Cairns is the base for the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, with Port Douglas, Kuranda and Cape Tribulation nearby. June to October is dry and comfortable; stinger season runs November to May.
Month by month
Best: May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Avoid Poor OK Good Excellent Peak
How long to stay
4–7 days is the sweet spot.
Flight time
About 22h from the US East Coast, 22h from Europe, 11h from South Asia.
Good to know
- Wear a stinger suit in the water from November to May.
- Choose reef trips that go to the outer reef for clearer water.
- Rent a car to explore the Daintree and Cape Tribulation.
Plan a trip to Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef
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Destination