Things to Do in Cairns in Summer

Snorkeling in Cairns in the summer

Seeing how Cairns lies in the tropical north of Queensland, the terms summer and winter don’t have the same impact as in other parts of the world. What those terms do indicate, however, is either a wet or dry season – one incredibly humid with the chance for storms, and the other warm without much moisture in the air. Still, there isn’t much you can do in the summer in Cairns that you can’t already do during the winter. You just might be able to have more fun comfortably with beach related activities in the summer.

Water Activities

Water activities – scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, swimming, sailing – are more comfortable in the summer months when the water is also warmer. Other times of the year call for a wet suit, but summer in Cairns is hot enough both inside the water and out.

Just be aware that the warmer water also brings a higher number of stingers (jellyfish). The stinger season occurs usually from November to May, and while most only produce painful stings, there is a tiny Box Jellyfish whose sting can potentially be fatal. To protect yourself, keep an eye out for warning signs, swim at patrolled beaches and in stinger nets, and wear stinger suits when offered or available. Luckily most of the stingers do not affect the Great Barrier Reef waters.

More Summer Activities in Cairns

• Skydiving
• Sailing
• Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Aboriginal tours
• Day trips to Great Barrier Reef
• Helicopter rides

Cairns Weather in Summer

Cairns summer weather ranges from warm to hot and humid. There is a lot of moisture in the air, and rainfall increases immensely from February to April, making it a great time to visit the nearby rainforests and waterfalls. Do be aware that summer months bring the possibility for cyclones to hit the Cairns region. Just be sure to check weather conditions before traveling to Cairns and the tropical north.

- Brooke Schoenman

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