What is the best month to visit Cairns?

Cairns is a vibrant tropical city that serves as a launchpad to the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and the Atherton Tablelands.

With so many incredible natural experiences dotted around the city, it’s no wonder the city is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations.

The best time to visit Cairns depends on what you’re looking for! If you want to enjoy the best weather and avoid stingy ocean critters, the perfect time to visit is in the dry months between June and October.

But if you’re looking to enjoy cheap flights, cheaper tours and fewer crowds, then it’s best to visit during the shoulder season (April/May or September/October). The wet season (November to March) can bring some pretty wild weather, making it the cheapest time of the year to visit Cairns.

We say go in the dry season so that you can enjoy the city and its amazing natural wonders for everything they have to offer!

Let’s take a look at some of those mesmerising natural experiences…

• The Great Barrier Reef

  This is the reason tourists from across the globe flock to Cairns year-round. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s natural wonders, a surreal 2,300km coral reef system and the only living organism that is visible from space! Cairns is one of the best cities to experience the reef and its awe-inspiring marine life, with tours operating out of the city every day of the year. Swim, snorkel, dive or view the endless marine life from the comfort of a glass bottom boat – the choice is yours!

• The Daintree Rainforest

  The Daintree Rainforest is the Great Barrier Reef’s land equivalent, a sprawling tropical forest that has thrived for over 180 million years. The rainforest is home to thousands of unique wildlife species, including the rowdy cassowary and the cheeky tiger quoll. Tours allow you to experience this lush wonderland, its diverse wildlife and its importance to local Indigenous peoples.

• The Atherton Tablelands

  Another incredible region located just outside of Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands never disappoints, with beautiful savannas, tropical wetlands and lush gardens dotting the landscape. Be sure to check out Paronella Park, the fascinating ruins of a once-destined mansion. The ruins and its gardens are the perfect places to spend a morning exploring before continuing your tablelands journey.

Related article: Why you should visit Cairns