2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Cairns — September

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

September is an excellent time to visit Cairns. Warm weather with highs of 26°C—great for outdoor activities. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists. Sea temperature of 25°C is perfect for swimming.

7
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

26°C

Avg Low

21°C

Rainy days

9days

Daylight

12h

Feels like 29°C / 23°C — humidity makes it feel warmer

Rainfall

32mm

Sunshine

10.6h/day

Humidity

80%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

7.9

Very High
Wind

17 km/h (gusts 43)

Sea Temp

25°C 🏊 Comfortable

Is September a good time to visit Cairns?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:14

Sunset

18:13

12h daylight

Visiting Cairns in September: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Warm sea perfect for swimming and snorkeling
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices

Things to Do in September

Events & Festivals

🌸
Whale Watching Season
June–October Nature

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🏊 Swimming & beach activities
🤿 Snorkeling & water sports
🏖️ Beach relaxation & sunbathing
🥾 Hiking & nature trails

Cairns Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 31°C 26°C 24d (449mm) 9h
85% Very Muggy
7.6 Very High
Wet
Feb 31°C 26°C 22d (400mm) 8.7h
86% Very Muggy
7.2 Very High
Wet
Mar 30°C 25°C 20d (242mm) 9.3h
85% Very Muggy
7.4 Very High
Wet
Apr 29°C 24°C 16d (190mm) 9.6h
84% Very Muggy
6.7 High
Excellent
May 26°C 22°C 12d (65mm) 9.7h
83% Very Humid
6 High
Excellent
Jun 25°C 21°C 8d (31mm) 9.4h
82% Very Humid
5.4 High
Excellent
Jul 25°C 20°C 7d (41mm) 9.6h
81% Very Humid
5.7 High
Excellent
Aug 25°C 20°C 8d (38mm) 9.9h
79% Humid
6.8 High
Excellent
Sep Current 26°C 21°C 9d (32mm) 10.6h
80% Very Humid
7.9 Very High
Excellent
Oct 29°C 23°C 6d (20mm) 11.6h
79% Muggy
9.6 Very High
Excellent
Nov 30°C 24°C 9d (56mm) 11.7h
79% Muggy
9.7 Very High
Good
Dec 30°C 25°C 17d (360mm) 10.2h
83% Very Muggy
8.5 Very High
Wet

⚖️Find Your Ideal Month

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5
3
3
Your Best MonthDecScore: 8.5

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Cairns – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

Cairns

Great Barrier Reef gateway, including rainforest, Great Barrier Reef diving and Daintree Rainforest, diving, and tropical islands.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for September

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for occasional showers. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Warm Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Cairns?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is September a good time to visit Cairns?
September is typically excellent for visiting Cairns, with average highs of 26°C and around 9 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Cairns in September?
Nights stay pleasantly warm in Cairns during September, around 21°C. Light evening wear is sufficient, and outdoor dining is very comfortable. Many locals and visitors enjoy late-night walks and outdoor activities after sunset.
What should I pack for Cairns in September?
With highs of 26°C and lows of 21°C in September, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Lightweight breathable clothes, Sunscreen SPF 30+, Sun hat. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Cairns in September?
Cairns typically sees around 9 rainy days in September. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
Can you swim in Cairns in September?
Yes, September is excellent for swimming in Cairns! With warm air temperatures around 26°C, the water is comfortable for extended beach sessions. This is peak beach season, so arrive early to secure a good spot at popular beaches.
How many hours of daylight are there in Cairns in September?
In September, Cairns gets approximately 12 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is September peak season in Cairns?
Yes, September is peak season in Cairns. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Australia/Brisbane)

Last Updated: February 2026