Forecast by:  | 12 Sep Sat | 13 Sep Sun | 14 Sep Mon | 15 Sep Tue | 16 Sep Wed | 17 Sep Thu | 18 Sep Fri |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | 27° 20° | 27° 20° | 27° 20° | 27° 20° | 28° 18° | 27° 18° | 26° 19° |
| Precipitation | 78% | 84% | 79% | 94% | 64% | 49% | 94% |
| Humidity | 69% | 65% | 71% | 72% | 65% | 69% | 71% |
| Wind | 31 km/h | 31 km/h | 31 km/h | 29 km/h | 28 km/h | 25 km/h | 27 km/h |
Best time to visit Cairns
The best time to visit Cairns is June to October, when conditions are mild to warm and mostly dry for reef cruises and rainforest walks. November to April is hotter, more humid and wetter, with several months noting tropical cyclone risk and possible disruption from heavy rain or flooding. May is a reasonable shoulder-month option, with generally dry conditions but some residual cyclone risk.
JanuaryTemp (°C)26°Rain (mm)151Sun Hours9Dry Days8
January is hot and humid, around 24-32°C, with intense rain and peak tropical cyclone season. Flooding can disrupt plans, while rainforest waterfalls are at their fullest.
FebruaryTemp (°C)28°Rain (mm)113Sun Hours8Dry Days9
February is hot and very humid, around 24-31°C, with heavy rain and peak tropical cyclone season. Downpours may disrupt outdoor plans, while rainforest waterfalls run strongly.
MarchTemp (°C)26°Rain (mm)103Sun Hours8Dry Days10
March is humid and rainy, around 23-31°C, with peak tropical cyclone season and monsoonal flooding possible. Rainforest waterfalls and streams are in full flow.
AprilTemp (°C)25°Rain (mm)46Sun Hours8Dry Days16
April is warm and humid, around 22-29°C, with heavy showers and tropical cyclone risk. Rainforest streams and waterfalls are often flowing strongly.
MayTemp (°C)22°Rain (mm)14Sun Hours6Dry Days19
May is warm, around 20-28°C, with generally dry conditions and tropical cyclone risk. Reef trips and rainforest walks are practical, although occasional tropical rain can affect plans.
JuneTemp (°C)21°Rain (mm)14Sun Hours6Dry Days21
June is mild and dry, around 18-26°C, with comfortable conditions for reef trips and rainforest walks. It is a busy travel month, and popular excursions can fill quickly.
JulyTemp (°C)21°Rain (mm)13Sun Hours7Dry Days22
July is mild and dry, around 17-26°C, with comfortable conditions for reef cruises and rainforest walks. Visitor numbers are high during this popular travel month.
AugustTemp (°C)20°Rain (mm)9Sun Hours9Dry Days24
August is mild and dry, around 17-27°C, with pleasant conditions for reef cruises and rainforest walks. This is a busy period for visitors.
SeptemberTemp (°C)23°Rain (mm)7Sun Hours9Dry Days22
September is warm and mostly dry, around 19-28°C, with suitable conditions for reef and rainforest excursions. Humidity builds and occasional showers are possible.
OctoberTemp (°C)25°Rain (mm)19Sun Hours11Dry Days23
October is warm, around 20-30°C, with rising humidity and occasional showers. Reef trips and rainforest outings are available, though tropical rain can interrupt outdoor plans.
NovemberTemp (°C)27°Rain (mm)30Sun Hours11Dry Days18
November is hot and humid, around 22-31°C, with increasing rain and tropical cyclone risk. Tropical showers can interrupt outdoor plans, although reef excursions operate.
DecemberTemp (°C)27°Rain (mm)78Sun Hours11Dry Days16
December is hot and humid, around 23-32°C, with heavy wet-season rain and peak tropical cyclone season. Storms and downpours can disrupt plans, while rainforest waterfalls run strongly.
Sources: en.wikivoyage.org, wondertraveloz.com.au
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Brief
- Cairns Festival Carnival on Collins is taking place on 6 September, with road closures around Collins Avenue, McCormack Street, Goodwin Street, Walsh Street and nearby roads from 5am to 5pm. The Esplanade Lagoon also has restricted evening access through 6 September for festival installations. (
gov.au)
- Cairns Western Arterial Road upgrade works are underway, so allow extra time for road journeys and check local traffic conditions, especially when travelling between the city and northern suburbs. (
gov.au)
- Local specialties worth trying include barramundi and other North Queensland seafood, tropical fruits such as mango and lychee, and dishes featuring native ingredients such as lemon myrtle or wattleseed. Avoid unfamiliar fresh reef fish if local warnings apply.
- Clean Up Cairns Month continues with community events on 12, 13, 19 and 20 September at locations including Edge Hill, the Esplanade, Babinda, Gordonvale and the Cairns CBD. (
Safety and health
- Mosquito-borne dengue and Ross River virus occur in northern Queensland. Use repellent, wear covering clothing and stay in screened or air-conditioned accommodation. (
cdc.gov)
- Avoid or limit eating fresh reef fish such as coral trout, barracuda, Spanish mackerel, snapper and trevally because of ciguatera fish poisoning risk in Queensland. (
- Melioidosis is a risk in northern Australia, particularly after heavy rain. Avoid contact with floodwater, mud and soil, and cover cuts or other open wounds. (
- Protect yourself from strong tropical UV with SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat and covering clothing, particularly around midday. (
wikivoyage.org)
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged one year or older arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission risk, including qualifying airport transits of more than 12 hours. It is not required for direct travel from the United States. (
Recent News
- 6 September 2026: Queensland Police are investigating a fatal vehicle-and-pedestrian crash on McLeod Street in Cairns North. Travellers driving or walking in the area should take extra care and expect possible local traffic disruption while investigations continue. (
gov.au)
