May In Cairns
May in Cairns is near the beginning of the dry season, meaning the weather will likely be warm and beautiful! As Australia's tropics transition from the wet season to the dry season, the weather gets more pleasant and local events start to pick up. That makes May an amazing time to visit Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, and the surrounding rainforests.
Here is everything you need to know about visiting Cairns in May!
What is the weather like in Cairns in May?
May is one of the best months to visit Cairns thanks to its warm and dry weather. With its tropical climate, Cairns is hot year-round! But May is the end of autumn, so temperatures are a bit cooler and the humidity isn't too intense either.
January, February, and March are the rainy season in Cairns, with April sitting at the very beginning of the dry season. Rainfall drops significantly in May, with clear skies usually appearing for the majority of the month.
Overview of May Temperatures in Cairns
- Average daily temperature: 24 °C or 75 °F
- Average daily high: 27 °C or 81 °F
- Average daily low: 20 °C or 70 °F
How hot is Cairns in May?
Cairns gets relatively hot in May, with temperatures usually around 24 °C (75 °F) during the day and highs reaching around 27 °C (81 °F). But the early mornings and nights can be cool at around 20 °C (70 °F). As you can see, the temperatures in Cairns in May are quite pleasant, without any drastic heat to worry about. And if you're out on the ocean on a sailing tour or Great Barrier Reef tour, the breeze might make it feel even cooler. You can also beat the heat by heading into the rainforest and swimming in freshwater waterfalls!
Can I visit the Great Barrier Reef in May?
May is one of the best months to visit the Great Barrier Reef on day trips, liveaboards, and island tours from Cairns. As it's the dry season, most days have sunshine and clear skies. This makes for stunning conditions out on the Great Barrier Reef, with calm, turquoise waters on the surface and excellent visibility underwater.
As winter is approaching, the water temperature is slightly cooler than in summer but it's still quite warm compared to the later months of July or August. So a swim or snorkel on the reef is nice and refreshing, but not cold!
See the best of the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns!
Can you swim in Cairns in May?
You can swim in Cairns in May! Just note that May is still Stinger Season, which runs from November to May in the oceans around Tropical North Queensland. During stinger season, small jellyfish inhabit the oceans of Australia's Tropical North. So it's important to take precautions in order to stay safe. But if you wear a stinger suit or swim at beaches with stinger nets, you can still safely swim in the ocean around Cairns. Great Barrier Reef tours will provide guests with stinger suits so you can snorkel and scuba dive with no issues!
What's On In Cairns in May
The pleasant weather means Cairns is a popular time for local events! The Cairns Children's Festival comes to the city in mid-May, which is a fun time for local and visiting families to enjoy kid-friendly events, presentations, and activities. Crankworx is a multi-day mountain biking event held at Smithfield MTB Park near Cairns in late May, which is a cool attraction for biking and outdoor enthusiasts.
And of course, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May in Australia. So why not treat your mother to a tropical getaway in Cairns this May? From sunset sails, to island trips, to cultural tours, and local restaurants, there are lots of fun things to do in Cairns for Mother's Day.
Top Tips For May in Cairns
Here are some top tips for planning your trip to Cairns in May!
May is still stinger season
Though May is the end of Stinger Season in Queensland, it's still very important to wear a stinger suit in the ocean. You can also avoid any marine stingers by choosing freshwater swimming spots such as local waterfalls, lakes, or the Cairns Lagoon.
You may be able to spot minke whales on the Great Barrier Reef
Though whale season in Cairns really kicks off in June, sometimes whales can be sighted as early as May! Humpback whales usually don't make an appearance until June up in Cairns, as they migrate all the way from Antarctica. But Dwarf minke whales also cruise through the waters of the Great Barrier Reef in winter, and there is a chance of spotting them in May. Liveaboards and extended dive trips give you the best opportunities to spot whales on the Great Barrier Reef.
Book in advance for holidays and public events
Because there are a few local events and holidays during May in Cairns, it's a good idea to book your travels in advance. Though May is technically shoulder season, crowds may start to pick up due to the amazing weather. Everything from hotels and private charters, to dinner reservations and car rentals can book up quickly on holidays and around public events. So book your trip in advance to avoid missing out!
Is May a good time to visit Cairns?
May is one of the best months to visit Cairns if you want dreamy weather, excellent diving conditions on the reef, and a bit of buzz in the city. With Mother's Day and the Cairns Children's Festival happening in May, this is a great time for families to enjoy the delights of Cairns. The comfortable temperatures and lack of rain also make for incredible conditions on the Great Barrier Reef. So book that adventure to Cairns in May and you surely won't be disappointed!
