Spring in Cairns means days start warming up, and the air gets wetter and stickier as the tropical wet season approaches. Daytime highs usually climb from the low 80s to the upper 80s Fahrenheit, while nights hang out in the upper 60s to low 70s.
You’ll notice temperatures rising steadily. Clouds show up more, rain chances go up, and humidity becomes pretty obvious.
If you like tropical warmth but don’t want the full-on summer heat, spring feels like a sweet spot—sunshine mixed with a few showers. The days stretch out, so there’s more daylight for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, wandering through rainforests, or just checking out the coastline.
Rain starts to pick up, turning the scenery greener and brighter. The Coral Sea also warms up, which makes swimming and water activities much more inviting.
When you know these seasonal patterns, you can plan your trip better. Whether you’re into relaxing on beaches, diving into reef adventures, or just soaking up the local culture, spring weather shapes every experience.
Overview of Cairns Spring Weather
Spring in Cairns brings warmer air, higher humidity, and more rain. As the weeks go by, you’ll see the climate shift from mostly dry, clear days to wetter, cloudier ones.
Typical Spring Weather Patterns
In spring, daily highs start at about 80°F (27°C) in early September and reach around 87°F (31°C) by late November. Nights warm up too, from near 66°F (19°C) to about 74°F (23°C).
Humidity jumps quickly. By the end of spring, most days feel muggy. Mornings can feel pleasant, but afternoons get heavy with moisture.
Clouds become more common as spring moves along. Early on, skies stay clearer, but by November, over half the days are mostly cloudy. Breezes usually come in from the east, averaging around 7 mph, and they bring in moist air from the Coral Sea.
The average water temperature rises from 75°F (24°C) to 82°F (28°C). That’s perfect for swimming and reef tours. Still, the humidity can make it feel warmer than the actual temperature.
Transition from Dry to Wet Season
Spring in Cairns signals the change from the dry season (May–October) to the wet season (December–March). In early September, rain barely shows up—about 1.2 inches over 31 days. By late November, that jumps to nearly 5 inches.
Rainy days become more frequent too. Early September only has about a 14% chance of rain, but late November bumps that up to around 35%. Showers usually don’t last long, but they can get heavy, especially later in spring.
Humidity really ramps up. In early September, only about a quarter of days feel muggy, but by late November, over 90% of days get humid. That’s one of the clearest signs that the wet season is right around the corner.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, spring doesn’t get as much rain, but it’s still humid. Summer brings the most downpours, with daily rain chances over 60% and plenty of tropical storms. Spring gives you a taste of that, just not as intense.
Winter in Cairns feels much drier and cooler. From June to August, highs average around 77°F (25°C), and muggy days are rare. Skies stay clearer, humidity drops, and it’s the most comfortable time for being outside.
Autumn feels a bit like spring, just in reverse. Rain drops off as the wet season ends, and humidity falls. Spring, on the other hand, builds up to the rainy months, with rising temps, more rain, and higher humidity shaping the weather.
Spring Temperatures in Cairns
Spring in Cairns means the warmth keeps building, and both days and nights start to feel more tropical. Early and late spring can feel pretty different, so timing might matter if you prefer cooler or hotter weather.
Average High and Low Temperatures
Spring temperatures in Cairns climb steadily. Average highs go from about 80°F (27°C) in early September to around 87°F (31°C) by late November. Lows rise too, from roughly 66°F (19°C) to 74°F (23°C).
You rarely see temps below 60°F (16°C) or above 90°F (32°C). So, conditions stay pretty steady and warm.
Humidity adds to the mix. As spring rolls on, muggy days get a lot more common, especially by November. September’s air feels comfortable, but by late spring, the humidity—especially at night—really stands out.
If you’re visiting, the combo of rising heat and humidity shifts things from mild tropical weather to something that feels a lot more like summer as the wet season nears.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
Each spring month in Cairns has its own vibe.
- September: Highs near 80°F (27°C), lows around 66°F (19°C). This is the nicest month, with less humidity.
- October: Highs average 83°F (28°C), lows about 70°F (21°C). Humidity starts rising, and nights feel warmer.
- November: Highs reach 86–87°F (30–31°C), lows hover near 74°F (23°C). It’s hot and muggy, and you can tell summer rains are coming.
It’s a clear progression: early spring is mild, mid-spring is warm, and late spring feels hot and sticky. If you want cooler, drier weather, September is probably the best month to plan your trip.
November, on the other hand, feels a lot more like the start of the wet season, with warm nights and sticky afternoons.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
Day and night temperatures in Cairns don’t swing much. In spring, highs usually sit in the low to upper 80s°F (27–31°C), and lows stay in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F (19–23°C).
