Dreaming of sunnier climes? The sunshine state has the answer.
Cairns is the destination of choice for beach worshippers, and if you’re one of them read on because we’ve sussed out the optimal time to visit when you won’t feel like a hot and sticky sardine on the sands.
Best time to visit Cairns
April to September.
Why?
April to September is the prime time to visit Cairns for the ideal balance of affordable accommodation, warm dry weather and thin crowds. By popping in after summer, you’ll completely miss the Christmas crowds and the high humidity while still being able to enjoy sunshine and warm days. In addition, you’ll only pay a fraction of the peak season price.
Overview
Located in the tropical north, Cairns enjoys hot humid summers and mild winters with temperatures that rarely dip below 24℃.
Cairns is a popular destination for Australian families as it’s the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and offers family friendly beaches. To avoid the crowds, you should steer clear of Cairns during the school holiday period.
Travelling closer to winter means you’ll enjoy pleasant, dry days that are still ideal for beachside bumming or for exploring neighbouring islands and the Daintree rainforest.
Weather and prices
Best time to visit Cairns, weather wise: April to September.
Cheapest time to visit Cairns: Search for flights and hotels in February or March when prices drop as it’s just after the peak holiday period.
Cairns shore excursion
Viator
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda and Cairns Aquarium tour
Viator
Cairns Aquarium family tickets from $126
Viator
Best time to visit Cairns for...
- Beaches: With a temperatures of 25-31℃ throughout the year, Cairns is good for beaches any time of the year, though it is best from June to October when it’s the driest.
- Snorkelling: Snorkelling is good all year round though, the wet season between December and May will likely find you the best deals.
- Diving: Similar to snorkelling, diving is good all year round with the best deals occurring from December to May, but the least chance it will rain while you're snorkelling is from June to November..
- Riding the Kuranda Scenic Railway: Ride the rails on this iconic railway during the cooler and drier months of winter for clear views sans the stuffed carriages. The Kuranda Scenic Railway operates every day except Christmas Day.
- Watersports: Available all year round, watersports such as jetskiing and parasailing are best enjoyed during dry warm months such as April and May or September and October.
Hot travel deals
Groupon
Extra 10% off travel deals
Valid select dates depending on the destinations like Vietnam, Hunter Valley, Brisbane, Bali, Phuket and more. T&Cs apply.
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RedBalloon
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Flight Centre - Domestic
Domestic flights from $60 each way
Valid for travel from 14 January - 4 April 2019 with Tigerair. Sample fare is Coffs Harbour-Sydney.
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TourRadar
Up to 61% off Australia and New Zealand tours
Valid for travel from November 2018 - March 2019 depending on the destination. Destinations include Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
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G Adventures
Up to $1,170 off Australia and New Zealand tours
Valid for travel from 4 December 2018 - 24 February 2019. Destinations include Auckland, Wellington, Adelaide, Melbourne, Byron Bay and more. T&Cs apply.
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Rentalcars.com
Up to 20% off car hire
Compare car hire prices on Rentalcars.com and save up to 20% compared to booking direct.
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Skydive Australia
Up to $110 off skydiving
Valid on select 2018 dates. Locations include Byron Bay, Hunter Valley, Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
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Skiddoo
Australia-wide flights from $113 return
Valid for travel between August - October 2018 and February 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-Hobart. Destinations include Gold Coast, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Cairns, Sydney, Darwin and more.
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Avis
Earn double Qantas points on 4+ days car hire
Valid on until 16 December 2018 across Australia. Minimum rental of 4 days to redeem offer. T&Cs apply.
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Adrenaline
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Valid sitewide on experiences $79 or more across Australia including skydiving, driving, go karting, sailing, hot air ballooning, diving, bridge climbing and more. T&Cs apply.
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Popular Cairns deals coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Nov 2018 | Extra 10% off travel deals | ESC**** |
| 16 Nov 2018 | Extra 15% off experiences | 15S**** |
| 10 Oct 2018 | Earn double Qantas points on 4+ days car hire | MPP**** |
| 18 Jul 2018 | Up to 67% off + extra $15 with code | EXT**** |
| 16 Nov 2018 | Domestic flights from $60 each way | ******** |
