Fall in Cairns feels like a breath of fresh air after the hot, wet summer. You’ll get warm days, cooler nights, and way less rain than earlier in the year.
Honestly, this is one of the nicest times to enjoy the region’s tropical scenery without sticky humidity or sudden storms.
During fall, the sky clears up more often, rain chances drop fast, and the air feels lighter. Temperatures and humidity fall steadily, making it perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, or just hanging out outdoors.
If you know what to expect with average temperatures, rainfall, and other weather stuff, you can plan your trip with a lot more confidence. Whether you want to hike, dive, or just relax by the water, understanding Cairns’ fall climate helps you know what you’re in for.
Overview of Cairns Fall Climate
Fall in Cairns shifts things from hot, humid summer days to cooler, drier weather. Temperatures drop, rain eases up, and skies clear as you move from March through May.
Typical Fall Weather Patterns
Daily highs in fall usually sit around 30°C (86°F) in March and cool to about 26°C (79°F) in May. Nights get more comfortable, dropping into the low 20s °C (around 68–72°F).
Rain falls off sharply after summer. March can still be wet, but by May, showers are lighter and don’t happen as often. Humidity drops too, making it a lot nicer outside.
Clouds thin out as the season goes on. Early fall can be pretty overcast, but by late April and May, you’ll see more sun and fewer stormy afternoons. Honestly, fall just feels more stable in Cairns.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Cairns has a tropical climate, so you get a wet, humid summer and a dry, mild winter. Fall lands right in between and acts as a transition.
In summer, you deal with high humidity, heavy rain, and tropical storms. Winter is drier, cooler, and more predictable. Fall kind of blends both—early months hang onto some summer rain, while later months feel more like winter’s dry spell.
Travelers usually deal with less rain than in summer, but it’s warmer than winter. If you don’t love extreme heat or chilly nights, fall really does provide a sweet spot.
Tropical Monsoon Climate Characteristics
Cairns sits in a tropical monsoon zone, so rainfall patterns play a huge role in the seasons. Most rain dumps down in summer, and fall lets things dry out.
The official climate label for Cairns is Aw (tropical savanna/monsoon). You’ll see why there’s such a clear split between wet and dry parts of the year.
In fall, you still get tropical warmth, but less rain and humidity signal the dry season’s on its way. Outdoor plans, reef trips, and rainforest adventures get a lot easier without summer’s constant downpours.
Average Temperatures During Fall
Fall in Cairns cools off steadily, both day and night. Days stay warm but lose the heavy humidity, and nights feel much cooler by late May.
Monthly Highs and Lows
From March to May, average highs drop from 30°C (86°F) in early March to about 26°C (79°F) by late May. Lows follow along, moving from 24°C (75°F) to around 20°C (68°F).
March is the warmest fall month. Highs hover near 30°C, with muggy nights. By April, highs ease down to about 28°C, and evenings get more comfortable.
May feels cooler and much less humid. Highs average 26°C, and nights can dip to 20°C. It’s rare for temps to fall below 16°C or climb above 32°C during fall.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| March | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F |
| April | 28°C / 82°F | 22°C / 72°F |
| May | 26°C / 79°F | 20°C / 68°F |
Temperature Trends From March to May
You’ll notice a gradual, steady cooling from March to May. Each month, highs and lows drop by about 1–2°C.
Humidity falls fast too, so the air feels cooler than the numbers might suggest. April and May especially feel less sticky.
By late May, the weather feels mild compared to summer’s heat and rain. Fewer rainy days line up with the cooler trend, so you get clearer skies and more comfortable evenings.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime in Cairns during fall feels warm but not too much. Highs stick in the upper 20s Celsius, which is great for getting outside. The sun can still be strong, especially in March, so watch out for midday heat.
Nights bring the biggest relief. Early fall nights stay warm and humid, but by May, evenings cool into the low 20s. Sleeping gets easier without summer’s heavy air.
