Weather in Cairns in January
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Compare car hire prices → Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to youJanuary in Cairns is hot, with average highs of 30.4°C and lows of 24.1°C. It is extremely wet, with heavy downpours most days, with roughly 9.0 hours of sunshine a day. Weather-wise, this is one of the most reliable months to travel. For the complete picture, see the best time to visit Cairns — every month compared. Once you know when to go, find your Cairns packing list at 247PackingList.
Get ready for Cairns in January
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Search Flights →Lightweight travel clothing
Lightweight, breathable clothing and a compact travel umbrella are essential in this climate.
Check Price →What to pack for Cairns in January
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- High SPF sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Compact travel umbrella
- Waterproof jacket
- Quick-dry clothing
Compare all months in Cairns
| Month | High | Rain | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30.4°C | 417.4mm | 8/10 |
| February | 30.8°C | 316.5mm | 8/10 |
| March | 30.0°C | 230.3mm | 8/10 |
| April | 28.8°C | 337.0mm | 8/10 |
| May | 26.2°C | 104.8mm | 9/10 |
| June | 25.3°C | 48.2mm | 10/10 |
| July | 24.5°C | 75.4mm | 10/10 |
| August | 25.2°C | 53.9mm | 10/10 |
| September | 26.5°C | 55.9mm | 10/10 |
| October | 29.4°C | 41.5mm | 10/10 |
| November | 30.2°C | 81.0mm | 10/10 |
| December | 30.6°C | 343.7mm | 8/10 |
Full month-by-month guide: best time to visit Cairns →
For facts about Australia — currency, language and dialling code — see our Australia country guide at 247CountryInfo. Travellers also find it useful to keep a Cairns travel guide to hand. Check clothing sizes in Australia before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is January a good time to visit Cairns?
January rates 8/10 for visiting Cairns — good time to visit. Expect average highs of 30.4°C, 417.4mm of rain across the month and about 9.0 hours of daily sunshine.
What is the temperature in Cairns in January?
In January, Cairns has average highs of 30.4°C (86.7°F) and average lows of 24.1°C (75.4°F).
Does it rain in Cairns in January?
Yes — January is one of the wetter months in Cairns, averaging 417.4mm of rain over roughly 23 rainy days. Pack for heavy showers.
What should I wear in Cairns in January?
For Cairns in January (30.4°C highs / 24.1°C lows), pack lightweight, breathable clothing plus high spf sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat.
More essentials for Cairns in January
Packing cubes
Keep the bag organised whatever the weather — compression cubes for every size.
Check Price →Travel first aid kit
Compact TSA-friendly kit for peace of mind wherever you travel.
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Climate data sourced from Open-Meteo (open source, open data licence). Monthly averages calculated from 2020–2023 historical data. Weather can be unpredictable — always check a live forecast before travelling.