Cairns weather
Our guide to the weather in Cairns during January
We've looked at the most up-to-date weather data for Cairns, covering the last 12 years up to 2024, plus we've asked our team of travel bloggers for their first-hand experiences in order to answer the most frequently asked questions about Cairns weather in January.
How warm is it in Cairns during January?
Expect heat in Cairns during January. The temperature hits about 30℃ during the day, falling away to a balmy 24℃ at night. Of course, the high humidity will make it feel even hotter. The UV index will be high at this time of year, so protection against skin and eye damage is needed. Try to limit exposure between 10am and 4pm. Apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every few hours, even if it's cloudy, or more frequently after sweating or swimming, and wear UV-blocking sunglasses too, and bear in mind that bright surfaces, such as sand and water increase UV exposure.
Does it rain in Cairns during January?
January is typically the wettest month in Cairns. On average, there will be 11 rainy days during the month, amounting to 337.5mm in total. That's a lot of rain. For comparison, the wettest months in the UK typically sees between 80mm and 100mm, depending on where you are. Due to the high temperature and humidity, you might expect lots of thunderstorms, however they're actually fairly infrequent at this time of year. On average, January will see just 5 days that produce a storm.
Is it windy in Cairns during January?
You're unlikely to experience any strong winds. Expect a light breeze that picks up slightly at times in January. The high humidity and warm temperature will make the breeze feel warm, so any cooling effect will be limted.
How warm is the sea in Cairns during January?
The water around Cairns reaches a very pleasant 29℃ during January. This is very warm, and will feel bath-like. People who normally feel the cold will find this temperature perfectly acceptable. The hot air temperature and relatively high humidity will mean that you will feel comfortably warm when coming out of the water.
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From the UK's most popular travel bloggers
Exploring The Best Of Australia’s East Coast
9th October 2023 by Fly Drive Explore
Australia is an immense country, boasting the title of the planet's largest island and sixth-largest country. With its vast expanse, there is an abundance of things to discover, explore, and experience here. While we have previously discussed traversing the heart of Australia, our adventures have taken us even further. The eastern coast alone spans over 2,500 miles, stretching from the lively city of Sydney in the south to the tropical paradise of Cairns in Queensland's north. This journey...
8 best things to do in Cairns, Australia
10th September 2021 by Two Monkey's Travel
Cairns is one of the cities that is considered as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. It is located in Far North Queensland. With several places to explore and visit, everyone will have a memorable stay in this city. Some people even recommend going here during Australia’s winter season (June-August) as it is warmer in Cairns compared to other cities in the country....
Best day trips from Cairns: 10 activities not to miss
29th May 2020 by Stoked to Travel
Cairns is the first destination I visited whilst living in Australia and is one place I have returned to time and time again. I simply can’t get enough of this beautiful coastal city, which is widely considered Australia’s adventure capital. There’s certainly no shortage of day trips from Cairns. Located in Tropical North Queensland, Cairns is blessed with some magical ecosystems. These include the world’s oldest rainforest - the Daintree, and of course, the Great Barrier Reef, the...
Cairns to Cape Tribulation & The Daintree Rainforest: A road trip itinerary
16th June 2020 by Stoked to Travel
Driving from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, home to The Daintree, the world’s oldest rainforest, was one of the first adventures I had in Australia. I was living in Melbourne, and having spent 6 weeks in the city during the Australian winter months of July and August, I was keen for some sun and warmth. So my friends and I headed to Cairns in Tropical Northern Queensland, with no set plans but an overwhelming need for heat and adventure at the end of August. Only when I got to Cairns did I find...
Australia East Coast road trip itinerary
10th May 2020 by Stoked to Travel
Australia’s East Coast is one of the most popular places in the world to travel. It spans the length of Queensland and into New South Wales, and features the larger cities of Cairns and Brisbane. With its world class beaches, ancient rainforests, endless adrenaline activities and charming towns, it’s truly a destination like no other. So the main aim of this guide is to equip you with everything you need to know to plan your own Australia East Coast road trip itinerary....
From Port Douglas to Mission Beach: Exploring Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding area
22nd January 2021 by PommieTravels
Queensland is hugely popular for native Australians and visitors alike thanks to its warm tropical climate and the lure of the famous Great Barrier Reef. If you’re planning a trip to the Great Barrier Reef you’ll likely be heading for Cairns, the gateway to the reef; if you fly there booking yourself a hire car in advance means you can easily visit some of the surrounding areas and attractions....
Weather in Cairns
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