- Rain mm/yr
- 1,960
- Snowfall
- None; tropical location does not receive snow year-round.
- Climate Type
- Tropical monsoon
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: bom.gov.au, virginaustralia.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- May–October is the most comfortable season for most visitors: clear weather, lower humidity, ideal for reef and rainforest activities.
- January–February brings peak heat and humidity; air conditioning is commonly used. However, mornings are often bright before afternoon storms roll in.
- Wet season (Nov–Apr) is not to be feared: most rain falls as warm afternoon showers, waterfall visibility improves dramatically, and rainforest ecosystem is most vibrant.
- Cyclone preparedness is standard practice for locals (Nov–Apr); tours and facilities operate normally year-round and impacts on tourists are extremely rare.
- Stinger season (Nov–May): wear protective suits when swimming in ocean due to jellyfish; patrolled beaches are safest.
- UV is high year-round; reef-safe sunscreen essential to protect both skin and Great Barrier Reef ecosystems.
- No temperature extremes: warmest month averages 27.8°C (82°F), coolest month averages 21.7°C (71°F); the city never freezes and stays warm year-round.
Seasons
Dry Season (Best Time to Visit)
- Months
- May–October
- Humidity
- Low; 55–75%
- Characteristics
- Clear skies, warm sunny days, lower humidity, excellent for reef visits and outdoor activities. June often described as 'magical'.
- Rainfall Monthly Range Mm
- 9–92 mm
Temperature Range
- Daytime Celsius
- 21–27°C (70–81°F)
- Nighttime Celsius
- 18–21°C (64–70°F)
- Daytime Fahrenheit
- 21–27°C (70–81°F)
- Nighttime Fahrenheit
- 18–21°C (64–70°F)
Wet Season (Monsoon)
- Months
- November–April
- Humidity
- High; 70–77%+
- Characteristics
- Hot, humid, afternoon storms and showers. Rainforest lush and waterfalls spectacular. Cyclone risk January–March. Sea warm (28–29°C (84°F)).
- Rainfall Monthly Range Mm
- 162–480 mm
Temperature Range
- Daytime Celsius
- 28–32°C (82–90°F)
- Nighttime Celsius
- 24–25°C (77°F)
- Daytime Fahrenheit
- 28–32°C (82–90°F)
- Nighttime Fahrenheit
- 24–25°C (77°F)
Snowfall
None; tropical location does not receive snow year-round.
Climate Type
Tropical monsoon
Driest Month
- Month
- September
- Rainfall Mm
- 9–23 mm
Wettest Month
- Month
- February
- Rainfall Mm
- 292–480 mm
Cyclone Season
- Highest Risk
- January–March
- Official Period
- 1 November – 30 April
- Note
- Well-monitored by Bureau of Meteorology; direct impacts on city rare in recent years. Local cyclone preparedness standard.
Annual Rainfall Mm
1960
Peak Coolest Month
- Month
- July
- Humidity
- Low
- Daytime Celsius
- 23°C (73°F)
- Daytime Fahrenheit
- 23°C (73°F)
Peak Warmest Month
- Month
- January
- Humidity
- 75%+
- Rainfall Mm
- 385 mm over ~16 days
- Daytime Celsius
- 31–32°C (90°F)
- Daytime Fahrenheit
- 31–32°C (90°F)
Ocean Temperature Range
- Coolest Months Celsius
- 23–24°C (75°F) (July–August)
- Warmest Months Celsius
- 28–29°C (84°F) (January–February)
- Coolest Months Fahrenheit
- 23–24°C (75°F) (July–August)
- Warmest Months Fahrenheit
- 28–29°C (84°F) (January–February)
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this climate & weather research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Cairns
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.