Verdict: Fair month
Cairns Weather in December
December runs warm in Cairns, with daily highs around 31°C (88°F) and nights near 24°C (75°F). It's also the wet side of the calendar: rain falls on about 18 days, so build flexibility into plans. December is workable in Cairns if your dates are fixed — just plan around the conditions.
Average high
31°C / 88°F
Average low
24°C / 75°F
Rain days
~18
Precipitation
351 mm
What to pack for Cairns in December
- Light, breathable clothing — linen and technical fabrics earn their keep
- High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle
- Rain gear is non-negotiable — expect rain on roughly 18 days
- Quick-dry shoes — downpours are short but heavy
- Comfortable walking shoes — every guide on this site assumes you'll use them
December against the rest of the year
Warmest in Cairns: Jan (31°C / 88°F) · Coolest: Jul (24°C / 75°F) · Wettest: Jan (~24 rain days)
31°
24°
Jan
31°
24°
Feb
30°
24°
Mar
29°
23°
Apr
26°
20°
May
25°
19°
Jun
24°
18°
Jul
25°
18°
Aug
27°
20°
Sep
29°
21°
Oct
30°
22°
Nov
31°
24°
Dec
Daily highs / lows in °C · bars show rain days per month · ERA5 climate normals (2020–2024)