Cairns in February
In February, Cairns averages 30°C (87°F) during the day and 25°C (76°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 24 days of the month see precipitation (293 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
It's peak cyclone season in Cairns during February. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.
How February compares to the rest of the year in Cairns
February is one of the warmest months in Cairns (1st of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (28°C). February runs roughly the same as January (30°C) and cools 1°C in March (29°C).
February sunrise & sunset in Cairns
Times shown for Cairns local time (Australia/Brisbane), calculated for the 15th of February. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Cairns — February
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of February, in Cairns's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Cairns in February
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 February's tier (Shoulder) and Cairns's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — February 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.
Why this tier: Southern Hemisphere summer holidays peak hazard season (1 active)
Sun & mosquito risk — February 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 — February
Across the year Cairns's sea swings from 23.3°C (August) to 30.1°C (January) — February sits at 30.1°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 February weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cairns in February →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cairns in February?
In February, Cairns averages a high of 30°C (87°F) and a low of 25°C (76°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Cairns in February?
February is quite rainy in Cairns, with about 24 rainy days on average.
Is February a good time to visit Cairns?
February 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 February?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full February packing list for Cairns for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.