Because the range is so narrow, evenings stay warm, and nights almost never feel cool. Even after sunset, the air can be humid, especially later in spring.
You won’t need heavy clothes at night. Lightweight, breathable fabrics work best. If humidity bothers you, you’ll notice the difference between September’s drier nights and November’s muggy ones.
Since it doesn’t cool off much after dark, you can enjoy outdoor activities into the evening, though by late spring, you’ll want to be ready for sticky weather.
Rainfall and Humidity During Spring
Spring in Cairns brings more rain and rising humidity. The shift from dry to wet happens fast, and you’ll definitely feel it in your daily plans.
Average Rainfall by Month
Rainfall in Cairns picks up sharply through spring. In September, rain is light—about 9 mm over 7 days—making it the driest month. October brings a bit more, while November kicks off heavier showers.
By late November, monthly totals can hit over 100 mm, often falling in short, intense bursts. That’s a sure sign the wet season is almost here.
You’ll see a big difference between early and late spring. If you show up in September, you’ll probably get mostly dry days. By November, afternoon or evening downpours become pretty common.
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~9 mm | 7 days |
| October | ~40–50 mm | 8–10 days |
| November | 100+ mm | 12–14 days |
Humidity Levels and Comfort
Humidity in Cairns climbs fast during spring. In September, relative humidity averages around 55%, the lowest all year. That makes mornings and evenings feel a lot more pleasant.
By October, humidity starts to climb, and by November it often hits 65–70%. You’ll really notice it, especially in the middle of the day when it’s hottest.
If you’re sensitive to sticky air, September is the best bet for comfort. Late spring’s higher humidity and warmth can make outdoor activities feel more tiring, especially in the afternoons.
Drinking plenty of water and planning outdoor stuff for the morning helps you handle the rising humidity.
Onset of Wet Season
Spring leads right up to the wet season, which usually starts in late November. This change brings more thunderstorms, heavier rain, and warmer, humid nights.
You might see the weather flip from dry mornings to sudden, short-lived downpours in the afternoon. Sometimes, these storms dump several centimeters of rain in just a couple hours.
The wet season officially begins in summer, but you’ll see the early signs in late spring. If you’re traveling in November, expect more unpredictable weather, higher humidity, and even the chance of tropical storms offshore.
This seasonal shift is a big part of life in Cairns, and it definitely affects travel plans.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Spring in Cairns means more sunshine after the rainy summer. Days get longer, cloud cover is moderate, and you’ll get a good mix of bright sun and some overcast spells.
Average Daily Sunshine
During spring, Cairns gets about 7 to 9 hours of sunshine per day. September usually wins for sun, with around 8.5 to 9 hours daily, while November slips a little because of more clouds and humidity.
The city racks up about 250 to 270 hours of sunshine per month in spring. That’s a lot compared to many coastal spots, so you’ve got plenty of daylight for outdoor activities.
Even in November, with more clouds, you still get over 7 hours of sun a day on average. Spring is honestly one of the most reliable times for consistent sunny weather in Cairns.
Length of Daylight
Daylight hours in Cairns stretch out slowly during spring. In September, you get about 12 hours per day, and by November, it’s nearly 13 hours.
That extra time means more chances to hit the beach, explore rainforests, or check out the Great Barrier Reef. Early sunrises and late sunsets give you the freedom to plan long tours or just take it easy.
Unlike southern Australia, Cairns doesn’t see huge swings in day length. The shortest and longest days of the year only differ by about 2 hours, so spring daylight stays pretty steady.
Cloud Cover Trends
Clouds become more noticeable as spring goes on. September skies are often clear, with few overcast days. By November, cloudy or mostly cloudy skies show up over 60% of the time.
This rise in cloudiness ties in with higher humidity and the build-up to the wet season. Afternoons get cloudier, but mornings usually stay bright.
If you’re planning a trip, expect clearer skies earlier in spring and more mixed conditions later. Even with cloudier afternoons, you’ll still get a good chunk of sunshine, so spring works well for sightseeing and outdoor fun in Cairns.
Winds and Atmospheric Conditions
Cairns gets steady, usually gentle winds in spring, and stronger breezes often show up along the coast. Air pressure doesn’t change much, but subtle shifts can signal the wet season is on the way.
Typical Wind Speeds
During spring in Cairns, you’ll usually get light to moderate winds. Most days, wind speeds range between 10–20 km/h, and you might feel stronger gusts if you’re close to the shoreline.
The southeast winds bring in cooler air from the Coral Sea. Mornings tend to feel calm, but by afternoon, the breeze often picks up noticeably.
This pattern actually makes outdoor activities more pleasant. Walking along the Esplanade or heading out for a reef tour feels comfortable in these conditions.
