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Cairns Weather in August
August in Cairns brings high temperatures, with daytime highs of 24°C (75°F) and nights around 18°C (64°F). The excellent weather makes it a solid choice for a visit.
Rainfall in Cairns in August
Historically, August sees about 4 days of rain, with a monthly average of 34 mm (1.3 in). Although rain is not especially frequent, individual showers can still be quite heavy.
Temperature in Cairns in August
If you're visiting Cairns in August, expect excellent temperatures with highs of 24°C (75°F) and overnight lows of 18°C (64°F). Overall, the month follows a fairly predictable daily temperature pattern. At 18°C (64°F) overnight, it can feel quite a bit cooler after dark. Worth packing something warmer for evenings, but the cooler temperatures are ideal for sleeping.
Sunshine in Cairns in August
Expect a lot of sunshine this month, with about 248 hours of sun. These sunny conditions add to the overall experience.
Average water temperature in August
The water temperature is 22°C (72°F), which most people find very comfortable. A good month for swimming and water sports.If you favor pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall, August is one of the best months to visit Cairns.
Cairns Temperature in August
Min Temperature
18°C (64°F)
Max Temperature
24°C (75°F)
Water Temperature
22°C (72°F)
Chance of Rain
14%
Precipitation
34 mm (1.3 in)
Rainy days
4 days
Humidity
56%
Sunshine
248 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Cairns Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Cairns - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cairns typically stay consistent throughout August, with daily highs averaging around 24°C (75°F). Nights are pleasant, with lows typically ranging from 17°C (63°F) to 19°C (66°F).
Average temperatures in August
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in August
Historical weather records for Cairns in August
Browse day-by-day weather records for Cairns spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Cairns historical weather extremes in August
According to our 50 years of weather records for Cairns, the following extremes were recorded between 1976 and 2026.
- On August 29, 2000, temperatures climbed to 31°C (88°F), marking the warmest August day on record.
- The coldest August day was on August 7, 1995, with a maximum of 18°C (64°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 8°C (46°F) on August 26, 1990, marking the coldest August night on record.
Best Places in Australia in August
Find out more about the weather in Australia and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Australia in August →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in Cairns in August
Pleasant temperatures in August mean you can pack light but flexibel pieces. Think cotton t-shirts, comfortable walking shorts, and one warmer layer for evenings. A light sweater or denim jacket works well. Pack a light rain jacket or compact umbrella for occasional showers. With water temperatures around 22°C (72°F), swimming conditions are excellent. Pack your swimsuit, goggles, and maybe some water shoes. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.
What To Do in Cairns in August
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming10/10 -
Cycling10/10 -
Walking10/10 -
Barbeque9/10 -
Camping10/10 -
Outdoor sports10/10
Cairns 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Cairns
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Water Temp
See the full Cairns climate overview or explore weather in Australia.
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