Middle of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Cairns in September
Cairns warms up: highs climb to 83°F (28°C), from 79°F in August, with lows of 67°F (19°C) and about 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain.
At 90/100 for comfort (2nd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 83°F (28°C)
- Avg low
- 67°F (19°C)
- Rain
- 1.2 in (31 mm)
- Humidity
- 74%
- Cloud cover
- 34%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 55 min
- Comfort score
- 90/100 · Great
What September feels like
Warm afternoons near 83°F (28°C) make long days outdoors easy.
Nights cool to an average low of 67°F (19°C).
About 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's September.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 34%.
Plan around September
September is one of Cairns's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by October, the score drops to 80/100.
- Comfort holds steady from August (92 → 90/100).
- September sits inside the May – Oct window our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clothes83°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Cairns in September
September is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Green Island
Coral cay 45 minutes from Cairns with rainforest, snorkeling and glass-bottom boats.
Why now September scores 90/100 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 83°F and 1.2 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.
Ochre Restaurant
Marina restaurant whose menu uses more than 30 Australian native ingredients.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
7.5 km gondola over the Wet Tropics rainforest with boardwalk stops along the way.
Nearby in September
- Port Douglas & Daintree in September~36 mi · highs 80°F, 1.1 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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Cairns?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 90/100. Expect highs of 83°F (28°C) and 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain. September is inside the May – Oct window our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends.
How hot is Cairns in September?
Average highs are 83°F (28°C) and average lows 67°F (19°C), making it the 6th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Cairns in September?
Not much: about 1.2 in (31 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the driest month of the year. The annual total is about 76.2 in (1935 mm).
What should I pack for Cairns in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (83°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in September
- Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef May – Oct
Planning Cairns in September?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.