Is Cairns Good To Visit In Winter?
Cairns is amazing to visit in winter due to the pleasant, warm weather and abundance of fun things to do! Because of its tropical climate, most outdoor activities are open year-round in Cairns. Winter is actually one of the best times for snorkelling, diving, sailing, hiking, and exploring because the weather is warm, dry, and sunny most of the time. So if you're looking for your next winter getaway in Australia, consider Cairns!
Should I Visit Cairns In Winter?
If you want a warm, tropical destination with ample opportunities for exploring reefs and rainforests, you should visit Cairns in winter! Located in Tropical North Queensland, Cairns is known for its flourishing reef sites, stunning islands, and majestic rainforests. The city itself is also packed with attractions and accommodations that draw in travellers. We're going to run through some reasons to visit Cairns in winter, because winter is the perfect time to escape the cold and hang out in beautiful Cairns for a few days.
Is Cairns nice in winter?
The winter weather in Cairns is warm, sunny, and dry, making it perfect for outdoor adventures on the Great Barrier Reef or in the surrounding rainforests. Many would consider the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring to be the best time to visit Cairns because the weather is warmer than winter and drier than summer. The summer months are the rainiest, hottest, and most humid in Cairns.
But winter temperatures in Cairns are still lovely, averaging at around 18 - 26 degrees Celsius or 64 -79 degrees Fahrenheit. The weather is still warm enough for swimming and water sports and the nights are chilly enough for a light jacket. Plus, the limited rainfall means clear skies and lots of sunshine. So pack some warmer layers and enjoy the gorgeous winter weather in Cairns!
Can you visit the Great Barrier Reef in winter?
One of the best things to do in Cairns is visit the Great Barrier Reef, and snorkelling and diving here are fantastic in winter! Though the water may feel a bit cooler than in summer, most Great Barrier Reef tours provide wetsuits to keep you warm while exploring the underwater world. Plus, stinger season in Queensland ends in May, meaning you can safely swim without any wetsuit or stinger suit during winter.
The lighter rainfall in winter also means clearer seas with more visibility, creating excellent diving conditions. Clear weather is also perfect for sailing, so book that epic Great Barrier Reef sailing or diving tour and have a blast on the reef in winter!
Explore the Great Barrier Reef with these popular day tours!
Whale season in Cairns
Another reason to visit Cairns in winter is the presence of whales on the Great Barrier Reef! Starting in May each year, thousands of whales migrate from Antarctica up to Tropical North Queensland where they can breed and raise their young in the warm, calm waters. So between May and September every year, the ocean around Cairns is filled with whales!
When you book a Great Barrier Reef boat tour or private charter during whale season, you can potentially spot whales while you're out on the water. Though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, the chance of seeing whales at sea adds an element of magic and excitement to your Cairns trip.
Affordable tours, attractions, and accommodation
Planning a trip to Cairns in winter can also be affordable! Though winter weather is pristine in Cairns, it's still considered the off-season for travel. May, June, July, and August are generally less crowded in tourist destinations around Australia (with the exception of school holidays in July).
With the drop in tourism that winter brings comes often discounted tours, attractions, and accommodations. You can score amazing travel deals around Australia in winter, including cheap flights, budget accommodations, and discounts on tours. So if you visit Cairns in winter, you might spend less money than you would in peak tourist season.
When is the best time to visit Cairns?
Many would argue that spring and autumn are the best time to visit Cairns because of the ideal weather and cheaper prices compared to summer. But winter has its perks as well, and you can arguably find even cheaper prices in winter than in spring or autumn. If you're someone who doesn't love the heat, you will love the warm, pleasant winter temperatures in Cairns. Plus you can have a wonderful adventure full of outdoor activities on the reef and in the rainforest, and you may even spot whales while you're out on the water! So there are lots of reasons to visit Cairns in winter, though this magical tourist town can really be enjoyed year-round.
