What is the best month to visit Cairns?

Cairns is one of Australia’s most beloved travel towns and for very good reason!

This tropical hub is not only a buzzing city in itself, but it also serves as the jumping point to some of Australia’s most incredible natural sites.

With the Atherton Tablelands, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef at its doorstep, Cairns offers plenty of fun and adventure for budding travellers on the hunt to see some of Australia’s most awe-inspiring nature!

But Cairns is a tropical town, meaning it has a wet and dry season, and this is where travellers have to make a decision on which time of the year is best to go.

It’s like this: the dry season, from April to October, is when the weather is gorgeous but the crowds are plentiful. Conversely, the wet season, from November to March, is often hampered by tropical storms, but, you guessed it – the crowds are fewer at this time of the year.

We recommend getting there in the shoulder months of April and May and September and October. The weather is amazing at these times and you’ll be beating the dry season crowds!

That’s our top tip, and without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the incredible experiences that await you just outside magical Cairns…

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s natural wonders and it’s so, so easy to see why: it’s simply a stunning place to visit! This series of thousands of individual reefs is replete with tropical fish, sea life and vibrant coral.

Luckily for you, Cairns is one of the very best places to head out to the reef, with tours operating throughout the year! Whether you’re diving, snorkelling or taking in a glass-bottom boat tour, there are numerous reefs to easily head out to from Cairns!

The Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest is one of the world’s longest living ecosystems, even being aeons older than the Amazon (some 10 million years, in fact!). If that’s not enough to make you want to check it out, you’ll be stoked to know that the forest is home to some of Australia’s most fascinating creatures, with the likes of the saltwater crocodile, the Cassowary and tiger quoll inhabiting the lush forest habitat.

You can easily take guided walking tours and even jump on a riveting croc-spotting adventure with knowledgeable guides – it’s an incredible way to experience this ancient ecosystem…

Related article: How many days do you need in Cairns?

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.