Average Winter Weather in Cairns, Australia: Climate, Temperatures & Tips

When you picture winter in Australia, maybe you imagine chilly winds and heavy coats. Cairns, though, has a totally different vibe.

Winter here stays mild and comfortable, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 17°C to 26°C (63°F to 79°F). Instead of bundling up, you get warm days that make outdoor adventures easy and pretty tempting.

You’ll notice the season feels drier compared to the sticky summer months. Rainfall drops to some of the lowest levels all year, and the air feels lighter, which makes exploring way more pleasant.

Clear skies and steady sunshine give you plenty of chances to spend time outside. You don’t have to stress about constant downpours.

The sea stays warm enough for swimming, so you don’t have to put water activities on pause. Whether you want to see the Great Barrier Reef, wander through rainforests, or just relax by the coast, winter offers a solid mix of comfort and adventure for pretty much any traveler.

Overview of Cairns’ Winter Climate

Winter in Cairns brings warm days, lower humidity, and very little rain compared to other times of year. You’ll get comfortable conditions that make sightseeing and being outdoors a breeze—literally.

Typical Winter Weather Patterns

From June to August, average daytime highs in Cairns sit around 25–26 °C (77–79 °F). Overnight lows drop to about 17–18 °C (63–64 °F).

You rarely need more than a light layer. Rain barely shows up in winter.

Monthly rainfall usually stays under 50 mm, and July sometimes only gets about 35 mm. Skies are clearer, and you’ll see 7 to 8 hours of sunshine per day—more than the wetter months.

Humidity drops, averaging around 70–72%, so it feels a lot less sticky than summer. Winds stay gentle to moderate, and the sea stays warm for swimming at about 24–25 °C.

These steady conditions make winter a great time for reef trips, rainforest walks, or city festivals.

Comparison to Other Seasons

Cairns has two main seasons: the wet season from November to April and the dry season from May to October. Winter falls in the dry season, so it really stands out from the heavy rains and high humidity of summer.

During the wet months, rainfall can easily top 300–400 mm per month, and daytime highs often go above 31 °C (88 °F) with humidity near 80%. Tropical cyclones can happen more often then too.

Winter brings steadier weather. You skip the flooding rains, muggy nights, and storm risks.

While summer means lush greenery and dramatic skies, winter gives you clearer air, cooler nights, and far more predictable conditions.

For most visitors, this mix of warmth, low rain, and sunshine makes winter the most comfortable season for exploring Cairns and the region.

Average Winter Temperatures in Cairns

Winter in Cairns brings mild, steady conditions. Temperatures stay warm compared to much of Australia, with daytime highs in the upper 70s °F (mid-20s °C) and nights that rarely feel cold.

Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges

During winter, you’ll get daytime highs around 77–79°F (25–26°C). These numbers rarely dip below 73°F (23°C) or climb above 84°F (29°C).

At night, lows usually land near 63–65°F (17–18°C). On the coolest nights, it might get closer to 56°F (13°C), but that’s pretty rare.

This balance means comfortable days and mild evenings. Unlike the southern parts of Australia, you won’t need heavy winter gear. Usually, a light jacket at night does the trick.

Monthly Temperature Breakdown

Cairns’ winter runs through June, July, and August. Each month has its own feel:

July stands out as the coolest month, with highs around 77°F (25°C) and lows near 63°F (17°C). By late August, things warm up a bit as spring creeps in.

These steady ranges make winter one of the best times for outdoor fun, with no extreme heat or cold to worry about.

Temperature Trends Over Recent Years

Long-term records show that Cairns’ winter temperatures have stayed remarkably stable. Unlike places with big seasonal swings, Cairns stays pretty steady thanks to its tropical spot on the map.

Over the past few decades, the average winter high has hovered around 78°F (25–26°C). Nighttime lows have stuck to the mid-60s °F (17–18°C).

You might spot small year-to-year changes, usually tied to climate patterns like El Niño or La Niña. Sometimes nights are a bit cooler or warmer, but the changes are slight compared to other places.

This stability means you can count on mild, pleasant winter weather whenever you show up.

Rainfall and Humidity During Winter

Winter in Cairns usually feels drier and more comfortable than the sticky summer months. You’ll see lower rainfall totals, fewer rainy days, and reduced humidity, making it much easier to spend time outdoors.

Average Rainfall Amounts

Rainfall in Cairns drops off fast during winter. From June to August, monthly totals usually fall between 20 mm and 40 mm. That’s a huge difference from summer, when totals can soar into the hundreds.

July is the driest month, often with the lowest rainfall of the year. Some years, it’s as little as 20 mm. By August, rain picks up a bit, but it’s still nothing like summer.

Here’s a quick look:

With these small amounts, you’ll rarely have your plans ruined by rain in winter.

Humidity Levels in Winter

Humidity in Cairns drops a lot in winter. Average relative humidity sits in the 55% to 65% range, way below the 70%+ you’ll find in summer.

This makes the air feel lighter, even when it’s warm. The lowest humidity of the year usually shows up in September, but you’ll notice the dry trend in June, July, and August too.