Cairns doesn’t see big swings between day and night temps. The Coral Sea and the coast help keep nights mild, even as things cool down.
Rainfall and Humidity Levels in Fall
Rain and humidity both shift a lot in Cairns during fall. Heavy showers at the start fade out, and muggy air slowly becomes more comfortable.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Cairns drops fast from March to May. Early fall brings about 16 inches of rain in a 31‑day stretch, but by late May, you’re looking at just 3 inches.
That’s a huge change. March still feels the wet season’s influence, but April dries out noticeably. By May, rain is light and rare, with monthly totals rarely topping 6 inches.
Wet days follow the same trend. In March, you might get rain on more than 60% of days, but by late May, that drops below 30%. So, your outdoor plans get interrupted less as fall goes on.
Humidity Trends
Humidity in Cairns drops through fall too. Early March, almost every day feels muggy or oppressive, with dew points above 70°F. By late May, muggy days fall to about 50%.
It’s a slow but real change. March and April evenings can still feel sticky, but by May, mornings and nights get much more comfortable. The air dries out enough to make outdoor activities less draining.
If you’re sensitive to humidity, you’ll probably find this time of year a relief. It’s not bone-dry, but it’s a lot easier to hike, sightsee, or hit the reef than in summer.
Transition From Wet to Dry Season
Fall in Cairns bridges the wet and dry seasons. The tropical summer rains fade out quickly, and by May, things look and feel more like the dry winter.
You’ll see fewer thunderstorms, clearer skies, and longer dry spells. The ground dries out, so hiking trails and outdoor spots get easier to reach.
Vegetation changes too. Lush growth from the wet months slows down, and creeks or waterfalls start to shrink. You get to enjoy the green left over from the rain, but with better weather for getting outside.
Other Key Fall Weather Factors
During fall in Cairns, you’ll notice steady winds, reliable daylight, and warm sea temps. All these shape how you plan your days and outdoor adventures.
Wind Speeds and Patterns
Winds in Cairns during fall usually stay moderate and pretty predictable. Average speeds run from 11 km/h (7 mph) to 17 km/h (10.7 mph), with gusts sometimes hitting 24 km/h (15 mph). Most breezes blow in from the southeast, which is typical for the dry season.
You’ll get calmer weather than the summer monsoon brings. These winds help cut humidity and make warm afternoons feel less stuffy. They also keep the air fresh and clear.
If you’re walking around town or heading out to the reef, the breeze feels comfortable. Just keep in mind that boating or fishing can get a bit rougher in exposed coastal spots, especially early in fall.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Cairns gives you steady daylight in fall, so you can pack your days with activities. Daylight runs from about 11.5 hours in March to almost 12 hours by May.
Sunshine is a lot more reliable than in the wet season. Cloud cover drops from around 75% in early March to less than 50% by May, so you get brighter afternoons and fewer gloomy days.
Shorter rainy spells and more stable weather make it easier to plan all-day outings. The mix of light and warmth works for both exploring on land and getting out on the water.
Sea Temperatures
The Coral Sea stays warm all fall, with water temps between 26°C (79°F) and 28°C (82°F). Swimming, snorkeling, and diving feel great—you usually don’t need a wetsuit.
The sea calms down compared to the wet season, with fewer storms and less heavy rain. That means better visibility for reef diving and smoother boat trips.
If you love water sports, fall is honestly one of the best times to visit. Warm seas, less rain, and steady winds make for safe and fun days out.
Best Times for Outdoor Activities in Fall
Cairns in fall offers warm, comfortable weather, lower humidity, and smaller crowds than summer. It’s a great time to explore nature, get in the water, or take scenic drives.
Ideal Months for Travel
Fall in Cairns runs from March to May, and each month brings a little something different. In March, daytime highs reach around 30°C (86°F), and quick tropical showers still happen.
By April, humidity drops, skies clear, and nights feel cooler.
