What's the weather like in Cairns in January
Temperature
Cairns, a beautiful city and tourist hotspot in Cairns Region, Queensland, Australia experiences warm temperatures in January. Being near the tropics, daily average temperatures range between 23°C (73.4F) and 31°C (87.8F). January is the hottest month in Cairns with 28°C (82°F) as the average temperature. Being near the tropics, Cairns enjoys good weather during this time and the entire year. The highest temperature ever recorded was 40°C but temperatures rarely go this high. Lowest ever January temperature recorded was 18.2°C which is a rare phenomenon. Generally, day temperatures are warm and favorable for exploring the outdoors; but it gets cooler at night. Average sea temperature in Cairns is 29.4°C / 84.9°F with a high of 31°C / 86.5°F and a low of 27.9°C / 83.4°F.
Sunshine Hours
Cairns experiences constant cloud cover during the month of January. Most of the time, the sky remains overcast throughout the month with 80% of January mostly cloudy. On average, Cairns receive approximately 7.1 hours of sunshine per day with previous statistics showing January 25 as the cloudiest day. On the other hand, January 1 is the clearest day of the month.
Rainfall
It rains in Cairns in January with most showers taking place in the evening and overnight. This means you can still enjoy your daytime without having to worry about rain. Compared to other preceding months, January experiences less intensity of rainfall. 31-day January average rainfall patterns show an increase in rainfall intensity as the month progresses. Rainfall amounts approximately range between a minimum of 10.4 inches (264.16mm) and a maximum of 15.7 inches (398.78). Average rainfall in January is 320mm for 19 days.
Sunrise and Sunset
In January in Cairns, as the month progresses, the length of day gradually decreases. January the 1st has the earliest sunrise at 5.46am and January 31st the latest sunrise at 6.04am. On the other hand, January 1st has the earliest sunset at 6.53pm and January 19th, the latest sunset at 6.57pm.
Humidity
January is hot and humid with humidity levels in Cairns remaining constant throughout the month. Humidity average is 98% and always remains within a range of 1% throughout the rest of the month.
Wind
In January, the average hourly wind speed remains constant throughout at 0.1 miles per hour of 6.7 miles per hour. The wind speed at any given location is dependent on the local topography patterns.
Extraordinary Weather Occurrences
Cairns and surrounding regions at times experience severe weather conditions. Severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and strong winds have been reported in the past. Extreme flooding cases have been previously reported cutting off Cairns from the North and South, affecting major roads, such as Bruce Highway and Captain Cook Highway.
Cairns Hotels in January
Cairns is a popular tourist city in Tropical North Queensland, famous for receiving tourists from around the world. Gorgeous beaches, great nightlife, stunning scenery and mild winter best describe Cairns. The city has a wide variety of hotels and accommodation facilities to suit every kind of budget. You can choose to book a five-star hotel, mid-range hotel, holiday apartments or backpackers facilities.
The Pullman Reef Hotel Casino is the most prestigious hotel in North Queensland. If you're looking for exclusive accommodation, this 5-star hotel has the best facilities suited for the luxury traveller. Reef Hotel Casino is a traveller's paradise with high-end and luxurious rooms, accompanied by a private garden balcony, spa, top-notch dining, finest boutique casinos in Australia and conference venues among other superb offerings.
Pacific Hotel Cairns is located in a unique location with breathtaking views of the Reef Fleet Terminal and Trinity Harbor. The hotel is close to Esplanade Lagoon and is famous for its waterside boardwalks and beautiful parklands. Guests enjoy spacious and luxurious accommodation facilities coupled with breathtaking views of the city, ocean and nearby mountains. The hotel boasts of spacious rooms with a private balcony and contemporary furnishings uniquely designed to suit the taste of guests.
The Cairns Sheridan Hotel is centrally located close to Cairns City and Cairns Airport. The hotel offers luxurious yet affordable rates to cater for guests looking for a nice, modern and contemporary accommodation facility. You have a chance to choose between various types of rooms depending on your budget and preferences. Cairns Sheridan Hotel is well equipped with the best facilities to ensure you're comfortable throughout your stay.
