Port Douglas is warm all year, but the seasons are very different. Here's how the year breaks down so you can pick the right time for your trip.
Quick answer
June to September has the most comfortable weather: warm, sunny days, low humidity and very little rain. May and October are excellent shoulder months, with good weather and fewer crowds.
Dry season (May to October)
- Days in the mid-to-high 20s°C, cooler nights, low humidity.
- Calm, clear conditions for reef trips are most common.
- Best croc spotting on the Daintree River.
- Busiest period, especially during Australian school holidays. Book accommodation and transfers early.
Wet season (November to April)
- Hot and humid, with heavy afternoon storms, mostly from December to March.
- Waterfalls and rainforest are at their most dramatic. Mossman Gorge and the Tablelands falls are spectacular.
- Fewer visitors and often better accommodation rates.
- It's also cyclone season. Most years bring no direct impact, but keep plans flexible and consider travel insurance.
Stinger season
Marine stingers (box jellyfish and irukandji) are mostly present from about November to May. Swim inside the stinger net at Four Mile Beach, and wear a full-body stinger suit on reef trips. Tour operators usually provide one. Always follow lifeguard advice.
Month by month
- January–March: Peak wet season. Lush and quiet, with some road and tour disruptions possible.
- April: Rain easing. Easter holidays are busy.
- May: One of the best months. Port Douglas Carnivale is usually held in late May.
- June–August: Peak season. Ideal weather and the busiest time of year.
- September: Still dry and warm, and a great reef month.
- October: Getting warmer, quieter after school holidays, and good value.
- November–December: Hot and building humidity. The Christmas holidays are busy.
Plan your arrival
Flights into Cairns can be delayed in the wet season. We track your flight, so your driver adjusts to your actual landing time. Book at least 48 hours ahead (earlier in peak season). See our Cairns Airport to Port Douglas transfer.
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