January In Cairns
January in Cairns has hot, humid, and sometimes rainy weather, and it falls at the end of the peak holiday season in Australia, so it's an affordable time to visit. Cairns, located in Tropical North Queensland, is a gorgeous place to visit year-round. But it's a good idea to be prepared for each month in the city so you can plan your trip.
Here is all you need to know about visiting Cairns in January!
What is the weather like in January in Cairns?
January weather in Cairns is hot and humid, with frequent rainfall in the afternoons. You can still have a decent amount of bright, sunny days, but be prepared for rain at any time. This also means the humidity is quite high, but this is normal for Cairns as it has a tropical climate! Australia's tropics have high temperatures and humidity which facilitate the growth of lush rainforests and tropical flora and fauna.
The temperature is warm in the mornings and evenings, and hot during the day. You'll never need to pack a jacket for January in Cairns!
Overview of January in Cairns Temperatures
- Average daily temperature: 27 °C or 82 °F
- Average daily high: 32 °C or 89 °F
- Average daily low: 24 °C or 75 °F
Does it rain a lot in January in Cairns?
January is right in the peak of the rainy season in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland. Though it probably won't rain every single day and you will likely see the sun, expect rain showers in the afternoons most days. Rainy season in Cairns generally runs from December to March, with January and February being the wettest months.
So if you're visiting Cairns in January, try to front-load your activities and sightseeing in the mornings so you can escape the likely afternoon shower. Or check out this list of the best things to do in Cairns on a rainy day, or prioritise adventure sports that are fun in the rain like canyoning or river rafting!
Is it worth visiting the Great Barrier Reef in January?
You can definitely visit the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns in January! Just remember to wear a stinger suit while swimming, snorkelling, or diving. Stinger Season in Far North Queensland runs from November to May, and this is when marine stingers (jellyfish) inhabit the oceans. It's still safe to swim around Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, you'll just want to wear a lycra stinger suit. Most Great Barrier Reef tours provide these for free!
Great Barrier Reef Tours from Cairns
As for visibility on the Great Barrier Reef in January, it is usually excellent! Tropical storms may create runoff and debris near the shore, but out on the reef the rainy season makes for lots of marine life activity. This is also a cheap time to book reef tours, especially towards the end of January as the holiday crowds start to disperse.
Is it worth visiting the Cairns rainforests in January?
January is actually an excellent time to head into the rainforests around Cairns. Increased rainfall makes the waterfalls flow like crazy, which is a super cool sight to see! Day trips into the Atherton Tablelands and other nearby Cairns waterfalls are fun when it's a bit overcast and humid, as the falls are stunning no matter what the weather. Plus, the cool, fresh water is the perfect place to escape the summer heat in the tropics.
However, heavy rains can sometimes cause road closures on the way up to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. So just be sure to check local weather alerts if you're exploring the rainforests around Cairns in January.
What's On In Cairns in January
January in Cairns marks the end of the Christmas season and the start of the New Year! Most people are still on holidays, meaning the beginning of January can be a popular time to visit. There are often New Year's Eve events around Cairns, so be sure to book your accommodations and tours in advance before everything sells out. Note that some tours and hotels may have public holiday surcharges for New Year's Day.
Other than ringing in the New Year, you can enjoy more celebrations in Cairns at the end of January with the Chinese Lunar New Year. There are often festivals, markets, and parades around Cairns to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. As January comes to an end, peak tourist season is also ending so you can score cheap deals on tours and accommodations.
Top Tips For January in Cairns
If you are planning to visit Cairns in January, here are some important things to know!
Prioritise sun protection
January is the middle of summer in Cairns, so sun protection is key. Even if it's an overcast or rainy day, the sun can still poke through the clouds and cause a sunburn. Always wear a hat, sunnies, and reef-safe SPF sunscreen and re-apply after swimming or snorkelling. Don't forget to stay hydrated as well!
Be flexible
As January falls in the rainy season, it's important to be flexible with your plans. You never know what the weather will do at any time of year, but there is a higher chance of rain in January. It's a good idea to spend at least a few days in Cairns so you have time to reschedule tours and activities if necessary.
Use a stinger suit or swim in freshwater locations
January in Cairns is still part of the stinger season, so just make sure you avoid swimming in the ocean without a stinger suit. These will be provided on any Great Barrier Reef tours, and there are lots of Cairns mainland beaches with stinger nets or freshwater swimming spots where you can cool off safely.
