The Cheapest Time To Visit Cairns
Looking to save money in Cairns? Visit during the low season! The cheapest time to visit Cairns is during the summer months, particularly January, February, and March. There are often fewer tourists in Cairns during this time, meaning the demand for flights, accommodations, and tours drops and so do prices! If you're looking to explore Cairns on a budget, you can participate in all the best tours, activities, and attractions during low season but you'll get the added benefit of cheaper prices. Here is everything you might want to know about visiting Cairns in low season!
When is the cheapest time to visit Cairns?
The cheapest time to visit Cairns is the low season, or the summer months. January through March in particular is the slowest season for tourism in Cairns, which allows prices to drop. This is the perfect time for budget travellers to head up to the Tropical North!
But why don't people visit Cairns during the low season? The summer months in Cairns lie right in the middle of the rainy season and stinger season, so the weather and ocean conditions aren't as favorable as the cooler months of the year. But don't let this deter you from visiting Cairns! If your main priority is saving money in Cairns, this is the perfect time to visit. We're going to dive into all the details of the low season in Cairns so you know what to expect. You can still have an absolute blast in Cairns during the low season, and your wallet will thank you for visiting at the cheapest time!
Things to know about visiting Cairns in low season
If you're thinking of visiting Cairns in the low season, you will definitely save money and enjoy a more affordable visit. But there is a small price to pay for these cheap prices! Low season sees increased rainfall, heat, humidity, and marine stingers in the oceans. So there are extra precautions you have to take when visiting Cairns during the low season. But if you're prepared, you can still have an epic time.
Here are some important things to know for visiting Cairns during low season, the cheapest time.
Rainfall and humidity increase
The low season in Cairns aligns with the rainy season, which is from November to March. February is often the wettest month in Cairns, and with this increased rainfall comes higher humidity and temperatures. If you're very sensitive to the heat, summer is not the best time to visit Cairns.
But if you don't mind a little heat and rain, you can still enjoy Cairns in the rainy season! Just pack waterproof clothes for your visit and try to do most of your exploring in the morning before the typical afternoon shower sets in. Plus, it doesn't rain every single day during summer in Cairns, and sometimes it's rainy on the mainland but clear out on the reef. There is always still a chance of clear, sunny days, you just have to understand that Mother Nature is in charge.
Marine stingers are present in the oceans
Stinger season in Tropical North Queensland runs from November to May, so low season in Cairns does fall within that time frame. This just means that marine stingers (jellyfish) populate the oceans around the coastline in this part of Australia. You can still swim in the ocean around Cairns during stinger season, you just have to take the necessary precautions.
First of all, always wear a stinger suit! These lightweight, full-body lycra suits will protect your skin from marine stingers. Snorkelling and diving tours usually provide stinger suits for guests so you don't have to worry. Also, if you do want to swim in the ocean near a beach on the mainland, just stick to the places with stinger nets that will prevent the jellyfish from getting in. So although there are stingers during the low season in Cairns, you can still have a blast in the ocean safely.
Diving is still excellent
Scuba diving and snorkelling are still incredible during the rainy season in Cairns. So you can still book any of those Great Barrier Reef day trips, liveaboards, or island tours that you've been dreaming about. If there has been super heavy rainfall you may see a slight decrease in visibility near the shore. But diving and snorkelling on the Outer Reef is still possible during the rainy season. Plus, if you're getting in the water, you probably won't mind a bit of rain since you're already wet! And if it's raining above ground, it's still dreamy, calm, and surreal underneath the surface.
Here are some of the most popular Great Barrier Reef day tours from Cairns!
The rainforest is flourishing
Low season is the best time to visit the rainforest near Cairns! The increased rainfall means the waterfalls are pumping and the vegetation is extra green and luscious. Places like the Daintree Rainforest and the Atherton Tablelands are absolutely gorgeous during the rainy season. You can swim in natural swimming holes like Babinda Boulders or Millaa Millaa Falls if you're looking for a stinger-free swimming spot, or try fun water-based activities like whitewater rafting, tubing, and canyoning.
The only thing you may need to worry about is the condition of various rainforest tracks and hiking trails. During the rainy season, certain rainforest trails can get muddy and slippery. If it's in really bad condition the track will be closed, but just take extra care while hiking in Cairns if it's particularly wet outside. Other than that, you can have a magical time exploring the waterfalls, gorges, lakes, and forests around Cairns.
Low season is the most affordable time to visit Cairns
Given all that we've just covered, it's clear that you can still have a wonderful Cairns visit during the rainy season. You'll also get the added benefit of cheaper prices! Flights to Cairns are much cheaper during the summer, with the exception of the holiday season in December and at the start of January. But once the holidays are over, you can score super cheap flights to Cairns.
During the low season, hotel and hostel prices tend to drop as well. Many tours and attractions may be cheaper as well, either with off-season prices or with unique discounts as tours try to fill seats. Car and Campervan rentals may be cheaper as well, and you can find cheap eats year-round. So if you're looking to visit Cairns cheaply, January, February, and March are the cheapest months to visit.
What is the best month to visit Cairns?
Many would argue that April/May or September/October are the best months to visit Cairns. But it really depends on what your goals are! If you're looking for the best weather, those months sit right in between low season and peak travel season. So the temperatures are comfortable and the weather is clear with low humidity and rainfall.
If your goal is to save money, January, February, and March are the best months to visit Cairns. However, Cairns is honestly beautiful at any time of year. With a tropical climate that never gets too cold, warm water temperatures, and natural beauty that thrives year-round, you can always find something fun to do in Cairns.
