Snorkeling in Cairns
Snorkeling in Cairns comes down to warm, calm water. The most comfortable months are September to December, with highs around 87°F (30°C) and the sea at about 80°F (27°C).
Photo: Frances76 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Top snorkeling in Cairns
Cairns Half Day Tour a Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling ExperienceFrom $127View 
Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from CairnsFrom $196View 
Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from CairnsFrom $90View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
How to pick a good snorkeling trip
- Check whether gear, a wetsuit and reef-safe sunscreen are included or extra.
- Morning trips usually have calmer, clearer water before the afternoon wind picks up.
- If you're a nervous swimmer, ask for a flotation vest and a guide in the water.
- Smaller boats reach quieter spots; big boats often moor at the busiest reef.
Cairns month by month
Averages for Cairns, 1991–2020; sea temperatures offshore, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 89 (32) | 89 (32) | 88 (31) | 85 (30) | 82 (28) | 80 (27) | 79 (26) | 81 (27) | 84 (29) | 86 (30) | 88 (31) | 89 (32) |
| Low °F (°C) | 75 (24) | 75 (24) | 74 (23) | 72 (22) | 68 (20) | 65 (19) | 63 (17) | 63 (17) | 66 (19) | 69 (21) | 73 (23) | 75 (24) |
| Rainy days | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 |
| Sea °F (°C) | 84 (29) | 84 (29) | 83 (29) | 81 (27) | 78 (26) | 76 (24) | 74 (24) | 75 (24) | 77 (25) | 79 (26) | 81 (27) | 83 (29) |
| Sunset (15th) | 6:57 pm | 6:50 pm | 6:32 pm | 6:08 pm | 5:53 pm | 5:51 pm | 5:59 pm | 6:08 pm | 6:12 pm | 6:17 pm | 6:28 pm | 6:46 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for snorkeling in Cairns?
September to December. Expect highs around 87°F (30°C) and the sea at about 80°F (27°C). The least comfortable months are January and February, when the sea drops to about 74°F.
How warm is the water in Cairns?
The sea averages 74°F (24°C) in July and 84°F (29°C) in February. Below about 75°F most people want a wetsuit for a long swim or dive.
Where can I book snorkeling in Cairns?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
