local weather for tropical north queensland
Weather in Cairns
The Cairns region has a magnificent tropical climate perfect for outdoor enjoyment. Cairns has a winter period of pleasant temperatures and low rainfall and a summer period of warm temperatures with increased rainfall (the "wet" season). The annual average maximum temperatures are 29 degrees Celsius and an average minimum of 20 degrees Celsius.
Summer: December — February
Average temperature 24-31°C. Great time for visiting one of Cairns' northern beaches such as Palm Cove, or take a tour to the Great Barrier Reef. Choose from many other water activities available within the region, like rafting, canoeing. Remember to Slip, Slop, Slap and have your insect repellant for the visits to the rainforest or evenings at the beach.
January to March is usually the months of highest rainfall — usually fantastic hot days followed by occasional tropical storms. Without our annual rainfall, there would be no world heritage rainforest and, as many visitors discover, our 'liquid sunshine' doesn't interfere with diving, snorkelling or touring to any great extent. Occasionally, the wet season brings low-pressure zones that may develop into a cyclone, however the tourism industry is well prepared for any such eventuality.
The cool tropical rainforests and mountain creeks are a wonderful retreat from the hot summer days.
During the wet (green) season, (Nov-May) large swimming enclosures are in place at popular swimming beaches, which offer protection against dangerous jellyfish stings. These are staffed by qualified Queensland Lifesavers who can provide any information you may require on the spot. The jellyfish are mainly present on coastal beaches during a limited, defined season and are not as common on The Great Barrier Reef where activities such as snorkelling or diving take place as this is done a distance from the coast and out of the usual habitat of the marine stingers. Reef operators do have stinger suits on board their vessels either for free or for a small hire cost.
Autumn: March — May
Average temperature 21-29°C. Usually lovely sunny days followed by glorious nights — ideal for both indoor and outdoor activities and very popular with the fishing and boating enthusiasts.
A day trip on the Atherton Tablelands, a visit to Paronella Park or choose from one of the many beach and reef activities during these mild months in Tropical North Queensland.
Hire a car and drive along the magnificent costal strip from Cairns to Port Douglas, with fantastic views of the Coal Sea.
Winter: June — August
Average temperature 17.5-26°C. Generally sunny and dry — a haven from the colder climates to the south. Casual clothing is recommended for most of the year although a jacket will come in handy on cooler winter nights. Usually ideal conditions for enjoying what the tropical north has to offer.
Spring: September — November
Average temperature 20.5-29.5°C. Similar to autumn with splendid sunny days followed by balmy evenings, perfect for outdoor and indoor activities. Enjoy a day at one of Cairns’ northern beaches or on the Great Barrier Reef.
Nearing the end of this season, in November large swimming enclosures are in place at popular swimming beaches, which ensure protection against dangerous jellyfish stings. These are staffed by qualified Queensland Lifesavers who can provide any information you may require on the spot. The jellyfish are mainly present on coastal beaches during a limited, defined season and are not as common on The Great Barrier Reef where activities such as snorkelling or diving take place as this is done a distance from the coast and out of the usual habitat of the marine stingers. To afford protection reef operators have stinger suits on board their vessels either for free or for a small hire cost, depending on the operator.
| Statistics | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | |||||||||||||
| Avg max temperature (°C) | 31.4 | 31.2 | 30.5 | 29.2 | 27.6 | 25.9 | 25.7 | 26.5 | 28.0 | 29.5 | 30.6 | 31.4 | 29.0 |
| Avg min temperature (°C) | 23.7 | 23.7 | 23.0 | 21.6 | 19.9 | 17.8 | 17.0 | 17.4 | 18.6 | 20.6 | 22.3 | 23.3 | 20.7 |
| Rainfall | |||||||||||||
| Avg rainfall (mm) | 384.8 | 448.5 | 419.5 | 202.1 | 92.3 | 47.0 | 29.5 | 27.9 | 34.2 | 39.3 | 92.4 | 177.8 | 2001.3 |
| Avg number of days of rain ≥ 1 mm |
15.3 | 16.4 | 15.9 | 15.2 | 10.5 | 7.2 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.4 | 7.7 | 10.6 | 119.7 |
| Other daily elements | |||||||||||||
| Avg daily sunshine (hours) | 6.9 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 8.0 | 8.6 | 8.9 | 8.5 | 7.7 | 7.4 |
| Avg number of clear days | 4.0 | 2.6 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 6.9 | 8.8 | 9.8 | 11.8 | 12.3 | 11.9 | 7.8 | 5.5 | 90.6 |
| Avg number of cloudy days | 15.9 | 17.4 | 16.3 | 13.8 | 12.4 | 10.2 | 9.8 | 7.4 | 5.7 | 5.3 | 7.4 | 11.7 | 133.3 |
| Historical data provided by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology | |||||||||||||
