When is the best time to visit Cairns for a holiday?

Cairns is the gateway to some of Australia’s best-known attractions including the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. The warm tropical weather means you can visit anytime of the year and still expect it to be warm enough for swimming and getting around in flip-flops. But depending on what you plan to do on your holiday, some times of the year will suit you better than others.

If you like it hot and steamy

Cairns experiences two seasons; the dry season from around April to November and the wet season around December to March. If you want your tropical holiday to be, well, tropical, the best time to visit is over the wet season when daytime temperatures average around 31 degrees and summer storms occur almost daily. It’s a great time to enjoy the Daintree Rainforest and Atherton Tablelands, as the rain gives the vegetation new life and fills up the waterholes and creeks.

If you want to see the Great Barrier Reef

Tours to the reef run all year round, so if you want to snorkel or dive, you’ll be fine no matter when you go. The water temperature is a little cooler over the winter months (June, July, August), usually around the mid to low 20s, but a light wetsuit will protect you if you find this too cold. Stingers tend to make their way to the coastal areas from November to May, but don’t usually cause problems on the reef and can be avoided by wearing a lycra stinger suit provided on your tour.  

If you want to beat the crowds

Cairns is a popular holiday spot for Australians and international visitors, so it can get pretty crowded during peak times of the year. Check the dates for school holidays in Australia and stay away over Christmas and Easter if you want to avoid higher accommodation prices during these times. February and March are great times to get a good deal as school is back after the summer holidays and the waterfalls are fully flowing from the rain over the wet season.

If you want to see wildlife

Much of Cairns’ wildlife, including cassowaries, tree kangaroos and marine life, is on display all year round. Visiting over the winter months you may be lucky enough to spot the humpback and dwarf minke whales that migrate through the area following the warmer water.

If you want to go chasing waterfalls

There is a plethora of swimming spots and waterfalls to visit in Cairns and you won’t be able to see them all if you are only here for a few days. The wet season turns some peaceful swimming spots into rushing torrents, so the best time to visit to appreciate these waterholes is around April to May. This is when there is enough water, but too much, and it’s still warm enough to enjoy a refreshing freshwater swim.  

For more information, please check out our Cairns Tours!

Last Minute Day Tours offers great discounted prices on the best Australia Tours including famous destinations like Melbourne, Phillip Island, Sydney, Blue Mountains, Adelaide and etc. 

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About the Author

Tahlia Goulding is an experienced travel blogger based in Sydney. Tahlia is the owner at No Plane Old Holiday.

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