When is wet season in Cairns?

The true wet season in Cairns is January to March, but there’s something of a shoulder season either side. For the dry season in Cairns, aim for June to October.

Despite tourist board attempts to pretend otherwise, Cairns is far more enjoyable in the dry season than the wet season.

There are numerous reasons for this, and it’s not just about places being nicer when they’re sunny. Cairns is the main hub for Great Barrier Reef tours, and visibility on the Reef can be significantly affected by heavy rains.

The wet season also coincides with stinger season, when potentially deadly marine stingers are much more prevalent.

But when is wet season in Cairns, Queensland?

Wet season months in Cairns

The wet season months in Cairns are generally December to April. The months with by far the highest rainfall, however, are January, February and March. There is something of a build-up during October and November, when humidity increases and afternoon downpours become more prevalent. Similarly, the end of April and May are a transition season as well – you might get several glorious dry, sunny days. But you might get a couple of soggy write-offs as well.

Save time queuing – Book these Cairns attractions in advance

From the air: Outer Reef helicopter flight | Sunrise hot air balloon ride | Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
At night: Sunset dinner cruise | Pub and club tour | Aquarium by Twilight experience.
For wildlife: Birdworld Kuranda | Kuranda Koala Gardens | Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome | Cairns Aquarium | Rainforestation Nature Park
For culture: Cairns Museum tickets | Street art walking tour | City and surrounds highlights bus tour.
For thrills: AJ Hackett giant jungle swing | High speed jet boat tour | Barron Gorge white water rafting | Mulgrave River tubing.

The Aboriginal people of Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory work to a six season calendar, and these six seasons are roughly transferrable to far north Queensland.

When is the dry season in Cairns?

The reliably dry season in Cairns is June to October, with August being the driest month. Temperatures dip a little during this period, but even in July and August the mean minimum temperature is above 17°C. Mean maximum temperatures are above 25°C.

Trip-booster! 8 great day trips from Cairns to power-up your holiday

Kuranda combo package – take the Kuranda Scenic Railway up and the Skyrail cable car down.
Green Island tours with beach time, glass bottom boat and snorkelling. (Or pick a Fitzroy Island trip instead).
Moore Reef day tour – with underwater observatory, snorkelling gear, glass bottom boat & semi-submersible cruises.
Great Barrier Reef snorkelling cruise – with snorkelling stops at two excellent spots on the Reef.
Cape Tribulation rainforest day tour – with Mossman Gorge Aboriginal cultural experience and Daintree River crocodile-watching cruise.
Atherton Tableland waterfalls and rainforest tour – including wildlife-spotting and a swim in a volcanic lake.
Outback 4WD tour – visiting Chillagoe Caves, Aboriginal rock art and Granite Gorge.