The Rainy Season In Cairns
Cairns is the (unofficial) capital of North Queensland, and often referred to as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Benefitting from a tropical climate, the year-round warm temperatures and stunning surroundings ensures it’s at the top of every traveler's itinerary; and with the tropical weather comes two very distinct seasons: wet season and dry season.
This article will inform you about when to expect the rainy season in Cairns, what it may look like and even some fun things to do when you make the correct decision to visit this tropical paradise!
When is the rainy season in Cairns?
The rainy season in Cairns typically lasts from late November until March (and sometimes slightly longer), and usually sees high levels of humidity with temperatures ranging from 23 degrees celsius at night, to 32 during the day with a high chance of storms.
On average, a staggering 2000mm (yes you read that correctly, 2 metres!) worth of rain falls on Cairns per year annually, with the most amount of rain falling in January and February. Frequent rainy days will continue well until March, however these will decline in number towards the end of the month before April when the dry season tends to begin.
Although referred to as the rainy season, it would be misleading to suggest that it rains every single day- you’ll still experience plenty of dry days too! Typically, January and February experience around 15 rainy days per month, so roughly 50% of the month is rain-free. And generally the mornings tend to be clearer with the afternoons being the period of the day with the highest chance of showers!
What impact does the rainy season have on the area?
With the fairly slow transition between the dry season and the rainy season, it becomes very apparent the huge contrast between the two.
As Cairns is surrounded by rainforest, the wet season totally transforms the landscape, with the MacAlister mountain range, the Kuranda National Park, and the world-famous Daintree Rainforest slightly further north really coming to life in these months.
The dry season can often deprive these enchanting habitats of the essential nutrients that the rain provides; and you’ll notice the instantaneous relief they experience thanks to the abundant hydration, as the dense vegetation covering these spectacular landscapes becomes even more luscious and vibrant.
The rainy season brings with it higher temperatures and higher humidity, which can have a slightly adverse effect out at sea. The chance of tropical storms, and potentially cyclones (although thankfully there hasn’t been one in Cairns since Yasi in 2011) are much higher in these months. The higher sea temperatures also make for a more hospitable environment for some of the less desirable inhabitants of the ocean, such as the Australian Box Jellyfish and the Irukandji Jellyfish.
What can I do in Cairns during the rainy season?
As the rainy season lasts for around a third of the year, you’d hope there’d still be an abundance of fun things to do during this time? And you’d be right! There is still a vast and varied array of things to do in the Cairns area come rain or shine!
One of the main draws to the area is the neverending amount of waterfalls in the region, most of which become far more impressive to witness during the rainy season in Cairns. With Crystal Cascades, Stoney Creek Falls and the extremely impressive Baron Falls all within a 30km drive from Cairns CBD, it’s well worth a visit to any of these to see them at their best. If you have a bit more time, there’s a huge range of waterfall tours operating out of Cairns that venture a bit further afield to try and see the best in the surrounding region.
A trip to the rainforest is also equally as good during the rain as it is when it’s dry! As long as you prepare accordingly (i.e suitable clothing, footwear etc), a rainy day in the rainforest can provide you with a truly memorable experience. The mesmeric sights, the invigorating scents, the almost tangible dense humid air surrounding you- all of these things combined with an almost orchestral soundscape not only add to the experience, but they complete it. Book onto one of the many tours that go to the Daintree Rainforest or up to the beautiful locality of Kuranda to experience these indescribable feelings for yourself.
And a trip to Cairns just cannot be complete without a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. ‘How can a boat trip be fun in the rain?’ I hear you ask! And the answer is: surprisingly easily, actually. There is no bad time of the year to venture out to marvel at this magnificent underwater universe, even in the rain. And as you’re more than likely going to get wet anyway (while snorkeling or scuba diving), a bit of water falling from above is barely noticeable; especially so to the awesome array of aquatic species you will likely gaze upon while out there.
Even in the rain, the visibility at the outer reef is fantastic, and if you’re lucky enough to get out there on a day blessed with clear skies, then you’re almost guaranteed to be blown away by the sights below you. With a seriously impressive amount of tours operating both out of Cairns (and slightly further north in Port Douglas), there’s no shortage of boats that will take you out there in comfort and style, bestowing on you a day that you’ll never forget.
If none of these tickle your fancy during the rainy season, there are still very exciting things to do in Cairns without even reaching the city limits. A day out to the Cairns Aquarium should be on everyone’s Cairns bucket list, as well as a few hours spent exploring Rusty’s Markets and Cairns Night Markets or shopping in one of Cairn’s many indoor shopping centres. There are also many fun indoor activities such as trampolining, ice skating, escape rooms, cinemas and much much more!
So Should I Visit Cairns During The Rainy Season?
Cairns is undoubtedly one of the most endlessly exciting places in the world to visit in both the dry season AND the rainy season. And as mentioned above, there are so many unique and wonderful experiences to be had while here, come rain or shine.
Moreover, the rainy season is known as low-season in terms of how busy it is, and therefore it is the BEST time to come if you’re wanting to bag yourself a bargain! You can benefit from all of the hotels, hostels and tours being at their off-peak rates, meaning that you not only beat the crowds but also save yourself some money in the process!
So what are you waiting for?! Speak to one of our travel experts now and get yourself booked to see this tropical paradise for yourself!
