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CheckWeather AUCairnsBest time to visit

The best time to visit Cairns

Month-by-month climate averages for Cairns, Queensland, so you can pick your dates on data rather than guesswork.

Short answer

The most comfortable time to visit Cairns is usually May, June, July and August, when daytime highs sit in the pleasant 16-26°C range and the heaviest December rain is behind you.

Cairns is warmest in January (highs near 31°C) and coldest in August (lows around 17°C), with roughly 2395 mm of precipitation across the year and December the wettest month. The sweet spot for most visitors is May, June, July and August.

These are long-run averages. For the actual days you are travelling, check the live Cairns forecast — and note how much the models agree, because that tells you how much to trust it.

Cairns weather by month

what to expect in Cairns through the year

Here is Cairns's typical weather in each month: the average daytime high and overnight low in °C, how each month feels, and the wettest month marked. Use it to plan any trip to Cairns by season.

Jan
31°
24°
Hot
Feb
30°
24°
Hot
Mar
30°
24°
Hot
Apr
29°
23°
Hot
May
26°
20°
Warm
Jun
26°
18°
Warm
Jul
25°
18°
Warm
Aug
25°
17°
Warm
Sep
27°
19°
Warm
Oct
29°
20°
Hot
Nov
30°
21°
Hot
Dec
31°
24°
Hot
Wettest

Common questions

When is the best time to visit Cairns?
The most comfortable time to visit Cairns is usually May, June, July and August, when daytime highs sit in the pleasant 16-26°C range and the heaviest December rain is behind you.
What is the warmest month in Cairns?
January is the warmest month in Cairns, averaging highs near 31°C.
What is the coldest month in Cairns?
August is the coldest month in Cairns, with lows around 17°C.
When is the rainy season in Cairns?
The wettest month in Cairns is usually December, out of roughly 2395 mm of precipitation across the year.

Cairns month by month