Cairns Weather in December
Thinking of visiting Cairns in December? Expect high temperatures reaching 29°C (84°F) during the day, dropping to 24°C (75°F) at night, and note that quite a bit of rainfall is likely.
Rainfall in Cairns in December
This month experiences about 9 days of rain according to historical data, averaging 153 mm (6 in). When it rains this month, it tends to come down fairly heavily. Showers can be substantial even if they don't last all day.
Temperature in Cairns in December
Expect highs of 29°C (84°F) in Cairns in December, with nights dropping to around 24°C (75°F). This kind of day-to-night contrast is typical for this time of year. At 24°C (75°F) overnight, it stays warm after dark. Light, breathable clothing and good airflow in your room make a noticeable difference.
Sunshine in Cairns in December
The month enjoys around 232 hours of sunshine, creating mostly sunny days with good weather conditions.
Average water temperature in December
With water at 27°C (81°F), you can expect warm, pleasant conditions for any water activity. There's no adjustment period — it feels comfortable straight away.For Cairns itself, May, June, July, August, September, October and November generally stand out with the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Australia, check out our Cairns's climate page.
Cairns Temperature in December
Min Temperature
24°C (75°F)
Max Temperature
29°C (84°F)
Water Temperature
27°C (81°F)
Chance of Rain
30%
Precipitation
153 mm (6 in)
Rainy days
9 days
Humidity
64%
Sunshine
232 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cairns typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 29°C (84°F). Nights are warm, with lows around 24°C (75°F).
Average temperatures in December
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 December
Historical weather for Cairns in December
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 December
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Cairns from 1976 through 2025.
- The hottest December day on record in Cairns reached 40°C (104°F) (December 21, 1995).
- Cairns experienced its chilliest December day on December 29, 2021, reaching only 24°C (75°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 18°C (64°F) on December 1, 1977, marking the coldest December night on record.
Best Places in Australia in December
Find out more about the weather in Australia and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Australia in December →
perfect weather
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tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Cairns in December
Warm temperatures in December make for comfortable sightseeing weather. Pack breathable fabrics like cotton shirts, knee-length shorts or skirts, and comfortable walking shoes. A thin long sleeve for indoor spaces is handy. Heavy rain is guaranteed, please bring a good poncho and waterproof everything! With water temperatures around 27°C (81°F), swimming conditions are excellent. Pack your swimsuit, goggles, and maybe some water shoes. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.What To Do in Cairns in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Australia, check out our Cairns's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Water Temp
See the full Cairns climate overview or explore weather in Australia.
