Middle of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Cairns in April
Cairns edges cooler than March, with highs of 82°F (28°C), lows of 72°F (22°C) and about 7.5 in (191 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 58/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 82°F (28°C)
- Avg low
- 72°F (22°C)
- Rain
- 7.5 in (191 mm)
- Humidity
- 87%
- Cloud cover
- 56%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 37 min
- Comfort score
- 58/100 · Fair
What April feels like
Days are warm, averaging 82°F (28°C).
Nights stay warm too, with lows averaging 72°F (22°C).
Humidity averages 87%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Expect regular rain: about 7.5 in (191 mm) falls in the month.
Plan around April
April sits mid-table; the best months are July – September.
- Comfort improves from 41/100 in March to 58/100.
- Our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends May – Oct, so April falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for April
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 82°F
- Quick-dry fabrics87% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Cairns in April
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Heritage train climbing the Barron Gorge to the rainforest village of Kuranda.
Why now Highs near 82°F keep it comfortable outside.
Reef Magic Cruises
Fast catamaran to a pontoon on Moore Reef for snorkeling, diving and a semi-submarine.
Why now Mild enough in April to enjoy at an easy pace.
Crystal Cascades
Rainforest creek with clear swimming holes 20 minutes from the city.
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Free saltwater swimming lagoon on the waterfront, with lifeguards and lawns.
Rusty's Markets
Weekend produce market with tropical fruit, local coffee and food stalls.
Nearby in April
- Port Douglas & Daintree in April~36 mi · highs 81°F, 7.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~404 m to Cairns's ~5 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Cairns in April: quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Cairns?
It's middling, scoring 58/100. The best months are July – September, at up to 92. Expect highs of 82°F (28°C) and 7.5 in (191 mm) of rain. Our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends May – Oct, so April is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Cairns in April?
Average highs are 82°F (28°C) and average lows 72°F (22°C), making it the 5th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Cairns in April?
Yes: about 7.5 in (191 mm) of rain falls across April on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 76.2 in (1935 mm).
What should I pack for Cairns in April?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 82°F), quick-dry fabrics (87% average humidity), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Cairns in April?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.