The best month to visit Cairns in Far North Queensland Australia largely depends on who you are travelling with, your preferences and what activities you have in mind. Cairns enjoys a tropical climate year-round with distinct green and dry seasons. Here are a few considerations for each season:
Dry Season (May to October)
This is generally considered the best month to visit Cairns influenced by the travel industry, and the number of school holiday periods at this time of year. The weather is pleasantly warm with low humidity, and rainfall is minimal however some days can at times be windy on the Great Barrier Reef due to the competing Tradewinds. The dry season offers excellent conditions for outdoor activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, and visiting the world heritage rainforests of the Daintree and Kuranda.
June to July is the time of year you can swim with Dwarf Minke whales and see humpback whales June to September. It's also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds. We recommend you pre-book all your Cairns tours and attractions in advance along with your restaurant and accommodation bookings if you visit Cairns at this time of year.
Green Season (November to April)
The green season in Cairns brings higher temperatures and potentially increased rainfall, often accompanied by short intermittent tropical storms and the occasional cyclone. While it may not always be ideal for some outdoor activities, this period offers unique experiences such as witnessing the lush greenery of the Daintree Rainforest which comes alive as this is its springtime enabling you to see more of the normally rare animal activity on the forest floors, brilliant flowers, and bird life.
This is the mating season in Far North Queensland, so the crocodile activity is also at its peak and the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef is also pumping with migratory fish arriving for the coral spawning season. The spectacular waterfalls in Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands are overflowing and simply beautiful to watch. For us locals that understand the seasons of Cairns and Tropical North Queensland, this is our most favourite time of year as everything comes alive and there are not so many people around. There are calm breezes just perfect for days enjoying the Great Barrier Reef and swimming in the waterholes around the rainforests of Cairns and white water rafting in the wilderness.
Shoulder Season
If you prefer a balance between smaller crowds and good weather, the shoulder seasons of April and November can be a good compromise. The weather is generally pleasant, and you can still enjoy many outdoor activities while avoiding the peak school holiday tourist season. Accommodation in Cairns and the region can also be cheaper during this time.
Ultimately, the best month to visit Cairns depends on your personal preferences regarding weather, crowds, and the specific activities you want to engage in during your trip. It's always a good idea to check the local weather forecasts and plan accordingly. If you are still unsure on the best month to visit Cairns speak to the team at The Tour Specialists as they are locally based and been assisting Cairns holiday makers for over 19+ years in Tropical North Queensland.
Read more about holidays in Cairns and how many days you need in Cairns.
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