Middle of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Cairns in August
Cairns sees its driest month, with just 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain, highs of 79°F (26°C) and lows of 64°F (18°C).
At 92/100 for comfort (the top score of the year), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 79°F (26°C)
- Avg low
- 64°F (18°C)
- Rain
- 1.2 in (31 mm)
- Humidity
- 77%
- Cloud cover
- 38%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 26 min
- Comfort score
- 92/100 · Great
What August feels like
Days are warm, averaging 79°F (26°C).
Lows average 64°F (18°C).
Humidity averages 77%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Rain is moderate at about 1.2 in (31 mm) for the month.
Plan around August
August is one of Cairns's best months on the climate data.
- Comfort improves from 85/100 in July to 92/100.
- August sits inside the May – Oct window our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 79°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Quick-dry fabrics77% average humidity
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Cairns in August
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Free saltwater swimming lagoon on the waterfront, with lifeguards and lawns.
Why now August scores 92/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
7.5 km gondola over the Wet Tropics rainforest with boardwalk stops along the way.
Why now Highs near 79°F and 1.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Heritage train climbing the Barron Gorge to the rainforest village of Kuranda.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Crystal Cascades
Rainforest creek with clear swimming holes 20 minutes from the city.
Rusty's Markets
Weekend produce market with tropical fruit, local coffee and food stalls.
Nearby in August
- Port Douglas & Daintree in August~36 mi · highs 77°F, 1.0 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 August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Cairns?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 92/100. Expect highs of 79°F (26°C) and 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain. August is inside the May – Oct window our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends.
How hot is Cairns in August?
Average highs are 79°F (26°C) and average lows 64°F (18°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Cairns in August?
Not much: about 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 76.2 in (1935 mm).
What should I pack for Cairns in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 79°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), quick-dry fabrics (77% average humidity) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in August
- Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef May – Oct
Planning Cairns in August?
Share this August plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.