Cairns is a reef and rainforest base, so most of what you pack is for the water. From roughly November to May the ocean has box jellyfish, which means a full-body stinger suit for swimming, plus reef-safe sunscreen and rain gear for the wet season.
Cairns weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 31°C88°F | 30°C86°F | 28°C82°F | 27°C81°F | 26°C79°F | 27°C81°F | 29°C84°F | 30°C86°F | 31°C88°F | 32°C90°F |
| Low | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 23°C73°F | 22°C72°F | 20°C68°F | 18°C64°F | 17°C63°F | 17°C63°F | 19°C66°F | 21°C70°F | 22°C72°F | 24°C75°F |
| Rain days | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 |
Season by season
Wet season
December–MarchHot, humid and stormy. Highs are 32°C (90°F) from December to February, with lows of 24°C (75°F), and January and February average 16 rain days. Cyclones are possible. Bring quick-dry clothes, a light rain jacket and insect repellent. These are official 30-year averages from the Cairns Aero station.
Shoulder season
April–MayThe rain eases and the heat drops. April averages a 30°C (86°F) high, a 22°C (72°F) low and 14 rain days; May 28°C (82°F), 20°C (68°F) and 10 rain days. Pack light clothes, a rain shell and a stinger suit, since stinger season is still on.
Dry season
June–SeptemberThe most comfortable months. Highs are 26–29°C (79–84°F), lows fall to 17°C (63°F) in July and August, and August and September average 4 rain days. Reef visibility is often good. Bring a light layer for evenings and early boat departures, and keep up sun protection.
What to bring to Cairns
0 of 25 packed- Dramamine Less Drowsy ChewablesHealth & Safety
Outer reef trips cross open swell, so take one before you board.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Keeps phone and dry clothes safe on reef boats and through 16-rain-day wet season months.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Australia uses Type I sockets, so US, UK and European plugs need an adapter.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Rainforest walks in the Daintree and humid evenings bring mosquitoes and sandflies.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Easy on and off on reef boats, beaches and muddy wet-season tracks.
A light shell for tropical downpours in the wet season.
- RAYMYLO 64 oz Insulated Water BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
Long reef days in 32°C (90°F) heat call for a lot of cold water.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
A handheld fan helps on humid wet-season days when the heat doesn't drop below 24°C (75°F) at night.
Clothing
- Full-body lycra stinger suit · 1Box jellyfish are in the water, roughly Nov–May.
- Swimsuits · 2
- Quick-dry shorts and tops · 5 sets
- Light warm layer · 1For early boat departures and July lows of 17°C.
- Collared shirt or sundress · 1For the few nicer places.
Footwear
- Sandals or slides · 1 pairFor town.
- Trail shoes · 1 pairDaintree tracks get muddy in the wet season.
- Water shoes · 1 pairReef boats ask for water-friendly shoes on deck.
Gear
- Sun hat · 1
- Sunglasses · 1
- Quick-dry towel · 1
Health and toiletries
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreenStrongly encouraged to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
- After-sun lotion
Documents and money
- Passport
- Australian visa or ETARequired for nearly all visitors; apply before you fly.
- Travel insuranceCyclones are possible in the wet season.
Tech
- Waterproof phone pouch · 1
Build-up (October–November)
Heat and humidity climb before the rains. October averages a 30°C (86°F) high and 6 rain days, November 31°C (88°F) and 8 rain days. Stinger season starts again around November. Pack for heat and bring a stinger suit for any ocean swim.
What shoes should you pack for Cairns?
Sandals or slides for town, and sneakers or trail shoes for rainforest walks in the Daintree and on the Atherton Tablelands. Reef boats ask you to go barefoot or wear water-friendly shoes on deck. Rainforest tracks get muddy in the wet season, so bring shoes you don't mind soaking.
What do people wear in Cairns?
Very casual clothes. Shorts, T-shirts and sandals are normal almost everywhere, including most restaurants. A collared shirt or sundress covers the few nicer places. Cover up from the sun on boats, and don't walk into shops in just swimwear.
Do you need a stinger suit in Cairns?
Yes, for ocean swimming in stinger season, roughly November to May. Box jellyfish and Irukandji are in the water, and their stings can be life-threatening. Swim only at patrolled beaches inside stinger nets, and wear a full-body lycra stinger suit on reef trips. Most reef operators lend them, but your own fits better. Carry reef-safe sunscreen too.
What to pack for a Great Barrier Reef day trip?
Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a stinger suit, a towel and motion sickness tablets. Outer reef trips mean a long boat ride, often in open swell. Bring a dry bag for your phone and a light layer for the ride home, when wet skin and wind feel cold.
What plugs does Cairns use?
Australia uses Type I sockets at 230V. US, UK and European visitors need an adapter. Phone and laptop chargers handle 230V fine.
Tours and things to do in Cairns
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Cairns.
What should you leave at home for Cairns?
Heavy jeans, a warm coat and formal clothes. Even July lows average 17°C (63°F). Skip a big wardrobe: you will live in swimwear, shorts and quick-dry layers.
Packing for Cairns: questions people ask
When is stinger season in Cairns?
Roughly November to May. Wear a stinger suit for ocean swimming and use netted, patrolled beaches.
What should I wear in Cairns in July?
Light clothes and one warm layer. July averages a 26°C (79°F) high, a 17°C (63°F) low and 6 rain days.
How wet is Cairns in the wet season?
Very. January and February average 16 rain days each, with heavy tropical storms.
Do I need reef-safe sunscreen in Cairns?
It's strongly encouraged to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Choose a mineral sunscreen and cover up with a stinger suit.
Do I get seasick on a Great Barrier Reef trip?
Many people do. Outer reef trips cross open water, so take motion sickness tablets before you board.
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