrier Reef in December?
The Great Barrier Reef is stunning year-round! Though December is the start of the rainy season, you can still book incredible excursions to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Cairns has overnight liveaboards, scenic flights, dive courses and sailing tours that allow you to admire the natural beauty and marine life of the Coral Sea.
And even if there is rain on the mainland, there may not be rain all the way out on the Great Barrier Reef! Plus, scuba diving and snorkelling are often still incredible despite the weather up above. So December is still a good time to visit the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns.
Explore the best of the Great Barrier Reef near Cairns!
What's On In Cairns In December
December is a busy month in Cairns thanks to summer school holidays, Christmas, and New Years Eve. Exact school holiday dates may vary around Australian states, but most of them occur in the second half of December. And of course, public holidays and the exciting New Years Eve are at the end of the month as well. So the end of December often brings lots of families and holiday travellers to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef!
Top Tips For December in Cairns
Don't swim without a stinger suit, or choose freshwater swimming spots
As December is stinger season in Cairns, it's so important to wear a stinger suit in the ocean! Great Barrier Reef tours will always be well-versed in stinger safety and the stinger suits are provided, so you're in good hands. But don't go for a swim on the mainland beaches unless you have hired a suit. You can escape the heat safely by opting for freshwater waterfalls and streams, or cooling off in the beautiful Cairns Esplanade Lagoon.
Book in advance during school holidays and public holidays
With so many holidays bringing a wave of happy travellers to Cairns, it's important to plan your trip in advance! Especially if you're hoping to book the most popular tours, hotels, and restaurants, it's a good idea to make your reservations early. You don't want to avoid missing out! However, you can also keep your eyes peeled for last minute availabilities, which sometimes come with discounts.
Have some flexibility to account for the weather
Because the rainy season in Cairns starts to pick up in December, there is a chance of some overcast or stormy days. But don't let this deter you from visiting Cairns! December is one of the drier months in the rainy season, so there is still a large chance of sunny days. Just try to have flexibility with your outdoor tours on the Great Barrier Reef or islands so you can choose the nicer days for your trips. There are also plenty of rainy day activities in Cairns to enjoy if there are some storms!
Is December a good time to visit Cairns?
December is a good time to visit Cairns if you want the hustle and bustle of the holidays plus the vibrant warmth of summer! Christmas and New Years brings lots of themed events, outdoor markets, and family-friendly celebrations to Cairns, infusing the city with a heartwarming atmosphere.
Though summer in Queensland often coincides with humidity and some rain, the tropical heat is refreshing with the right attitude! Outdoor adventures to the rainforest, waterfalls, reefs, and islands around Cairns are lovely in December, so don't hesitate to plan your summer trip to the tropics!
