There really is no place like Cairns! Located in Far North Queensland, on the coast of the Coral Sea, it is a popular tourist destination due to its tropical climate, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage.
Surrounded by lush tropical rainforests, pristine beaches and, of course, the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, it is a prime destination for outdoor activities such as snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
The city is also known for its vibrant cultural scene.
This includes a rich indigenous history, a thriving arts community, several museums, galleries, and cultural centres and a variety of festivals and events – including the annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing tropical getaway, we highly recommend you visit there.
In fact, we reckon the best time to visit Cairns is in May, which is why we have put together this guide outlining some of the main reasons why.
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Weather in Cairns in May
Whilst other states and southern cities in Australia are gearing themselves up for the start of winter, Cairns weather in May is renowned for its tropical climate, high humidity and warm temperatures.
This is one of the main reasons why many people from the colder climes of New Zealand, New South Wales, Canberra, Tasmania and Victoria visit the region during this month.
As May is in the dry season in Cairns, there is usually little rainfall, although short, tropical showers can still occur.
Visitors can expect warm, sunny days and balmy evenings, with the temperature in May hovering between 23°C to 27°C (73°F to 81°F), on average.
This makes it a great time for outdoor activities, such as exploring the Great Barrier Reef, visiting the Daintree Rainforest, or taking a trip to some of the nearby beaches.
Be aware, if you are visiting Cairns in May, you will still need to apply plenty of sunscreen and drink lots of water.
Reasons to visit Cairns in May
Aside from the weather, there are several reasons why May is the best month to visit Cairns. These include the following:
Great Barrier Reef: Cairns is the gateway to this natural wonder and May is a great time to visit it as the waters are clear and calm, and the reef is in full bloom.
Daintree Rainforest: The Daintree Rainforest, located north of Cairns, is one of the world’s oldest rainforests and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the month of May, the rainforest is lush and green, and the wildlife is abundant.
Outdoor activities: The city and its surroundings offer a range of outdoor activities, including snorkelling, diving, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching. May is the best time to go to Cairns to partake in these activities, as the conditions are most favourable.
Festivals and events: Cairns is known for its cultural and culinary events, and May is an excellent time to visit for the annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, which showcases the work of Indigenous artists from across Australia.
Beaches: The region is surrounded by wonderful tropical beaches, including Palm Cove and Trinity Beach, which offer great swimming, sunbathing, and water sports opportunities.
What to pack to visit Cairns in May
When visiting Cairns in May, it’s important to pack for the warm and humid tropical climate. Here are some essential items to consider:
Light and breathable clothing: Pack light and airy clothing made from natural fibres, such as cotton or linen, to help keep you cool and comfortable in the heat.
Swimwear: Cairns is surrounded by tropical beaches and offers great opportunities for swimming and snorkelling, so make sure to pack swimwear and a beach towel.
Sun protection: The tropical sun can be intense, so pack a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin.
Mosquito repellent: Mosquitoes can be a problem in Cairns, especially in the evenings and early mornings, so bring a good quality mosquito repellent.
Comfortable shoes: Cairns has a lovely esplanade in which to walk along. So it is worthwhile to bring comfortable, supportive shoes. As it is hot, you’ll want to bring your thongs too.
Electronics: Don’t forget to pack your camera, phone, and charger, as there will be many opportunities to capture the beauty of Cairns and its surroundings.
Power adapter: If you’re visiting from overseas, make sure to carry a power adapter with you, as Australia uses different electrical plugs and voltages than many other countries.
Best Things to do in Cairns in May
Outlined below is a selection of some of the best things to do in Cairns in May.
Snorkelling (and diving) at the Great Barrier Reef
Snorkelling and diving at the Great Barrier Reef in May can be an unforgettable experience.
May is part of the dry season in the Cairns region, which means that the weather is warm, sunny, and generally stable, with less chance of rain and storms.
The sea conditions are also calmer, making it easier to get out to the reef for snorkelling and diving trips.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most diverse and vibrant ecosystems, and May is a great time to visit as the water is clearer, making it easier to see the vibrant coral and diverse marine life the reef is known for.
Some of the most commonly sighted species include colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and various species of sharks and stingrays.
Snorkelling and scuba diving equipment are provided to you on these tours which usually last for between 4 to 8 hours with food included.