The Cairns Airport weather station reports that spring winds rarely reach dangerous levels. Stronger winds usually show up later in the year when tropical systems roll in.
Most visitors find the spring winds mild and refreshing, not disruptive. If you’re planning water activities, keep in mind that southeasterly trade winds can whip up choppier seas offshore.
You’ll have a smoother time if you stick to sheltered bays or go out earlier in the day. That way, you avoid the rougher conditions that sometimes develop later.
Air Pressure Patterns
Air pressure in Cairns stays pretty steady during spring, usually hovering around 1012–1016 hPa. Subtropical high-pressure systems dominate, so the weather feels settled most of the time.
As spring goes on, you might notice the pressure dropping a bit. That’s usually a sign that humidity is building and the wet season is on its way.
September and October bring consistent pressure, supporting clear skies and lower rainfall. By November, the air holds more moisture, and you’ll spot more pressure changes.
For travelers, steady pressure means the weather doesn’t shift suddenly. You can expect changes to happen slowly, not all at once.
Sea Temperatures and Water Activities
Cairns keeps its sea temperatures warm through spring, so the ocean’s inviting for swimming, snorkeling, and just about any water activity. From March to May, the water cools off a little, but it still feels great, and you’ll notice small changes in both water warmth and rainfall as the season goes on.
Average Sea Temperature in Spring
The Coral Sea around Cairns stays warm during spring. In March, the average water temperature is about 28.8°C, which honestly feels like a heated pool.
By April, it drops to around 27.7°C, and in May it cools further to about 25.6°C.
You can stay in the water for ages with these temperatures. Even in May, the sea’s warmer than a lot of other places get in summer.
Warm water also means great visibility for snorkeling and diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Later in the season, calm conditions become more common, making reef trips smoother and, well, just more fun.
Best Times for Swimming and Snorkeling
You can swim in Cairns year-round, but spring really nails that balance of warm water and fewer rainy days. March still brings more rain, while April and May have drier weather and clearer skies.
If you want the warmest water, go in March. For calmer seas and still-comfortable swimming, April and May work better.
Tour operators often suggest April and May for snorkeling and diving since lower rainfall makes the water clearer. That’s when you’ll really see the coral gardens, tropical fish, and all the marine life on the reef.
Always pay attention to local safety advice, especially during stinger season. Protective suits are a must for swimming in coastal waters then.
Travel Tips for Visiting Cairns in Spring
Spring in Cairns brings higher temperatures, longer days, and more humidity. Rainfall picks up toward the end of the season, and the ocean warms up fast, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Planning ahead helps you stay comfy and safe while you explore outside.
What to Pack for Spring Weather
Spring days in Cairns are warm, with highs usually between 27°C and 31°C (80°F–87°F). Nights are mild too, and rarely dip below 20°C (68°F).
Light, breathable clothes—think cotton or linen—are your best bet. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen for UV protection.
A light rain jacket or small umbrella comes in handy since rain gets more common from September to November. Comfortable shoes are important if you’re exploring the rainforest or heading out on day trips.
For evenings, toss in a light sweater in case it gets breezy by the water. If you’re swimming or snorkeling, a rash guard or stinger suit is smart, though tour operators often provide them.
They’ll protect you from the sun and marine stingers.
Recommended Outdoor Activities
Spring is an awesome time to check out the Great Barrier Reef. Water temperatures climb from 24°C to 28°C (75°F–82°F), so snorkeling and diving feel pretty comfortable, and visibility is usually solid early in the season.
The Daintree Rainforest gives you shaded hikes and guided tours where you can spot unique wildlife. Trails can get slippery after rain, so wear sturdy shoes.
Longer daylight hours—over an hour more from September to November—make it easier to squeeze in boat trips, waterfalls, or scenic drives along the coast.
If you’re after something more relaxed, you’ll find spring markets and outdoor dining popular, especially before the humidity really kicks in at the end of the season.
Stinger Season Awareness
Spring kicks off stinger season in Cairns. It usually runs from November through May.
Dangerous jellyfish like the box jellyfish and Irukandji show up in coastal waters around this time. Honestly, it’s a bit unsettling if you think about it.
If you’re heading to the beach, stick to areas with stinger nets. Always check and follow local safety signs—nobody wants a nasty surprise.
Lifeguards set up vinegar stations for first aid, but honestly, it’s better to avoid getting stung in the first place. Prevention really matters here.
Planning a reef tour? Operators hand out full-body stinger suits that double as sun protection. I’d say wearing one is a no-brainer, especially as spring rolls on and risks go up.
Skip swimming in unpatrolled spots or creeks that flow into the sea. These places have more stingers and no safety measures, so why risk it?
Take these precautions and you can actually enjoy the water without worrying too much.