Verdict: Excellent month
Cairns Weather in May
May hits the sweet spot in Cairns — highs around 26°C (79°F), ideal for a full day on foot. Expect showers on roughly 13 days of the month — rarely trip-ruining, worth planning around. Overall, May is one of the best months of the year to be in Cairns.
Average high
26°C / 79°F
Average low
20°C / 68°F
Rain days
~13
Precipitation
100 mm
What to pack for Cairns in May
- Summer clothes, plus one light layer for air-con and evenings
- Rain gear is non-negotiable — expect rain on roughly 13 days
- Comfortable walking shoes — every guide on this site assumes you'll use them
May 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)