August · Australia
Best time to visit Cairns in August Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Cairns in August
Average temperature 22°C, 50 mm of rain, about 29 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 75% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
August score
9.0/10
Ranked #1 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 22°C
- Rainfall
- 50 mm
- Humidity
- 75%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 29
- Crowd Density
- Peak Tourist Rush
- Average Expenses
- $$$ · Peak Season Rates ($$$)
August in Cairns scores 9.0/10 for nature and wildlife travel - the single best month of the year. Expect around 22°C, 50 mm of rain, and roughly 29 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Reef boats and rainforest trains leave from Cairns, the main gateway to far north Queensland's two great natural systems.
August: the best month of the year in Cairns
August averages 22°C (71°F) — warm for the outdoors: start trails early, use shaded routes at midday, and carry more water than you think you need.
Rainfall runs 50 mm, so plan one flexible day in three; you still get about 29 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 11.6 hours of daylight.
On our climate-comfort scale this is the top-ranked month of the year for Cairns at 9/10 — the reference point every other month on this page is measured against.
Pack light clothing, a hat and real sun protection, a packable rain layer, footwear you can get muddy.
Plan for peak pricing, with this is one of the busiest months here. You are paying the year's highest rates for the year's best conditions — book early or shift a few weeks either side.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Cairns in August?
- In August, Cairns averages 22°C, 50 mm of rain, and about 29 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 9.0/10.
- Is August a good time to visit Cairns?
- August earns a 9.0/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Cairns in August?
- Expect about 50 mm of rain in August. Average humidity is 75% and there are about 29 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Cairns
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Things to do in Cairns
Cairns, Australia. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.