June In Cairns
June is a gorgeous month to visit Cairns because of the dry, sunny weather and the end of the stinger season in Tropical North Queensland! So you can swim and snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef without a stinger suit. Plus, with winter beginning in Cairns, you can enjoy sunny, warm days with clear skies. It's also whale season on the Great Barrier Reef! So get ready for pleasant weather and crystal-clear oceans full of wildlife.
Here is everything you need to know about visiting Cairns in June!
What is the weather like in Cairns in June?
The weather in Cairns in June is warm and sunny during the day, with slightly cooler temperatures at night. Because Cairns has a tropical climate, it never gets too cold even though June is the start of winter. You may want a light jacket for the mild mornings and nights, but most days during June in Cairns are warm, clear, and dry. Humidity is low and it generally only rains for a few days out of the whole month. June is an amazing time to visit Cairns if you don't like the thick, tropical heat and humidity of the rainy season.
Overview of June in Cairns Temperatures
- Average daily temperature: 24 °C or 75 °F
- Average daily high: 26 °C or 78 °F
- Average daily low: 18 °C or 65 °F
Is it warm enough to swim in Cairns in June?
June provides excellent conditions for swimming in Cairns, with its warm, sunny days and comfortable water temperature. The ocean around Cairns in June hovers at around 25°C (77°F), so it just depends on your personal preferences if you're warm enough to swim!
June is the start of winter in Cairns, so those who are used to the warm weather may find it a bit chilly for swimming. In that case, most Great Barrier Reef tours provide wetsuits to keep you warm. But for people who live in more temperate climates, the weather and ocean temperature in Cairns will still feel very warm, in which case you'll have a blast swimming in Cairns in June!
Can you go to the Great Barrier Reef in June?
June is part of peak season for visiting the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns! That's because stinger season and rainy season are officially over, meaning you can explore the waters safely without a stinger suit. June is also the beginning of whale season, so there is a chance of spotting these majestic giants on your day trips and liveaboards on the Great Barrier Reef.
June also has clear, sunny, and dry weather, providing ideal conditions for sailing trips and island tours. With its dreamy weather, comfortable warmth, blue skies, and clear oceans, June is an amazing time to visit the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns.
See the best of the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns!
Can you swim in Cairns in June?
You can safely swim in the ocean in Cairns in June because stinger season is over! Stinger Season in Tropical North Queensland runs from November to May, so June through October is when you can safely swim in the sea without any harmful jellyfish. And of course, you can swim in the waterfalls and public swimming pools of Cairns year-round, as these places are not affected by stinger season!
What's On In Cairns in June
June in Cairns sees a fluctuation of quiet and busy periods, which is perfect for all types of travellers. If you want to have a more tranquil experience with a lack of crowds, visit in mid-June. There are no holidays at this time so you can usually score a more quiet atmosphere, especially if you visit mid-week! The Cairns Ironman race is over a weekend in mid-June, which may bring some crowds to the city.
Otherwise, the beginning and end of June may see an uptick in tourism. Some states, like NSW, TAS, VIC, SA, and NT, have a long weekend in early June for the King's Birthday. This long weekend can see a rush of domestic travellers heading into Cairns. The Cairns Ecofiesta is also at the beginning of June! Some states also have their winter school holidays starting at the end of June, so this can be a busy time to visit Cairns.
Top Tips For June in Cairns
Here are some helpful tips for planning your adventures in Cairns in June!
Pack some warmer clothes
Though Cairns is a tropical destination, the cooler nights and mornings in June can catch some travellers off guard! Be sure to pack some warmer clothes so you're prepared. You don't need a heavy winter coat, but a light jacket and some pants for the evenings will come in handy. Especially if you're out on a boat tour at sunset or in the morning with a bit of ocean breeze, you'll want to stay warm.
Keep your eyes peeled for whales on the Great Barrier Reef
Whale season in Cairns begins in June, so you might get to see some whales on the Great Barrier Reef! Both Humpback whales and Dwarf minke whales make an appearance in Cairns at this time of year, so bring your binoculars or zoom camera lenses and keep an eye out while you're at sea. There are no organised whale watching tours in Cairns, but you can increase your chances of seeing whales by spending more time on the reef with liveaboards and extended dive trips.
Book in advance during school holidays
With school holidays kicking off at the end of June, Cairns can get busy! That means accommodations, tours, private charters, car rentals, and even dinner reservations can fill up quickly, so you'll want to plan your holidays in advance. I would also try to book in advance for the beginning of June due to the long weekend in other surrounding states.
Is June a good time to visit Cairns?
June is an amazing time to visit Cairns because stinger season has ended, whale season has started, and the weather is warm, sunny, and dry. The rainforests, islands, reefs, and beaches are all stunning, and any Cairns activities can be enjoyable at this time of year. With lovely weather, not too many crowds, and an abundance of fun things to do, Cairns in June is a dream!