City Sider Holiday Apartments offer the best family-oriented, friendly and spacious environment while on holiday in Cairns. Situated on Upward Street Cairns, the facility consists of self-contained two and one bedroom apartments with modern guest facilities. From the apartments, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll to Cairns Central Shopping Center, Muddy's Playground and the magnificent Cairns Esplanade.
Tropic Days Backpackers is an excellent backpacker accommodation facility set on a beautiful landscaped tropical garden with amazing facilities. The property has a beautiful green lawn where you can relax and sunbathe. The rates here are affordable and friendly for all. Guests enjoy BBQ, Pizza Nights and a tasty wide selection menu.
Bars and Restaurants
Cairns bars and restaurants are among the best in Australia. Despite being a small city, there's an exciting range of bars and restaurant to sample. Dining in Cairns is a pleasant experience because most dining facilities serve fresh produce. Due to the high number of tourists, there's a wide variety of local and international cuisine. Some of the best world renowned chefs come from the region. Choosing a suitable dining location is challenging because there are so many fabulous restaurants and bars.
C'est Bon Restaurant Francais is Cairns' leading French restaurant that authentically, delightfully and classically serves French cuisine. The rates are affordable and the facility provides a casual, tropical, dining experience. C'est Bon Restaurant Francais offers a perfect blend of French cuisine and local fresh produce to an unforgettable North Queensland style. In addition, you will find plenty of the finest Australian wines. The restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm-9pm.
Dundee's Restaurant is located on Cairns' waterfront with the finest views of the surroundings. The restaurant serves the best seafood, finest steaks, pastas and Australian specialist foods. If you're looking for a café on the broadwalk of Cairns Australia with scenic picturesque views, this is the place to be. The restaurant is located beneath the Cairns Harbour Lights Hotel and next to Cairns Esplanade. You can enjoy clear views of reef boats going in and out of the Great Barrier Reef. The restaurant is open every day of the week from 7.30am- 9.30pm.
Ochre Restaurant has mastered the art of serving unique Australian native foods providing a legendary dining experience to customers. You have an opportunity to sample a wide range of native produce prepared by the best and experienced chefs. The restaurant is open 7 days a week from 11.30am-9.30pm.
Salt House is located in an exquisite location on the marina, enjoy stunning views of the ocean, mountain and Trinity Inlet views. Tuck into food made from local, seasonal and fresh produce while soaking up in the beauty of Cairns. The restaurant has daybeds where you can relax in a perfect tropical surrounding. Salt House opens Monday to Sunday from 6.30am- 2am.
Things to do in January in Cairns
Green Barrier Reef is a popular destination, 45 minutes from Cairns. The spectacular views and surroundings are gorgeous, so remember your camera when visiting. A cruise to the tropical island of Green Island and The Reef will enable you to see white sandy beaches, unique island rainforest, abundant marine life and magnificent coral reefs. Take in the magnificent views of passenger ferries on the turquoise blue waters. It's best to explore the Green island in the morning and spend afternoons engaging in various watersport activities.
Esplanade Lagoon is Cairns' tourist most famous landmark and the most visited area in Cairns. Situated on the Cairns foreshore facing the Trinity Inlet, the lagoon is a secure swimming spot that allows both tourists and locals to swim safely throughout the year. The beautiful sandy edges allow children and adults to walk, relax and build sand castles. On the other side of the Esplanade lagoon, you can relax under the midst of beautiful palm trees, landscaped gardens and have clear unobstructed spectacular ocean views. The Esplanade Lagoon is open on Wednesday from 12pm-9pm and 6am-9pm on Thursday to Tuesday throughout the year.
For something different, visit Kuranda town, a small rainforest town that is accessed via the Kuranda Scenic Railway that connects Cairns and Kuranda town. January is a great time to visit since the rains make the forest green and rivers and creeks begin flowing. The railway was built over 120 years ago and utilized then as a commuter railway line. However, it has now been transformed into a tourist railway.
Shopping at the Esplanade Markets just by the beautiful Esplanade Lagoon is an exciting experience. The lively and colorful market that is open on Saturday 8am-5pm only sells locally made crafts plus special clothing. You can also enjoy live music from musicians who perform at the venue.
