End of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Cairns in May
Cairns edges cooler than April, with highs of 79°F (26°C), lows of 69°F (20°C) and about 4.1 in (103 mm) of rain.
It scores 75/100 for comfort, 6th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 79°F (26°C)
- Avg low
- 69°F (20°C)
- Rain
- 4.1 in (103 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 50%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 12 min
- Comfort score
- 75/100 · Great
What May feels like
Highs settle around 79°F (26°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
Lows average 69°F (20°C).
With 85% average humidity, it feels muggy.
Some rain is likely, about 4.1 in (103 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (July – September).
- The drier spell starts: rain falls to 4.1 in (103 mm) after 7.5 in (191 mm) in April.
- Comfort improves from 58/100 in April to 75/100.
- May sits inside the May – Oct window our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes79°F afternoons
- Quick-dry fabrics85% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Cairns in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
7.5 km gondola over the Wet Tropics rainforest with boardwalk stops along the way.
Why now May scores 75/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Green Island
Coral cay 45 minutes from Cairns with rainforest, snorkeling and glass-bottom boats.
Why now Highs near 79°F and 4.1 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.
Salt House
Marina-side bar and restaurant with DJs and open-air decks.
Nearby in May
- Port Douglas & Daintree in May~36 mi · highs 79°F, 3.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Cairns?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 75/100 against a best of 92 in July – September. Expect highs of 79°F (26°C) and 4.1 in (103 mm) of rain. May is inside the May – Oct window our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends.
How hot is Cairns in May?
Average highs are 79°F (26°C) and average lows 69°F (20°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Cairns in May?
Some: about 4.1 in (103 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 76.2 in (1935 mm).
What should I pack for Cairns in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (79°F afternoons), quick-dry fabrics (85% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in May
- Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef May – Oct
Planning Cairns in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.