Mornings often feel crisp and comfortable, without the stickiness you get at other times of year.

Lower humidity also means better visibility and clearer air. That’s a big reason so many people prefer winter for hiking, reef tours, and rainforest walks.

Rainy Days Frequency

Winter brings fewer rainy days overall. You can expect 5 to 7 rainy days per month in June, July, and August. That’s about a third of what you’d get in the wet season.

Rain showers in winter usually don’t last long. They’re light and scattered, not heavy downpours. This makes it easier to plan your days without worrying about big interruptions.

For comparison:

• June: 6–7 rainy days
• July: 5–6 rainy days
• August: 6–7 rainy days

With fewer rainy days and lower totals, you’ll find winter in Cairns reliably dry.

Winter Sunshine and Daylight Hours

Winter in Cairns brings mild temperatures, less rain, and plenty of steady sunshine. You’ll get reliable daylight with some small but noticeable changes in day length from June through August.

Average Daily Sunshine

During winter, Cairns enjoys clearer skies than in the wet season. Cloud cover drops from about 46% in early June to around 37% by late August.

This means more blue sky, less gloom. On average, you’ll see 6 to 8 hours of sunshine per day. By late August, the skies are at their clearest, with sunny or partly sunny weather most days.

The lower humidity makes the sunshine feel more comfortable. Unlike in summer, the air isn’t heavy, so things like walking the Esplanade or heading to the reef feel more pleasant.

With this much sunshine, you can plan day trips with confidence. If it does rain, it usually passes quickly.

Length of Days in Winter

Daylight in Cairns slowly gets longer as winter goes on. In late June, the shortest day gives you about 11 hours and 7 minutes of daylight. By late August, you’ll get close to 11 hours and 46 minutes—almost 40 minutes extra.

Sunrise happens around 6:45 AM in late June, but shifts earlier to about 6:24 AM by the end of August. Sunset moves from about 5:52 PM in June to 6:10 PM in August.

These gradual changes mean a bit more usable daylight by the end of winter. It’s not a huge difference, but it’s enough to squeeze in some extra outdoor time before evening.

Sea Temperatures and Outdoor Activities

Cairns stays warm through the winter months, and the sea remains inviting for swimming and water sports. You’ll get mild, dry weather that makes both ocean and land-based activities easy to enjoy.

Average Sea Temperatures

During winter, the Coral Sea near Cairns averages 23°C to 26°C. That’s warm enough for swimming, snorkeling, and diving—usually no wetsuit needed.

Sea temperatures stay steady across June, July, and August. Unlike southern Australia, you won’t find chilly or uncomfortable water. The warm sea draws visitors to Cairns all year.

Here’s a quick guide:

Since the water rarely drops below 23°C, you can plan water activities with confidence. The stable temps also mean great visibility for reef tours and diving.

Best Winter Activities in Cairns

The dry season makes outdoor fun more reliable in winter. You’ll see fewer rainy days, lower humidity, and daytime temps between 17°C and 26°C.

Water activities really shine. You can snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef, go sailing, or try paddleboarding along the coast. Calm seas and clear skies often line up perfectly.

On land, you can hike in the Daintree Rainforest, check out waterfalls on the Atherton Tablelands, or ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The cooler air makes these outings more pleasant than in the muggy months.

Wildlife viewing is good in winter too. You might spot migrating humpback whales offshore or catch some birdwatching in the wetlands. These experiences pair nicely with the mild, dry weather.

Travel Tips for Visiting Cairns in Winter

Cairns in winter offers warm days, cooler evenings, and low humidity—making outdoor activities a lot more comfortable. You should plan ahead for both the tropical conditions and the extra crowds that show up during this season.

What to Pack for Cairns Winter

Daytime temperatures in Cairns usually hang out between 25–27°C. At night, it drops to around 17–19°C.

You won’t need anything heavy, but you should still get ready for both sunny days and those cooler evenings.

For daytime, pack lightweight, breathable clothing—think shorts, t-shirts, maybe a summer dress or two.

Toss in a light jacket or sweater for the evenings, especially if you’re planning to check out higher spots like the Atherton Tablelands. It can get chillier up there.

Don’t forget swimwear for the Great Barrier Reef or any beach trips. You’ll want comfortable walking shoes if you’re heading into the rainforest or out on trails.

A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen will help keep the sunburn away.

Here’s a quick checklist:

Peak Tourist Season Insights

Cairns gets the most visitors in winter, thanks to the mild weather and those clear, sunny days. People flock to reef tours, Daintree excursions, and scenic rail trips, so those often sell out weeks ahead.

If you want to snag a spot on a whale watching cruise or a guided rainforest walk, you’ll want to book accommodation, tours, and transfers early. Hotels and tours tend to cost more in winter than during the wet season, which isn’t great for your wallet, but it’s just how it goes.

Try to keep your days a bit flexible. Spots like the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Kuranda Scenic Railway, and the local markets feel a lot nicer when you go during quieter hours.

If you don’t mind waking up early, you’ll dodge the crowds and get to enjoy those cooler mornings.

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