Cairns water temperature
The sea off Cairns is warmest in February, around 84°F (29°C), and coolest in July, around 74°F (24°C).
Photo: Frances76 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Feels | Air high |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 84°F (29°C) | Bath-warm | 89°F |
| February | 84°F (29°C) | Bath-warm | 89°F |
| March | 83°F (29°C) | Bath-warm | 88°F |
| April | 81°F (27°C) | Bath-warm | 85°F |
| May | 78°F (26°C) | Warm | 82°F |
| June | 76°F (24°C) | Pleasant | 80°F |
| July | 74°F (24°C) | Pleasant | 79°F |
| August | 75°F (24°C) | Pleasant | 81°F |
| September | 77°F (25°C) | Pleasant | 84°F |
| October | 79°F (26°C) | Warm | 86°F |
| November | 81°F (27°C) | Bath-warm | 88°F |
| December | 83°F (29°C) | Bath-warm | 89°F |
Average sea-surface temperature just offshore, 1991–2020. Water in shallow bays runs a little warmer on sunny afternoons.
On the water in Cairns
Questions
When is the water warmest in Cairns?
February, at about 84°F (29°C).
Can you swim in Cairns all year?
Yes. The sea stays at 74°F or warmer even in July.
Do I need a wetsuit to snorkel in Cairns?
In July, at 74°F, a 3 mm wetsuit makes a long snorkel much more comfortable. Many tours include or rent one.
