Hottest (avg)
#8 / 12
Cairns in May
May weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 11h
What to expect
May marks a typically warm period of autumn, where the air is cooling down. Daytime highs average 25°C / 77°F, dropping to 22°C / 71°F at night.
Skies are often changeable, and you should be prepared for regular rainfall (approx. 15 wet days).
May in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Cairns.
Wettest (avg)
#7 / 12
Daylight Hours
#10 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#1 / 12
Highest UV
#10 / 12
Most Humid
#6 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 11.3 hours
- UV index (max)
- 7
- Typical sun hours
- 06:32 – 17:52
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 15
- Cloud cover
- 56%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 78%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit Cairns?
Typical May days in Cairns reach highs of 25°C (77°F) with nights around 22°C (72°F). It usually feels warm by day and mild after dark. Overall, May sits in the middle of the Cairns climate range.
What are temperatures like in May?
In May, you can usually expect highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows near 22°C (72°F). That means warm days and mild nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in May?
Rainfall in May averages 55 mm (2.2 in) across roughly 15 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 May?
You can expect about 11 hours of daylight in May. Sunrise is typically around 06:32 and sunset near 17:52. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing.
How strong is the sun in May?
UV levels are often high (around 7). Regular sunscreen and a hat are recommended.
Is it windy in May?
In May, average wind speeds are around 14 km/h (9 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 72 km/h (45 mph). On the ground, it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.