Cairns in December
In December, Cairns averages 30°C (86°F) during the day and 24°C (75°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 22 days of the month see precipitation (259 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Cairns. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Cairns
December is one of the warmest months in Cairns (3rd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (28°C). December runs roughly the same as November (30°C) and stays flat into January.
December sunrise & sunset in Cairns
Times shown for Cairns local time (Australia/Brisbane), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Cairns — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Cairns's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Cairns in December
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 December's tier (Shoulder) and Cairns's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Cairns
Cairns is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — December 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 — December
Across the year Cairns's sea swings from 23.3°C (August) to 30.1°C (January) — December sits at 29.4°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 December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cairns in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cairns in December?
In December, Cairns averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Cairns in December?
December is quite rainy in Cairns, with about 22 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Cairns?
December is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Cairns in December?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Cairns for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.