December is when Cairns is firmly back in its tropical summer season.
The weather is hot and humid, rainfall is increasing (but still generally overnight), the rainforest is becoming intensely green and the warm Coral Sea is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving.
For visitors escaping the cold of southern Australia, December offers a genuine tropical Christmas experience. Palm trees, warm evenings, rainforest, beaches and the Great Barrier Reef provide a very different setting from the traditional winter-style Christmas many Australians are accustomed to. While not all tours run on Christmas day many still do. Visiting Green or Fitzroy Island on Christmas day is very popular with both visitors and locals, so we definately advise booking this day well ahead.
The month can be quieter in the first half before visitor numbers increase significantly around Christmas and New Year. The Australian summer school holidays also bring many families to Cairns, making the second half of December one of the busier periods of the year.
What is Cairns Like in December?
December is hot, humid and tropical.
Temperatures are high throughout the month and rainfall becomes increasingly common as the wet season establishes itself. Usually this rain falls overnight or mornings/afternoons leaving the middle of the day clear and sunny. Rainfall is usually heavier over the land (rainforests tend to do that) than the reef.
Long-term Bureau of Meteorology climate statistics put Cairns’ December mean maximum temperature at approximately 31°C. (bom.gov.au)
Nights remain warm, and air conditioning can be particularly welcome after a hot day.
You can generally expect:
- Hot daytime temperatures
- Warm nights
- High humidity
- Tropical showers and/or Thunderstorms
- Increasing overnight rainfall
- Very warm ocean temperatures
- Lush green rainforest
- Warm tropical evenings
- Increasing visitor numbers around Christmas
The weather can change quickly, so flexibility is important when planning outdoor activities.
Cairns Weather in December
December marks the beginning of Cairns’ tropical wet or green season.
The current Visit Cairns climate information lists an average December maximum temperature of around 31°C, a minimum around 24°C and an average water temperature of approximately 29°C.
Rainfall is significantly higher than during the dry season, although December weather can vary considerably from year to year.
Tropical rainfall often comes in heavy showers or thunderstorms rather than continuous rain throughout the entire day.
It is entirely possible to experience a sunny morning followed by a spectacular tropical downpour and then sunshine again later.
The rain also has a major benefit: it transforms the landscape.
The rainforest becomes incredibly lush, waterfalls begin increasing in flow and the mountains surrounding Cairns take on their deep tropical green appearance.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Cairns?
Yes, December can be an excellent time to visit Cairns, particularly if you enjoy hot weather and tropical scenery.
It is not the ideal month for visitors who want predictable dry weather, but it can be a fantastic choice for a tropical summer holiday.
The first half of December is generally quieter than the Christmas and New Year period.
As Christmas approaches, visitor numbers increase significantly because of the Australian summer school holidays.
Christmas in Cairns
Christmas in Cairns is very different from Christmas in much of southern Australia.
Instead of cold weather, visitors can enjoy warm tropical temperatures, palm trees, beaches and the Coral Sea.
The period around Christmas and New Year is popular with Australian families, so accommodation and tours can become busy.
Many restaurants and attractions operate during the holiday period, although individual businesses may have special Christmas and New Year opening hours.
If you are travelling during the Christmas period, check operating hours and book important meals, accommodation and activities in advance.
Whilst not all tours operate on Christmas Day the ones that do can be very heavily booked so if you’re planning on Xmas day on Green or Fitzroy Island it pays to book well ahead.
What Should I Pack for Cairns in December?
December packing should focus on staying cool and preparing for tropical rain.
Recommended items include:
- Lightweight breathable clothing
- Shorts and T-shirts
- Swimwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water-friendly footwear
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Small waterproof bag
- Quick-drying clothing
A waterproof bag or dry bag is particularly useful for protecting phones, cameras and other valuables.
If you are planning rainforest walks, choose footwear with good grip.
Events and What’s On in December
December naturally has a strong focus on Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Cairns can also have markets, community events, live entertainment, cultural activities and special holiday programs.
For a unique tropical christmas why not checkout the community events then maybe checkout the Big Christmas Tree Lights-On or the ever popular Carols in the Park. Both events happen right in the CBD.
New Years eve is always a big event in Cairns, with a Free concert on the Esplanade with fireworks at midnight and an earlier family friendly time
Event dates and programs change from year to year, so check the current Cairns events calendar before travelling.
The city also has plenty of restaurants, cafés and bars where visitors can enjoy the tropical summer atmosphere.
December Tour Highlights
Scube Divers may be lucky enough to catch the end of the annual coral spawning. Check your dates as this is linked to the full moons in October, November and December. Check it out on a liveaboard Dive trip.
For the non-divers December is a great month to visit one of our Tropical Islands. Fitzroy and Green Islands are a very popular Christmas day option for both visitors and locals, but book ahead as the day fills up very quickly.
Why Visit Cairns in December?
December provides one of the most tropical versions of Cairns.
The weather is hot and humid, the ocean is warm, the rainforest is becoming intensely green and tropical rainfall creates the possibility of spectacular waterfalls.
The Great Barrier Reef remains a major attraction, with warm water making snorkelling and diving particularly comfortable.
Winds can be very light – giving “glass out” conditions on the reef and amazing underwater visability.
The Christmas atmosphere also provides a unique opportunity to experience a tropical Australian Christmas.
The trade-off is unpredictable weather and increasing visitor numbers around Christmas.
For travellers who embrace tropical summer conditions rather than trying to avoid them, December can be a memorable time to visit Cairns.
