February In Cairns
February in Cairns is hot, humid, and often rainy, but it's still gorgeous and actually the cheapest time to visit! As it's right in the midst of the off-season, February is the most affordable time to visit Cairns, and it's a great time for escaping the crowds and immersing yourself in the tropical reefs and rainforests. So don't let the potential rainfall scare you, February is still a fabulous time to visit Cairns.
Here is all you need to know about visiting Cairns in February!
What is the weather like in February in Cairns?
Cairns weather in February is hot and humid with mild nights and frequent showers. Temperatures are generally pleasant in the mornings and evenings, with average daily temperatures of around 27 °C or 81 °F. Sun protection is key during the heat of the day, and packing is easy for February in Cairns because it never gets cold!
February is right at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn in Australia. But because Cairns has a tropical climate, the weather stays warm year-round. February marks the end of the rainy season, so by the end of the month, you should see the humidity and rainfall start to decrease.
Overview of February in Cairns Temperatures
- Average daily temperature: 27 °C or 81 °F
- Average daily high: 31 °C or 88 °F
- Average daily low: 24 °C or 75 °F
How much rain does Cairns get in February?
February is one of the wettest months in Cairns, with afternoon rain showers generally occurring for at least half of the month. The rainy season in Cairns runs from December to March, with January and February usually seeing the most rainfall. However, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy Cairns in February!
These Cairns activities are amazing in rain or shine!
First of all, the rainy season makes the rainforests around Cairns extra luscious, as it's sometimes called "green season". Fill your days with waterfall swims and water sports like canyoning or river rafting to make the most of the wet season. Or try some of these fun things to do in Cairns on a rainy day.
Secondly, most rain in February occurs in the afternoon or overnight. So you can still enjoy outdoor exploration in the morning. And there is still a chance of gorgeous, sunny days, so just be flexible and check the weather daily to plan your itinerary accordingly.
What is the weather like in February on the Great Barrier Reef?
February is a fantastic time to visit the Great Barrier Reef because of the cheap prices, low crowds, and ever-changing weather. Though February is the rainy season in Cairns, storms over the mainland don't always reach the Outer Reef. So on a stormy day in Cairns, take a boat out to the Great Barrier Reef and you may find clear skies! Plus, February is off-season, meaning you can often book reef tours for cheap prices and enjoy fewer crowds at the reef sites.
Can you swim in Cairns in February?
You can swim at the reef sites and beaches in Cairns in February, but it is important to be mindful of the Stinger Season. Between November and May every year, all of the oceans around Tropical North Queensland have lots of marine stingers (jellyfish), so make sure you take precautions! That just means wearing a stinger suit or swimming at beaches with stinger nets. Great Barrier Reef tours will always provide stinger suits for snorkelling or diving on the reef at this time of year.
Is it worth visiting the Cairns rainforests in February?
February is an amazing time to visit the rainforests around Cairns. You can see thundering waterfalls that are pumping from the increased rainfall, and the vegetation is exceptionally lush and green. It's also the perfect time to swim in the waterfalls and natural swimming holes because of the hot weather and the safety of the fresh water (no stingers!). Just be wary of road closures and floods during heavy rains, especially on the remote roads going up to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Check the local weather alerts and you should be fine!
What's On In Cairns in February
February is off-season in Cairns, so it's a relatively quiet month that is perfect for scoring cheap deals! Budget travellers looking for the cheapest prices on hotels, lodges, flights, and activities around Cairns should consider visiting in February to save money. Valentine's Day also falls on February 14th, making this a fabulous time to head up to the tropics and enjoy a romantic getaway. Remember that local restaurants will fill up quickly on Valentine's Day so make a reservation in advance!
Top Tips For February in Cairns
Here are some top tips for planning your February trip to Cairns!
Use a stinger suit or swim in freshwater locations
As mentioned previously, February is still Stinger Season in Cairns and all of northern Queensland. To stay safe in the ocean and protect your skin against jellyfish, always wear a stinger suit! If you're going to swim at any Cairns mainland beaches, make sure you only swim where there is a stinger net, and still wear a suit just in case. Or opt for freshwater swimming spots and swimming pools like the Cairns Lagoon!
Check local weather alerts and have some flexibility
Because there is a higher chance of rain in February, it's important to be flexible with your plans and check the weather daily. Having at least a few days in Cairns is ideal so you can alter your plans if necessary. You'll definitely want to see both the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforests in Cairns, plus have some downtown to enjoy the city. So having flexibility and awareness about the weather is essential for having a fun adventure.
Is February a good time to go to Cairns?
February is the perfect time to visit Cairns if you want cheap deals, fewer crowds, and you don't mind a little rain or humidity. Those who visit Cairns in February may be pleasantly surprised at the weather because it doesn't always rain as often as people say! Especially towards the end of the month, rain starts to subside and you'll get to enjoy the reefs and rainforests with beautiful weather and no crowds.
So whether you want a budget-friendly trip, a romantic Valentine's Day getaway, or a fun adventure into the lush rainforests, February is an amazing time to visit Cairns!
