Cairns, Australia Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Cairns
Cairns has a tropical wet-and-dry climate, marked by year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season. Average daytime highs range from about 76°F (24°C) in July to around 87°F (31°C) in February, and the city records roughly 160 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: February - highs near 87°F (31°C)
- Coldest month: July - highs near 76°F (24°C)
- Record high: 106°F (41°C) · Record low: 50°F (10°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: January (24 rainy days) · Sunniest: October (11.5 h sun/day)
- Climate type: tropical wet-and-dry - year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on February. Highs average 87°F (31°C) and overnight lows stay near 76°F (24°C). The coolest month is July, with typical highs of 76°F (24°C) and lows around 65°F (18°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 106°F (41°C) and dropped as low as 50°F (10°C).
Rain, sun and snow
January is usually the wettest month. It brings about 16.4 inches (416 mm) of rain over 24 days, while August is the driest. October brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.5 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 87° | 76° | 24 | 16.4 in | 9.7 h/day | 84% |
| February | 87° | 76° | 19 | 11.0 in | 9.9 h/day | 83% |
| March | 85° | 75° | 20 | 13.1 in | 9.3 h/day | 83% |
| April | 83° | 73° | 16 | 7.3 in | 10.2 h/day | 80% |
| May | 79° | 70° | 12 | 3.3 in | 9.9 h/day | 79% |
| June | 77° | 66° | 10 | 1.8 in | 9.7 h/day | 78% |
| July | 76° | 65° | 8 | 2.3 in | 9.8 h/day | 77% |
| August | 77° | 64° | 7 | 1.4 in | 10.2 h/day | 75% |
| September | 80° | 67° | 8 | 1.6 in | 11.1 h/day | 75% |
| October | 83° | 70° | 9 | 1.9 in | 11.5 h/day | 76% |
| November | 86° | 73° | 12 | 2.3 in | 11.5 h/day | 76% |
| December | 86° | 75° | 17 | 11.4 in | 10.6 h/day | 80% |
Cairns month by month
Cairns weather in January
January brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 76°F (24°C), about 24 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Cairns.
Cairns weather in February
February brings highs around 87°F (31°C), lows near 76°F (24°C), about 19 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Cairns.
Cairns weather in March
March brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 20 wet days.
Cairns weather in April
April brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 73°F (23°C), about 16 wet days.
Cairns weather in May
May brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 12 wet days.
Cairns weather in June
June brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 66°F (19°C), about 10 wet days.
Cairns weather in July
July brings highs around 76°F (24°C), lows near 65°F (18°C), about 8 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Cairns.
Cairns weather in August
August brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 7 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Cairns.
Cairns weather in September
September brings highs around 80°F (26°C), lows near 67°F (20°C), about 8 wet days.
Cairns weather in October
October brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 9 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Cairns.
Cairns weather in November
November brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 73°F (23°C), about 12 wet days.
Cairns weather in December
December brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 17 wet days.
Seasons in Cairns
September through November
September through November in Cairns runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 83°F (28°C) and nights around 70°F (21°C); expect showers on roughly 29 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
December through February
December through February in Cairns is hot, with daytime highs averaging 87°F (30°C) and nights around 76°F (24°C); expect showers on roughly 60 days across the season.
March through May
March through May in Cairns is hot, with daytime highs averaging 82°F (28°C) and nights around 73°F (23°C); expect showers on roughly 47 days across the season.
June through August
June through August in Cairns brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 76°F (25°C) and nights around 65°F (18°C); expect showers on roughly 24 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Cairns?
Is Cairns hot in summer?
Is Cairns cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Cairns get in a year?
Best time to visit Cairns
The best time to visit Cairns is generally May to October, when these months combine the driest skies with the most comfortable heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 79°F (26°C).
Pack for Cairns with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - February nights average 76°F (24°C).
Cairns temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.