Month guide · Cairns · Australia
Cairns in April
What April is really like in Cairns: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Roadrunnerz45, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
April is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 22°C (72°F), about 12 rainy days and roughly 11.7 hours of daylight. Rain begins to ease and Easter holidays bring visitors; humidity remains high.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 29°C (84°F) / 22°C (72°F)
- Rainy days
- About 12
- Daylight
- About 11.7 hours
- Sea temperature
- 27°C (81°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in April
April is the 7th-warmest month in Cairns: days average 29°C (84°F) against a yearly average high of 29°C (84°F), and nights fall to about 22°C (72°F). Rain falls on roughly 12 of its 30 days. Compared with March (30°C (86°F)), April is about as warm; by May highs drop to around 27°C (81°F).
- Sunrise (15 April)
- About 06:25
- Sunset (15 April)
- About 18:08
- Daylight
- About 11.7 hours
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F)
Dry season (May–August). Sunny, mild and comfortable, with cooler nights; peak season in July with southern school holidays.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, April rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in April
- ANZAC Day services (25 April)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in April
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Beach · Palm Cove
Palm Cove beach
A sandy beach lined by old melaleuca trees and a waterfront promenade of cafés and restaurants, with a stinger net in summer and lifeguards in the patrolled zone.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Couples
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Aquarium · Cairns City
Cairns Aquarium
Visit before your reef trip; it helps children and first-time snorkellers recognise what they will see underwater.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Nature
Gallery · Edge Hill
Tanks Arts Centre
Three Second World War naval fuel-storage tanks next to the botanic gardens have been converted into an arts venue for exhibitions, concerts and community markets.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Art
- History
- Rainy day
- Off the beaten path
- Free
Gallery · Cairns City
Cairns Art Gallery
A good one-hour stop in the heat of the afternoon between the lagoon and dinner.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Art
- Rainy day
- Free
The sea averages 27°C (81°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Cairns.
What to pack
For highs near 29°C, lows near 22°C and 12 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is April a good time to visit Cairns?
A shoulder-season month, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, June–October are better overall. Compare every month.
Cairns in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is April a good time to visit Cairns?
It is a shoulder-season month. Rain begins to ease and Easter holidays bring visitors; humidity remains high.
+How warm is Cairns in April?
Average highs are around 29°C (84°F) and lows around 22°C (72°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Cairns in April?
Expect rain on about 12 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.