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Going to Green Island
Green Island is a popular tourist destination located just off the coast of Cairns. It’s a beautiful coral cay surrounded by stunning coral reefs, making it a popular spot for snorkelling and diving.
Visiting Green Island in May gives you the chance to experience the island’s stunning natural beauty and abundant marine life.
You should get to see lots of colourful tropical fish, as well as sea turtles, sharks and rays.
You can sail to Green Island on a full-day trip from Cairns. Alternatively, you might want to stay overnight at the island’s eco-resort.
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Going to Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is another beautiful island not far from Cairns. It’s known for its spectacular beaches, lush tropical rainforests, and vivacious aquatic life.
Ferries from the mainland will take you over to the island, where you can hike through its lush rainforest, snorkel and dive around its vibrant coral reefs, or just sunbathe on its pristine sands.
Full-day tours are available from Cairns, although there are also several other accommodation options available, including camping grounds, backpacker cabins, and beachside bungalows.
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Scenic helicopter flight above the outer reef
One of the best ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding areas is to book a scenic helicopter flight.
Not only do you get to enjoy a bird’s eye view, but you can also spend up to five hours snorkelling at two different locations.
To get to these locations you will be whisked away on a 120 foot superyacht – which will give you another unique perspective of the incredible natural wonder.
Discovering the waterfalls near Cairns
There are several spectacular waterfalls located near Cairns which are well worth visiting. These include:
Millaa Millaa Falls: This iconic cascade is located in the Atherton Tablelands region, approximately one hour drive from Cairns. It is known for its picturesque setting and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
Zillie Falls: Residing in the Wooroonooran National Park, it is surrounded by lush rainforest and offers great views from the lookout platform.
Josephine Falls: Also in the Wooroonooran National Park, this waterfall is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. There are several pools at different levels of the falls, each with its own unique setting and characteristics.
Stoney Creek Falls: You will find this waterfall in the Danbulla National Park. It is a great option for those looking for a more secluded and peaceful experience and can be viewed from several lookout points.
Behana Gorge: Situated near the small town of Babinda it is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and bushwalking. The gorge is surrounded by lush rainforest and offers great views of the waterfall and its surrounding landscape.
Go on a Catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef
There are several ways to access the Great Barrier Reef, but one of the most enjoyable is to set sail on a high-performance catamaran.
This all-day tour will take you to a couple of outer reef destinations. There you will be able to swim, dive, snorkel or just chill out onboard as you look for fish, turtles and exotic corals.
You will also be served a chef-prepared buffet lunch during the excursion.
Take a day trip to Kuranda
Kuranda is a small village located in the mountains near Cairns. It is known for its scenic beauty, natural attractions, and cultural heritage.
May is a good time to visit Kuranda as the landscape will be very lush.
When visiting Kuranda, there are several popular attractions and activities to experience, including the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
Which takes you on a scenic journey through the mountains and rainforest, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
You can also get to visit the charming shops, cafes and galleries of the Kuranda Village, as well as the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, which is home to hundreds of species of tropical butterflies.
The Rainforestation Nature Park is another notable attraction.
Offering guided tours through the rainforest gives visitors the chance to learn about the local flora and fauna, as well as the Indigenous culture of the area.
Go on a day trip to the Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is a beautiful and unique ecosystem located about 124 km north of Cairns.
Should you visit there in May, you will be able to enjoy a variety of activities and attractions including hiking and wildlife watching.
It also offers a spectacular scenic drive, while several local tour companies offer guided eco-tours of the area.
Events taking place in Cairns in May
Cairns is known for being a major hub for cultural events which happen throughout the year.
However, May is a particularly good month to visit the city as there are several hosted during this month you may be interested in attending.
Some of the events that may take place then include:
Cairns Show: A large agricultural and cultural event featuring livestock shows, food and craft stalls, and live entertainment.
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair: An annual event showcasing the art and culture of Indigenous artists from across Australia, with a focus on artists from the Far North Queensland region.
Cairns Festival: A 10-day celebration of music, dance, food, and culture, with a variety of events taking place throughout the city, including street parades, live music, and food and wine festivals.
Cairns Triathlon Festival: A popular sporting event featuring a range of triathlon competitions, including sprint and Olympic-distance races, as well as a fun run and kids’ triathlon.
Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge: A large ocean race featuring several categories, including a solo race, team relay, and stand-up paddleboarding race.
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