May is probably the sweetest spot for most visitors. Daytime temps average 27°C (81°F), nights are mild, and rain is minimal. May’s balance of warmth and dry weather makes it perfect for hiking, reef tours, or heading up to the Atherton Tablelands.
April and May also see fewer tourists than the busy winter season. So, you get more room at the Great Barrier Reef, Barron Gorge, and the Daintree.
Weather Considerations for Sightseeing
When you’re planning outdoor stuff, keep an eye on both temperature and humidity. Early fall stays humid, but by mid-season, the air gets easier to handle. That makes longer rainforest walks or waterfall visits a lot more fun.
March brings the most rain, but showers usually pass quickly and the sky clears up. A light rain jacket can help if you’re heading to places like Wooroonooran National Park. By April and May, rain rarely gets in the way of a full day out.
Sunlight is strong all season. You should use reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and light clothes. Even on cloudy days, UV is no joke in the tropics.
Water-Based Activities and Beach Conditions
Cairns’ coastal waters stay warm in fall, usually around 26–28°C (79–82°F). That means swimming, snorkeling, and diving all feel pretty comfortable.
As rainfall drops, visibility on the Great Barrier Reef often gets better. You’ll probably catch clearer views of coral and marine life.
Beaches like Yorkeys Knob and Palm Cove tend to stay calmer this time of year. Still, marine stingers (jellyfish) can show up through May, so don’t let your guard down.
Stick to swimming inside stinger nets or wear those protective suits that tour operators hand out. It’s just not worth the risk.
Waterfalls such as Millaa Millaa and Nandroya keep flowing from all that summer rain. You’ll find great spots for freshwater swimming here.
They’re a nice, cooler alternative to the coast, especially when March or early April heat kicks in.
Planning Your Trip: Weather Forecast Resources
If you’re planning a trip to Cairns in the fall, you’ll want solid weather info and some practical packing. Picking the right sources for forecasts and prepping for quick weather changes can make your trip a whole lot smoother.
How to Check the Latest Weather Forecasts
You can grab accurate weather forecasts for Cairns from a bunch of reliable sources. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) posts official updates like temperature, rainfall, wind, and humidity.
Their site’s got radar maps and severe weather alerts too.
A lot of international travelers just use apps like Weather Underground, AccuWeather, or Weather.com. These apps give you hourly updates and long-range forecasts.
You can check trends in rainfall and cloud cover, which is pretty important in Cairns since the weather can flip fast.
Local radio and TV stations run daily forecasts as well. If you’re planning outdoor activities like reef tours or rainforest hikes, check the weather the night before and again in the morning.
Things can change between sunrise and lunch, honestly.
For marine trips, look up sea surface temperature and wind reports. The Great Barrier Reef region reacts quickly to weather changes, and tour operators often adjust schedules if winds or storms pop up.
Tips for Packing Based on Fall Weather
Fall in Cairns usually means warm daytime highs around 26–30°C (79–86°F). Nights cool down to about 19–22°C (66–72°F).
Rainfall tends to drop as the season goes on, but you might still get a shower or two early in fall. I’d pack light, breathable clothing for the daytime. Toss in a light jacket for those cooler evenings.
You’ll want comfortable walking shoes that can handle damp tracks, especially if you’re planning to wander rainforest trails. I’d throw in a compact umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket too, just in case a sudden shower catches you off guard.
Later in the season, humidity drops, so you might find quick-dry fabrics more comfortable. If you’re sensitive to the sun, don’t forget broad-brim hats, sunglasses, and SPF 30+ sunscreen.
For reef trips, bring swimwear, a rash guard, and water shoes. Tour operators often provide stinger suits during marine stinger season, but having your own lightweight option feels a bit nicer.
A small packing checklist might help:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Light clothing | Daytime comfort |
| Jacket | Cooler evenings |
| Umbrella/rain jacket | Sudden showers |
| Hat & sunscreen | Sun protection |
| Swimwear & rash guard | Reef activities |
| Walking shoes | Rainforest trails |