Cairns in August
In August, Cairns averages 25°C (77°F) during the day and 18°C (65°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (32 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
August offers comfortable temperatures in Cairns, with some rain to plan around.
How August compares to the rest of the year in Cairns
August is one of the coolest months in Cairns (10th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C below the annual average (28°C). August runs 1°C warmer than July (24°C) and warms a further 2°C into September (26°C).
August sunrise & sunset in Cairns
Times shown for Cairns local time (Australia/Brisbane), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Cairns — August
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in Cairns's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Cairns in August
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on August's tier (High season) and Cairns's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — August in Cairns
This is a busy month in Cairns — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — August in Cairns
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Cairns — August
Across the year Cairns's sea swings from 23.3°C (August) to 30.1°C (January) — August sits at 23.3°C.
Cairns in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 76°F | 375 mm | 28 | — |
| February | 30°C / 87°F | 25°C / 76°F | 293 mm | 24 | — |
| March | 29°C / 85°F | 24°C / 75°F | 293 mm | 25 | — |
| April | 28°C / 82°F | 23°C / 73°F | 199 mm | 25 | — |
| May | 26°C / 79°F | 21°C / 70°F | 81 mm | 19 | — |
| June | 25°C / 76°F | 19°C / 67°F | 63 mm | 19 | — |
| July | 24°C / 75°F | 18°C / 65°F | 42 mm | 15 | — |
| August | 25°C / 77°F | 18°C / 65°F | 32 mm | 13 | — |
| September | 26°C / 80°F | 20°C / 67°F | 33 mm | 16 | — |
| October | 28°C / 83°F | 21°C / 70°F | 47 mm | 16 | — |
| November | 30°C / 85°F | 23°C / 73°F | 55 mm | 21 | — |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 259 mm | 22 | — |
Other cities with similar August weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cairns in August →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cairns in August?
In August, Cairns averages a high of 25°C (77°F) and a low of 18°C (65°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Cairns in August?
August can be fairly wet in Cairns, with about 13 rainy days on average.
Is August a good time to visit Cairns?
August is warm. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Cairns in August?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full August packing list for Cairns for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.