It’s no wonder the Cairns region continues to be one of the country’s most visited destinations, given its proximity to some of Australia’s most incredible natural attractions, including the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and of course, the Great Barrier Reef. Each year, Cairns welcomes millions of visitors not only from all around Australia, but from every corner of the globe.
In addition to its lush rainforest vegetation and the infamous Great Barrier Reef, this popular region of Tropical Far North Queensland (TFNQ) is also famous for its spectacular beaches, exquisite tropical islands, beautiful Australian wildlife, abundance of unique, fresh and delicious produce, amazing accommodation options (to suit all tastes and budgets), as well as magnificent shopping options. You will be welcomed to the area by its very laidback and friendly locals, willing to assist you to make the most of this stunning location.
Weather, Climate and Rainfall
The weather is warm and balmy year-round in Cairns, thanks to its tropical location on the far north Queensland coast. In particular, the winter weather in Cairns (think picture-perfect long sunny days and temperatures of approximately 18 to 26°C) makes it the best time of year to visit Cairns, whether you are venturing from interstate or from overseas.
The Cairns area receives the very large majority of its rainfall over the summer months (referred to as the ‘wet season’), and so a holiday to Cairns over the winter months means far less humidity. Around August is the perfect time to holiday in the Cairns region, due to its very high number of warm and sunny days, very limited rainfall and low humidity. (Also, you may be able to avoid travelling in Australian school holidays).
Avoid Stinger Season
Despite alluring coconut-lined beaches, clear blue skies and heavenly sunny, warm weather, it is very important you take precaution when swimming in TFNQ ocean waters between approximately November and May, which is referred to as ‘stinger season’.
This time of year is jellyfish breeding season, where dangerous stingers can be found close to the shore of the mainland beaches (and occasionally on the Great Barrier Reef) in the Tropical Far North Queensland region. Hence, it is important to listen to the advice of local lifeguards, swim in the dedicated beach stinger enclosures, and where necessary/recommended wear a ‘stinger suit’ to protect yourself from coming into contact with a dangerous jellyfish.
Thankfully, the Cairns region is also home to an abundance of safe and picturesque freshwater swimming locations (such as creeks), so you can still take a refreshing dip and cool off during the summer months. Not to mention the incredible selection of amazing accommodation pools the area has on offer.
Travelling to Cairns and its surrounding beaches during the cooler months, such as August, means you can comfortably swim in the ocean without worrying about enclosures or stinger suits.
Winter is the Perfect Time for a Tropical Island Holiday
Particularly for those living in the southern hemisphere looking to escape winter (such as those living in Australia’s southern states), the winter months are the ultimate time of year to plan and enjoy a holiday to a tropical island in the Cairns region, such as stunning Fitzroy Island, thanks to its balmy weather, sunny skies and turquoise ocean waters.
Fitzroy Island attracts visitors from the local area, as well as from all over Queensland, Australia and the world. It’s not hard to see why – Fitzroy Island is easily accessible from Cairns via Fast Cat (just 45 minutes from the Cairns Marina), is located right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, is covered in lush, tropical rainforest and is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in Australia (such as Nudey Beach, ranked number one in Australia’s Top 101 Beaches Awards for 2018).
Fitzroy Island has an array of accommodation types on offer, from camping to luxurious Penthouse rooms, as well as top-quality snorkelling, diving and other opportunities for adventure, such as sea kayaking, cruising on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour and hiking the island’s numerous and breathtaking walking trails.
So what are you waiting for? Get started on planning your adventure to the Cairns region – you won’t be disappointed!
