October In Cairns
October is one of the best months to visit Cairns because of the warm, pleasant autumn weather and the shoulder season prices! There are also no stingers in Cairns in October, making the tropical beaches and Great Barrier Reef destinations feel like a dream. This time of year is amazing for finding great prices, few crowds, and gorgeous conditions for outdoor adventures in Cairns.
Plan your trip to Cairns in October with our detailed guide!
What is the weather like in Cairns in October?
Arguably, October has the best weather you can get in Cairns. The temperatures are warming up after a slightly cooler winter, but the intense heat of summer has not yet arrived. The consistent rains of summer also haven't arrived yet, meaning you should get consistent sunshine throughout your trip.
Because Cairns has a tropical climate, the weather is warm year-round. But October has a dry, comfortable heat. This is the middle of autumn in Cairns, so the weather us absolutely perfect for road trips, rainforest adventures, hikes, and Great Barrier Reef expeditions!
Overview of October in Cairns Temperatures
- Average daily temperature: 25 °C or 77 °F
- Average daily high: 28 °C or 82 °F
- Average daily low: 21 °C or 70 °F
Are there stingers in Cairns in October?
There are no stingers in the ocean around Cairns in October! The lack of stingers combined with the lovely weather makes October one of the best months for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving around Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.
Stinger season in Tropical North Queensland runs from November to May. At this time of year, jellyfish roam the oceans and it's essential for swimmers, snorkellers, and divers to wear a stinger suit or wetsuit. But October is the last month of the year that you can safely swim in the ocean without a stinger suit. So take advantage of those clear waters with some island trips and snorkelling adventures!
Can you swim in the Great Barrier Reef in October?
You can swim, snorkel, scuba dive and do island tours around the Great Barrier Reef with ease in October. Marking the end of the dry season in Cairns, October generally has sunny weather with little rain or wind. So conditions on the Outer Reef and the surrounding islands are pristine! Make the most of this fabulous weather with multiday liveaboards, dive courses, sailing tours, or scenic flights! Or just opt for the classic Great Barrier Reef snorkel tour. Either way, October is an amazing time for tours to the Outer Reef.
Explore the best of the Great Barrier Reef near Cairns!
What's On In Cairns In October
Though October is shoulder season in Cairns, there are quite a few local events and holidays that can bring in some crowds. There are many things to do in October in Cairns for all types of visitors! School holidays around Australia run from late September to early October, which can create an influx of families having a tropical getaway.
The Shine on Gimuy Festival also runs for about 2 weeks in early-mid October. Hosted by the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people, the festival focuses on light displays, art, storytelling, and music that celebrates the Traditional Owners of the Land. And at the end of the month you have Halloween, a worldwide holiday that often sees markets and events for people of all ages!
Top Tips For October in Cairns
Take advantage of shoulder season
Though October is not the cheapest time to visit Cairns, it's still shoulder season and therefore more affordable than other peak times of year such as Easter or Christmas and New Years. This is a great time to score cheap flights, book luxurious hotels or restaurants, and reserve your place on the most popular Great Barrier Reef tours.
Book in advance during school holidays
School holidays can be a very busy time in most cities around Australia. So if you are planning your trip to Cairns in October during the beginning of the month, it's wise to book things well in advance. Particularly family-friendly reef tours and hotels will fill up with local families on holiday, so make sure you plan your stay with a few months to spare.
It's amazing weather for hikes and outdoor adventures
If you're hoping to do any outdoor adventures in Cairns, October is the perfect time! The weather is warm and sunny, and the heat and humidity of summer will slowly start to approach as October ends. So embrace the gorgeous weather and get out in nature! Seek out the best waterfalls and walking trails. Swim in freshwater lakes or beach-hop up to Port Douglas. Explore Kuranda or road trip up to the Daintree. Try white water rafting or skydiving. There are so many ways to get outside around Cairns!
Is October a good time to visit Cairns?
October is one of the best times to visit Cairns because the weather is absolutely perfect for exploring the famous Great Barrier Reef and rainforests! There are also no marine stingers in the ocean, and there are fun events and festivals but the city isn't as crowded as the busiest holiday periods of the year. The things to do in Cairns in October are endless. If you've been waiting for the optimal time to explore Tropical North Queensland, October is a fantastic time to do it!
