Month guide · Cairns · Australia
Cairns in March
What March is really like in Cairns: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Chris Olszewski, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
March is a month many travellers avoid. Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 23°C (73°F), about 16 rainy days and roughly 12.2 hours of daylight. Still very wet and humid; waterfalls on the Tablelands are at their most powerful.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 30°C (86°F) / 23°C (73°F)
- Rainy days
- About 16
- Daylight
- About 12.2 hours
- Sea temperature
- 28°C (82°F)
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Low
Weather in March
March is the 5th-warmest month in Cairns: days average 30°C (86°F) against a yearly average high of 29°C (84°F), and nights fall to about 23°C (73°F). Rain falls on roughly 16 of its 31 days. Compared with February (31°C (88°F)), March is about as warm; by April highs stay near 29°C (84°F).
- Sunrise (15 March)
- About 06:20
- Sunset (15 March)
- About 18:32
- Daylight
- About 12.2 hours
- Sea
- 28°C (82°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, March rates 2 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 2 for hotel prices (highest in July). That makes March one of the better-value months to book.
Events in March
March has no major recurring festival in Cairns, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in March
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Garden · Edge Hill
Cairns Botanic Gardens
Combine the gardens with the Red Arrow circuit on Mount Whitfield for a city view, early in the day before the heat.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Market · Cairns City
Rusty's Markets
A covered produce market between Grafton and Sheridan streets, open from Friday to Sunday, selling tropical fruit — mangosteen, rambutan, dragon fruit, black sapote, soursop — along with local coffee, honey, hot food and crafts.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Food
- Shopping
- Kids
Market · Cairns City
Cairns Night Markets
Eat at the food court, then walk the lit-up Esplanade boardwalk afterwards.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- After dark
- Food
- Shopping
Zoo · Wangetti
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
A wildlife park and crocodile farm on the coast road between Palm Cove and Port Douglas, where a boat cruise on a lagoon shows saltwater crocodiles lunging for food.
- Time needed
- 3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Nature
The sea averages 28°C (82°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Cairns.
What to pack
For highs near 30°C, lows near 23°C and 16 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 March a good time to visit Cairns?
A month many travellers avoid. If your dates are flexible, June–October are better overall. Compare every month.
Cairns in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is March a good time to visit Cairns?
It is a month many travellers avoid. Still very wet and humid; waterfalls on the Tablelands are at their most powerful.
+How warm is Cairns in March?
Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 23°C (73°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Cairns in March?
Expect rain on about 16 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.