Month guide · Cairns · Australia
Cairns in September
What September 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
September is one of the best months to visit Cairns. Expect average highs of 28°C (82°F), lows of 19°C (66°F), about 4 rainy days and roughly 12 hours of daylight. Warm, dry and calmer seas — one of the best months for snorkelling and diving.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 28°C (82°F) / 19°C (66°F)
- Rainy days
- About 4
- Daylight
- About 12 hours
- Sea temperature
- 25°C (77°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in September
September is the 8th-warmest month in Cairns: days average 28°C (82°F) against a yearly average high of 29°C (84°F), and nights fall to about 19°C (66°F). Rain falls on roughly 4 of its 30 days. Compared with August (27°C (81°F)), September is about as warm; by October highs climb to around 30°C (86°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 06:12
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 18:12
- Daylight
- About 12 hours
- Sea
- 25°C (77°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, September rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: September is one of the pricier months.
Events in September
- Cairns Amateurs horse-racing carnival (usually September)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in September
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Nature · Reef Fleet Terminal
Outer Great Barrier Reef day trip
Choose a smaller boat visiting two or three outer-reef sites for better coral and fewer people, and wear a stinger suit — usually provided — in any season.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Iconic
- Nature
- Kids
- Active
- Photo spot
Market · Kuranda
Kuranda village and markets
The rainforest village at the top of the railway has two market areas of craft stalls, food and Aboriginal art, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary with Ulysses butterflies, and small wildlife parks with koalas and birds.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Shopping
- Nature
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
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
The sea averages 25°C (77°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Cairns.
What to pack
For highs near 28°C, lows near 19°C and 4 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is September a good time to visit Cairns?
One of the best months to visit Cairns, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are June–August and October. Compare every month.
Cairns in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit Cairns?
It is one of the best months to visit Cairns. Warm, dry and calmer seas — one of the best months for snorkelling and diving.
+How warm is Cairns in September?
Average highs are around 28°C (82°F) and lows around 19°C (66°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Cairns in September?
Expect rain on about 4 days of the month, so it is usually dry.