March In Cairns
March in Cairns is a great time for rainforest exploration, affordable prices, and fewer crowds on the Great Barrier Reef. It marks the end of summer, meaning temperatures will start to drop slightly and the rain will start to diminish by the end of the month. Rainforests and waterfalls will be incredible thanks to all the rain from the previous months, and the peak season crowds won't yet trickle into the city. So you can have an amazing trip to Cairns in March without many crowds.
Here is everything you need to know about visiting Cairns in March!
What is the weather like in March in Cairns?
March falls at the end of the rainy season in Cairns, so rain is still likely but it may not be as wet as January or February. In terms of temperatures, the intense heat of summer starts to subside and you'll start to find a little relief from the heat and humidity of peak summer season.
Cairns has a tropical climate, so although March is technically autumn in Australia, the weather very much still feels like summer! Expect hot days, warm nights, potential showers in the evenings, and some glorious sunny days throughout the month.
Overview of March in Cairns Temperatures
- Average daily temperature: 27 °C or 81 °F
- Average daily high: 30 °C or 86 °F
- Average daily low: 23 °C or 73 °F
What is the average rainfall in Cairns in March?
Though March is the end of the rainy season in Cairns, it's still one of the wettest months for Tropical North Queensland. So be prepared for some showers! But most rain showers at this time occur in the afternoons, evenings, or overnight. So you can try to beat the rain by planning your outdoor adventures for the mornings.
But March does still have the potential for great weather in Cairns. January and February are generally the rainiest months, so the rain lessens slightly in March and the weather starts to dry up by the end of the month. Sunny days are still a likelihood in March!
And the heavy rains of the summer months make the rainforests around Cairns extra green and vibrant. So make sure you head into gorgeous forest areas like Kuranda, the Atherton Tablelands, and the Daintree Rainforest to appreciate the beauty that the rainy season brings to Cairns.
Is March a good month to visit the Great Barrier Reef?
You can visit the Great Barrier Reef year-round in Cairns, and March is a great month for warm water and juvenile fish spotting! March is the end of the rainy season, however, meaning the weather might not cooperate with your trip out to the reef. But there is always a chance of clear skies and good visibility, plus rain on the mainland doesn't always mean rain on the Outer Reef.
Because March is at the end of summer, you'll still have warm water temperatures out on the reef sites (averages of around 27 degrees Celsius). Many sharks and fish also give birth around this time of year so you can spot some young marine creatures out on the Great Barrier Reef!
Can you swim in Cairns in March?
Yes, you can swim in Cairns in March! You just have to be mindful of Stinger season whenever you're swimming in the oceans around Tropical North Queensland. Running from November to May, stinger season in Queensland is when the oceans are home to some potentially dangerous jellyfish. But you can protect yourself by wearing a stinger suit while snorkelling or diving on the reef! Most Great Barrier Reef tours provide stinger suits so you can stay safe on the reef during stinger season.
What's On In Cairns in March
March is a relatively quiet time to visit Cairns, as it's the end of rainy season and tourism hasn't quite picked up yet. There are also no major public holidays in March, but some travellers in Cairns do celebrate St. Patricks Day and partake in festivities around the city. Some people might be gearing up for Easter as well and starting their holidays early, so you may start to see some tourists floating through Cairns.
The biggest perk of visiting Cairns in March is the affordable prices. Because it's not a super touristy time to visit, tours and accommodations are cheaper at this time of year. So save money on your trip to Cairns by planning a trip in March!
Top Tips For March in Cairns
Here are some top tips for planning your trip to Cairns in March!
Use a stinger suit or swim in freshwater locations
As previously mentioned, March is still part of stinger season in Queensland. Make sure you wear a stinger suit if you're planning to swim, snorkel, or dive in the ocean. If you're going to swim at any Cairns mainland beaches, try to swim where there is a stinger net, and still consider wearing a stinger suit!
You can also stay safe from stingers in Cairns by choosing freshwater swimming spots such as waterfalls, natural creeks and swimming holes, or pools like the Cairns Lagoon. These are amazing places to cool off and escape the Queensland heat without having to worry about jellyfish.
Don't forget sun protection
March in Cairns can be hot and sunny most days, so it's important to prioritise sun protection! Even on cloudy days, the sun in Queensland is strong so never skip your sunscreen. Try to use at least SPF 30 and reapply after swimming or sweating. Consider a hat, sunglasses, and longer clothes as well to protect against the sun! But even if you're island hopping and enjoying lazy beach days, just be aware of how strong the sun can be up in the tropics.
Make the most of the shoulder season
March is considered shoulder season in Cairns, when the off-season is ending but peak tourist season hasn't yet picked up. Take advantage of the affordable prices, low crowds, and beautiful weather of shoulder season by making the most of every day in Cairns!
Try adrenaline activities outside in nature, spend more time on the Great Barrier Reef with island tours or liveaboards, and go on road trips into the rainforest. There is so much to do in Cairns, and March often has pleasant weather and temperatures for outdoor adventures!
Is March a good time for Cairns?
March is an excellent time to visit Cairns if you're looking for low prices and the start of some nice weather! As it's the end of the rainy season, you can make the most of every day in Cairns by having a flexible schedule. If the weather is looking a bit rainy, head into the rainforest and enjoy the lushness of places like Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. On the sunnier days, head out to the Great Barrier Reef or visit tropical islands.
Both the reefs and the rainforests are amazing in Cairns, and March generally has lovely weather for exploring. You'll also get to enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds as the peak tourist season hasn't yet picked up!
