Start of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Cairns in December
Cairns's warmest month brings highs averaging 90°F (32°C), lows of 75°F (24°C) and about 7.0 in (179 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 50/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 90°F (32°C)
- Avg low
- 75°F (24°C)
- Rain
- 7.0 in (179 mm)
- Humidity
- 77%
- Cloud cover
- 54%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 00 min
- Comfort score
- 50/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 90°F (32°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
Nights stay warm too, with lows averaging 75°F (24°C).
Humidity averages 77%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Expect regular rain: about 7.0 in (179 mm) falls in the month.
Plan around December
December sits mid-table; the best months are July – September.
- Longest days of the year, about 13 h 00 min of daylight.
- Humidity season begins: 77% on average, up from 74% in November.
- Comfort slips from 69/100 in November to 50/100.
- Our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends May – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 90°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Quick-dry fabrics77% 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 December
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Green Island
Coral cay 45 minutes from Cairns with rainforest, snorkeling and glass-bottom boats.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 90°F.
Reef Magic Cruises
Fast catamaran to a pontoon on Moore Reef for snorkeling, diving and a semi-submarine.
Why now Best first thing, before the 90°F afternoon heat.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
7.5 km gondola over the Wet Tropics rainforest with boardwalk stops along the way.
Rusty's Markets
Weekend produce market with tropical fruit, local coffee and food stalls.
Why now A break from 90°F afternoons.
Crystal Cascades
Rainforest creek with clear swimming holes 20 minutes from the city.
Nearby in December
- Port Douglas & Daintree in December~36 mi · highs 86°F, 7.3 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, 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 December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Cairns?
It's middling, scoring 50/100. The best months are July – September, at up to 92. Expect highs of 90°F (32°C) and 7.0 in (179 mm) of rain. Our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends May – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Cairns in December?
Average highs are 90°F (32°C) and average lows 75°F (24°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Cairns in December?
Yes: about 7.0 in (179 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 76.2 in (1935 mm).
What should I pack for Cairns in December?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 90°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), quick-dry fabrics (77% average humidity) and rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain).
Planning Cairns in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.