HOTTEST (AVG)
in Australia
#3 / 14
Cairns, Australia
Cairns experiences a maritime climate, where average temperatures vary from a low of 23°C / 73°F in July to a high of 29°C / 84°F in February.
Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, averaging 117 mm / 4.6 inches monthly, peaking in January (277 mm / 10.9 inches) and reaching its lowest in September (23 mm / 0.91 inches).
UV peaks in January (index 10) and drops to its lowest in June (index 6); strong sun protection is essential during summer months.
Daylight hours range from about 11.1 hours in June to 13.1 hours in December.
From the warmth of February to the cooler days of July, Cairns presents diverse weather for year-round exploration.
Today's Forecast
Plan your trip
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Climate at a glance
The big-picture stats that matter for planning your visit to Cairns.
Typical range
High / low
Average highs up to 28.8°C and lows down to 19.4°C.
Rain pattern
Wettest month
January averages 277 mm.
UV
Typical peak band
Typical peak UV is Very High.
Daylight
Seasonal range
Roughly 11 hrs to 13 hrs.
Wind
Typical strength
Average around 12 km/h, peaking in May.
When should I go?
Our top-rated months for visiting Cairns, based on long-term weather comfort and conditions
Typical weather by month
Compare all monthsTip: click on a card to see detailed daily weather averages for that month.
How Cairns compares
See how it ranks against the rest of Australia for key metrics.
COOLEST (AVG)
in Australia
#13 / 14
WETTEST (TOTAL)
in Australia
#2 / 14
WINDIEST (AVG)
in Australia
#6 / 14
HIGHEST UV
in Australia
#2 / 14
MOST HUMID
in Australia
#1 / 14
Short term outlook
Visiting soon? Here's the next 7 days of weather for Cairns, or see an hourly breakdown for the next 14 days.
Frequently asked questions
How does the weather in Cairns feel over the year?
On a typical year, you can expect highs around 26°C (79°F) and lows near 23°C (73°F). Conditions usually feel warm in the daytime and warm once the sun goes down. You may notice some humidity at times. Expect a mix of sun and cloud across the year.
When is the best time to visit Cairns for dry weather?
When is sun exposure strongest in Cairns?
UV tends to peak in January, when UV levels frequently reach very high levels (around 10), so strong sun protection is essential, especially around midday.
Is Cairns humid?
It can feel humid, especially in the warmer months, when humidity can climb to around 83%. Light, breathable fabrics help a lot on muggy days.
Is Cairns a windy place?
Across the year, average winds sit around 12 km/h (7 mph), with gusts on windier days up to about 72 km/h (45 mph). Overall it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.
How much daylight does Cairns get?
On average, days offer about 12 hours of daylight. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing.