As the middle month of summer, January in Cairns is exactly as you’d expect it to be – very hot and sticky. As part of the wet season, January has temperatures ranging from a delightful 24°c to a scorching 32°c, as well as high humidity and frequent tropical showers, mostly in the evenings after a hot day.
Despite the frequent rain, there’s plenty to see and do this month, making it a truly exciting time to visit.
Experience a True Tropical Climate
Because Cairns in January is full of warm, humid days and regular, refreshing afternoon or evening rain, flowing waterfalls and cascades – like the Barron Falls and Josephine Falls – are at their absolute peak.
This breathes life into the lush forests, and the Daintree, Atherton Tablelands and other rainforests surrounding Cairns are full of life. While the rain can be heavy when it happens, it usually clears up pretty quickly, leaving behind fresh, vibrant landscapes that smell heavenly. It's a good idea to wear light, breathable clothing and bring a reliable rain jacket to stay comfortable during your hiking adventures.
January is also a great time of year for exploring the area’s local splash spots, as the water’s a bit clearer due to less rainfall runoff and the water temperature is blissfully warm. The Tobruk Memorial Pool and Cairns Esplanade lagoon pool are both great, safe spots to swim, relax and cool off during those hot afternoons.
There’s also beautiful swimming spots at Crystal Cascades, Josephine Falls and Babinda Boulders, to name just a few. Cairns residents love recommending the best local swimming holes, so why not make some new friends and strike up a conversation with some friendly locals?
Lively Cairns
If you want to do more than relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Cairns, January is a great time to visit. The month kicks off with New Year’s Day celebrations and Australia Day is also big with events, BBQs and fireworks at the Australia Family Fun Day.
Want something a little more exciting? The local bungee jumping and skydiving tour operators are also really popular in summer, giving you breathtaking views and heart-pounding excitement that you’ll never forget.
For more exciting ideas, head to our Things to do in Cairns page.
For the best time to visit Cairns, check out what you can expect in Cairns in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November December.
