Stingers are of particular concern in tropical Australian waters between November to May/June. In Cairns, we call this period 'stinger season'.
Also asked, do I need a stinger suit in Cairns?
We highly recommend wearing the stinger suits – regardless of the time of year – as it will not only protect you from cairns jellyfish stings, but also provide sun protection in the tropical climate. Snorkellers do not need to fear cairns jellyfish on the Great Barrier Reef. Jellyfish are found around the world.
Similarly, can you swim in Cairns in December? Thanks to the warm weather around the clock, December is one of the best times of year to visit Cairns, so start planning now for your Christmas holiday! As beautiful as Cairns' beaches are, you'll want to take extra precautions when swimming in the ocean at this time of year. Jellyfish are common during the summer.
Also know, what is the best month to visit Cairns?
April to September is the best time to visit for the ideal balance of affordable accommodation, warm dry weather and thin crowds. By popping in after summer, you'll completely miss the Christmas crowds and the high humidity, while still being able to enjoy sunshine and warm days.
Are there Stingers in Cairns?
Stingers love the tropical summer weather and can be found in the waters around Cairns from November to May. Swimmers should exercise caution in the water during these months, and beaches may be closed if the risk of stingers is great. As the winter nears, the stingers will migrate north.
Related Question Answers
Is Cairns safe at night?
Cairns is a relatively safe city, but late-night muggings and assaults do happen. It's better to call a cab for a short distance than walk the streets alone. Also avoid city parks after dark.Can you swim in the beach at Cairns?
You don't have to swim at the beach, there are plenty of safe, beautiful swimming pools, fresh water swimming holes, waterfalls and secret jungle pools to enjoy around Cairns and Port Douglas.Are there dangerous sharks in the Great Barrier Reef?
Species of shark found on the Great Barrier Reef include white and black tip reef sharks, leopard sharks, wobbegongs, epaulette sharks and grey whalers. None of these are particularly dangerous unless you try to touch, feed or otherwise mistreat them.Are there Box jellyfish in Cairns?
Some notes: Box Jellyfish on the Great Barrier Reef are quite dispersed and stings are infrequent and uncommon. Box jellyfish can also be found in the waters off Cairns' northern and southern beaches and their presence will be highlighted through signage at relevant times of the year.Is it safe to swim in the Great Barrier Reef?
Swimming On The Great Barrier Reef. Swimming on the Great Barrier Reef is relatively safe for everyone just as long as you are aware of your surroundings and you follow the direction of the boat crew and swim within viewing distance of the lifeguard lookouts and stay within the roped off areas around the pontoon.Can jellyfish sting through a wetsuit?
Wear a wetsuit. Some stores that sell diving equipment also carry special “stinger suits” that you can wear to prevent being stung by a jellyfish. Even if you wear a wetsuit, you should still practice caution and avoid jellyfish, as stings through wetsuits have been reported.Are there Box jellyfish at the Great Barrier Reef?
Some notes: Box Jellyfish on the Great Barrier Reef are quite dispersed and stings are infrequent and uncommon. Box jellyfish can also be found in the waters off Cairns' northern and southern beaches and their presence will be highlighted through signage at relevant times of the year.What do stinger suits look like?
Stinger suits tend to be slightly thicker so that they can provide more protection from the sting of potentially deadly jelly fish such as the box jellyfish. Stinger suits are also full body suits which can include socks, mittens and hoods to provide the maximum protection.Is Cairns expensive to visit?
Most international visitors who come to Cairns do so to visit the nearby Great Barrier Reef. The good news for budget travelers is that Cairns tends to be at least a bit less expensive than the large cities in Australia when it comes to hotels and even food prices at casual places.Does it rain a lot in Cairns?
Cairns is located in the tropics and has a warm humid climate. On average Cairns receives over 2000mm of rain every year and this can cause flooding of the Mulgrave and Barron Rivers which can affect road and rail transportation. You can swim nearly all year round because Cairns weather is so beautiful.Is it better to stay in Port Douglas or Cairns?
Cairns has cheaper accommodations; more restaurants, shops, pubs and tour operators; and everything is within walking distance. But it is quite touristy. It has a very nice municipal pool that is free, but NO beach. Port Douglas is more upscale, resort-like and spread out, so a car is helpful.Where is the best area to stay in Cairns?
