Middle of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Cairns in February
The year's rain peaks now, with about 15.4 in (392 mm) falling in Cairns, alongside highs near 86°F (30°C) and lows of 77°F (25°C).
With a comfort score of 36/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by rain.
- Avg high
- 86°F (30°C)
- Avg low
- 77°F (25°C)
- Rain
- 15.4 in (392 mm)
- Humidity
- 88%
- Cloud cover
- 68%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 33 min
- Comfort score
- 36/100 · Tough
What February feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 86°F (30°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
Nights stay warm too, with lows averaging 77°F (25°C).
Humidity averages 88%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
It's a very wet month, with around 15.4 in (392 mm) of rain, so keep plans flexible and have indoor backups ready.
Plan around February
February is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are July – September.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, January – March.
- Comfort holds steady from January (36 → 36/100).
- Our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends May – Oct, so February falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for February
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 86°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Quick-dry fabrics88% 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 February
Wet days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Rusty's Markets
Weekend produce market with tropical fruit, local coffee and food stalls.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 15.4 in of rain.
Salt House
Marina-side bar and restaurant with DJs and open-air decks.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 15.4 in of rain.
Ochre Restaurant
Marina restaurant whose menu uses more than 30 Australian native ingredients.
Why now Easy to slot in when February's rain moves in.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
7.5 km gondola over the Wet Tropics rainforest with boardwalk stops along the way.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 86°F.
Crystal Cascades
Rainforest creek with clear swimming holes 20 minutes from the city.
Why now Best first thing, before the 86°F afternoon heat.
Nearby in February
- Port Douglas & Daintree in February~36 mi · highs 85°F, 15.1 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 February: quick answers
Is February a good time to visit Cairns?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 36/100, held back mainly by rain. The best months are July – September. Expect highs of 86°F (30°C) and 15.4 in (392 mm) of rain. Our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends May – Oct, so February is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Cairns in February?
Average highs are 86°F (30°C) and average lows 77°F (25°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Cairns in February?
Yes: about 15.4 in (392 mm) of rain falls across February on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 76.2 in (1935 mm).
What should I pack for Cairns in February?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 86°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), quick-dry fabrics (88% average humidity) and rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain).
Planning Cairns in February?
Share this February plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.