Hottest (avg)
#3 / 12
Cairns in December
December weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 13h
What to expect
December marks a typically very warm period of summer, where the weather is warming up. Daytime highs average 28°C / 83°F, dropping to 25°C / 76°F at night.
The atmosphere is generally hot and tropical, with heavy bursts of rain breaking the heat. The sun is very strong at this time of year, making sun protection essential during the day.
December in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Cairns.
Wettest (avg)
#4 / 12
Daylight Hours
#1 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#10 / 12
Highest UV
#3 / 12
Most Humid
#4 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 13.1 hours
- UV index (max)
- 10
- Typical sun hours
- 05:38 – 18:45
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 20
- Cloud cover
- 64%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 80%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Cairns?
Typical December days in Cairns reach highs of 28°C (82°F) with nights around 25°C (77°F). It usually feels hot by day and warm after dark. Overall, December sits in the middle of the Cairns climate range.
What are temperatures like in December?
Daytime temperatures in December typically peak near 28°C (82°F), while nights drop to around 25°C (77°F). Expect hot afternoons and warm evenings.
How much does it rain in December?
Rainfall in December averages 182 mm (7.2 in) across roughly 20 days. Overall it is a very wet time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.
How many hours of daylight are there in December?
You can expect about 13 hours of daylight in December. Sunrise is typically around 05:38 and sunset near 18:45. You get long days with comfortable amounts of daylight.
How strong is the sun in December?
UV levels frequently reach very high levels (around 10), so strong sun protection is essential, especially around midday.
Is it windy in December?
In December, average wind speeds are around 10 km/h (6 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 56 km/h (35 mph). On the ground, it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.