End of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Cairns in November
Cairns edges warmer than October, with highs of 89°F (31°C), lows of 73°F (23°C) and about 3.4 in (86 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 69/100, 7th of 12.
- Avg high
- 89°F (31°C)
- Avg low
- 73°F (23°C)
- Rain
- 3.4 in (86 mm)
- Humidity
- 74%
- Cloud cover
- 44%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 48 min
- Comfort score
- 69/100 · Good
What November feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 89°F (31°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
Even at night it stays warm, around 73°F (23°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.4 in (86 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around November
November sits mid-table; the best months are July – September.
- Last dry month before the rain picks up: December brings 7.0 in (179 mm).
- Comfort slips from 80/100 in October to 69/100.
- Our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends May – Oct, so November falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for November
- Light, breathable clothes89°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Cairns in November
Afternoons run hot (89°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
7.5 km gondola over the Wet Tropics rainforest with boardwalk stops along the way.
Why now November scores 69/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Reef Magic Cruises
Fast catamaran to a pontoon on Moore Reef for snorkeling, diving and a semi-submarine.
Why now Highs near 89°F and 3.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Free saltwater swimming lagoon on the waterfront, with lifeguards and lawns.
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.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 89°F.
Ochre Restaurant
Marina restaurant whose menu uses more than 30 Australian native ingredients.
Why now A break from 89°F afternoons.
Nearby in November
- Port Douglas & Daintree in November~36 mi · highs 85°F, 3.0 in rain · 2°C (4°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 November: quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Cairns?
It's middling, scoring 69/100. The best months are July – September, at up to 92. Expect highs of 89°F (31°C) and 3.4 in (86 mm) of rain. Our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends May – Oct, so November is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Cairns in November?
Average highs are 89°F (31°C) and average lows 73°F (23°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Cairns in November?
Some: about 3.4 in (86 mm) of rain falls across November on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 76.2 in (1935 mm).
What should I pack for Cairns in November?
Bring light, breathable clothes (89°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Cairns in November?
Share this November plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.