Here’s all you need to know about the wet season in Cairns.
Unlike other parts of the world, Cairns really only experiences two seasons. These are the dry season and wet season. Dry season happens between April to November, whereas wet season happens from November to March.
Don’t let the idea of a rainy season deter you from visiting the area. You can still enjoy your time in Cairns!
The Wettest Months in Cairns
The wet season in Cairns takes place during the rainy season between November to March. Statistically, the months with the highest amount of rainfall are usually January and February.
What to Expect
There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Cairns during the wet season.
The first thing to keep in mind is the temperature. The wet season takes place during Australia’s summer, so you can expect high temperatures during the day, with cooler temperatures at night.
The second thing to keep in mind is the weather. Because it rains often, there will be quite a bit of humidity in the air. You can expect plenty of rainfall, so don’t forget an umbrella or rain jacket.
The third thing to keep in mind is that wet season is also stinger season. This doesn’t mean that you can’t go swimming during this time. All it means is that there are a few extra precautions to take. You should always wear a stinger suit, swim in patrolled areas and pay attention to signage warning against swimming in certain areas.
How to Prepare
It’s always a good idea to travel with a rain jacket or umbrella, but when travelling during the wet season, double check that you have packed these. You may also want to invest in a waterproof cover for your backpack or electronic devices just in case you get caught in the rain.
It’s also helpful if you adopt a “go with the flow” attitude. Maybe you planned to visit the botanic gardens but it started pouring. If you’re up for an adventure, chuck on your rain jacket and go splashing through the puddles. If you want to avoid the rain, have a backup plan that is indoors and out of the rain
What if it Rains During My Tour?
It all depends on how bad it’s raining. The only reason your tour would be cancelled is if there were a cyclone or thunder storm.
Typically, tours will still go ahead on rainy days. A rainy day on the reef is surprisingly quite fun. You’ll be getting wet while snorkelling anyways. Also, the weather will usually change and it won’t be raining all day.
You will be in safe hands with your tour operator on the Great Barrier Reef. The tour operator will choose snorkelling locations the day of the tour based on the weather. When it rains, there are still plenty of areas with calm waters.
