Month guide · Cairns · Australia
Cairns in October
What October is really like in Cairns: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: NASA/Kjell Lindgren, Public domain
Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit Cairns. Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 21°C (70°F), about 5 rainy days and roughly 12.5 hours of daylight. Hot, sunny days with calm, clear water; humidity begins to build late in the month.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 30°C (86°F) / 21°C (70°F)
- Rainy days
- About 5
- Daylight
- About 12.5 hours
- Sea temperature
- 26°C (79°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in October
October is the 6th-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 21°C (70°F). Rain falls on roughly 5 of its 31 days. Compared with September (28°C (82°F)), October is warmer; by November highs stay near 31°C (88°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 05:48
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 18:16
- Daylight
- About 12.5 hours
- Sea
- 26°C (79°F)
Early wet season (December–January). Hot, humid and stormy, with marine stingers present and holiday crowds over Christmas; reef trips still operate most days.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: October is one of the pricier months.
Events in October
October has no major recurring festival in Cairns, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in October
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
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
Gallery · Edge Hill
Tanks Arts Centre
Check the programme for evening concerts or the monthly markets in the dry season.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Art
- History
- Rainy day
- Off the beaten path
- Free
Gallery · Cairns City
Cairns Art Gallery
The regional gallery near the Esplanade focuses on the art of Far North Queensland, including strong collections from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, in a heritage-listed former public office building.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Art
- Rainy day
- Free
Island · Great Barrier Reef
Green Island
Snorkel near the jetty and along the western beach at high tide, and go early before the bigger boats arrive.
- Time needed
- Half to full day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Couples
The sea averages 26°C (79°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Cairns.
What to pack
For highs near 30°C, lows near 21°C and 5 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit Cairns?
One of the best months to visit Cairns. The other best months are June–September. Compare every month.
Cairns in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is October a good time to visit Cairns?
It is one of the best months to visit Cairns. Hot, sunny days with calm, clear water; humidity begins to build late in the month.
+How warm is Cairns in October?
Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 21°C (70°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Cairns in October?
Expect rain on about 5 days of the month.