The Ultimate Guide To Cairns Weather

Cairns Weather Overview

Cairns sits roughly 17 degrees below the equator and is renowned for its humid and tropical climate that is enjoyed all year around. Rather than differentiating between four seasons, tropical Cairns typically sees two different wet and dry periods. The wet season occurs between December and February, and the dry season occurs between June and August.

The tropics of QLD are renowned as the land of eternal summer, as it doesn't ever get too cool. Summer, autumn, winter or spring, you're bound to find a slice of paradise up here in Cairns! Looking for a quick answer? Check out our guide on the best time to visit Cairns.

Wet season in Cairns

Cairns weather in the summer months (December - February) is referred to as the "wet season" or often the "rainy season." This summer period will see the hottest temperatures and highest levels of rainfall every year.

With scorching temperatures in the day, followed by a relieving shower or storm in the afternoon, this monsoonal pattern is incredibly typical of tropical regions!

What to do during wet season in Cairns

Perfect for seeing rainforests and waterfalls at their greenest and fullest, the wet season is a hot but brilliant time to explore the Daintree and Atherton Tablelands. Tourism is also still pumping out on the Great Barrier Reef, even if it is partly cloudy!

Unsure what to do on a rainy day in Cairns? Check out our guide to rainy-day things to do in the region

Dry season in Cairns

The winter is the dry season (June - August) Cairns sees the coolest temperatures of the year, lower humidity and less rainfall. However, this is not to be confused with "winter" as most people understand it; temperatures are still quite warm, with average maximums at 27 degrees Celsius! 

What to do during the dry season in Cairns

Anything, particularly sailing, snorkelling and diving as conditions are more likely to be calm! The dry season, or winter time, is a great time to take advantage of a milder, less humid Cairns weather landscape and hit the Great Barrier Reef or head out on a sailboat over glassy waters!

Cairns Weather - Seasonal Breakdown

Summer (December to January)

Summer brings the wet season to Cairns, and you'll see both temperatures and humidity at their highest during this time.

Autumn (March to May)

Temperatures begin to drop during the Autumn months, and the rainfall begins to decrease. Both day and night are still hot but can remain windy through to winter.

Winter (June to August)

Winter is perhaps considered to be the most enjoyable month, with tourists peaking in this season. Humidity is at its lowest during winter, with little to no rainfall, making for perfect vacation weather.

Spring (September to November)

Humidity begins to build again during the spring months, with temperatures averaging 25 degrees C. With Spring comes new life, and up here in Cairns, you can visit the great coral spawning in November.

Cairns Average Temperatures & Rainfall

Water temperatures in Cairns

Cairns is considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and water temperatures stay in the mid to high twenties all year round. It's never "too cold" to swim in Cairns, making it the perfect destination to get your diving cert, snorkel colourful reefs and float in crystal waters of surrounding islands!

Check out our visitor guides for any other Cairns-related questions, or get in touch with a local travel expert for more information on tours and local advice!