The Best Places to Stay around Cairns and Port Douglas- Cairns Harbour Lights.
- Pullman Reef Hotel Casino.
- Fitzroy Island Resort.
- Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa.
- Peppers Beach Club & Spa.
- Thala Beach Nature Reserve.
- Coconut Grove.
- Silly Oaks Lodge.
How much time do you need in Cairns?
Some of the best things to see and do in Cairns can be done in 3 days, but that only touches the surface. With literally hundreds of things to see and do you really could spend 2 or 3 weeks.Does Cairns get cold?
Winter in Cairns brings slightly cooler temperatures and lower humidity, making it the peak tourist season. Average temperatures range from 17.5 - 26°C (63.5 - 78.8°F) and there is low rainfall. In spring average temperatures range from 20.5 – 29°C (68.9 - 84.2°F).Are there crocodiles in Cairns?
CROCODILES. In Australia, we have two distinct varieties: the Saltwater Crocodile and the Freshwater Crocodile. Just your luck that the area around Cairns and Tropical North Queensland is home to the 'Salties', the larger and more aggressive of the two.Is Cairns too hot in January?
Cairns Weather in January Temperatures range from 23.6 – 31.4 degrees Celsius, making January the hottest month of the year, with some cloud cover around for about half the month. With rain tending to fall during the late afternoon and overnight and plenty of sunshine hours, most activities can be fully enjoyed.Is there malaria in Cairns?
Cairns has a tropical climate with lush rainforests, mangroves and high rainfall, which create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes and biting midges. More than 220 mosquito species can be found in Queensland, and many of these are carriers of diseases such as Malaria, Ross River Fever and Dengue Fever.Are there mosquitoes in Cairns?
Cairns has a tropical climate with lush rainforests, mangroves and high rainfall, which create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes and biting midges. More than 220 mosquito species can be found in Queensland, and many of these are carriers of diseases such as Malaria, Ross River Fever and Dengue Fever.Why can't you swim in the sea in Cairns?
There is a pretty esplanade walkway and a narrow strip of sand but mostly Cairns has a busy estuary and salt water crocodiles, big ones. We also have stinger season in this part of the world, jellyfish visit our waters from around November to May, making unprotected swimming a fairly bad choice.How hot is Cairns in December?
During the day, high temperatures reach about 31 degrees Celsius, with the hottest part of the day being between noon and 4 p.m. At night, the temperature does dip a bit, but only to about 24 degrees. You'll still be comfortable going around in shorts and a singlet.What is stinger season in Australia?
The traditional stinger season in the tropics is during the warmer months from November to May. This is when box jellyfish are at their peak, but stings have occurred as early as September.Do you get crocodiles in Cairns?
CROCODILES. In Australia, we have two distinct varieties: the Saltwater Crocodile and the Freshwater Crocodile. Just your luck that the area around Cairns and Tropical North Queensland is home to the 'Salties', the larger and more aggressive of the two.What is the best time of year to visit Cairns?
When is the best time to visit Cairns? April to September is the best time to visit for the ideal balance of affordable accommodation, warm dry weather and thin crowds. By popping in after summer, you'll completely miss the Christmas crowds and the high humidity, while still being able to enjoy sunshine and warm days.Is December a good time to visit Cairns?
December marks the beginning of summer in Cairns. With it comes some of the hottest weather of the year. Summer is the wet season so rain is frequent as well. Thanks to the warm weather around the clock, December is one of the best times of year to visit Cairns, so start planning now for your Christmas holiday!How hot does it get in Cairns?
Cairns, in Far North Queensland, experiences hot and humid summers and mild, dry winters. The average annual maximum temperature is 29°C (84.2°F), with 62 per cent humidity.What is the best part of the Great Barrier Reef to visit?
Fitzroy Island is one of the best locations for viewing the Great Barrier Reef in Australia with reef snorkelling just a short paddle from the shore. With snorkelling and scuba diving options available, there's something for everyone.Are there sharks in the Great Barrier Reef?
The short answer is yes, but in general, they are mostly harmless to humans. The most common sharks found on the Great Barrier Reef are white tip and black tip reef sharks. You can also find grey whaler reefs sharks, leopard sharks, epaulette sharks and wobbegong sharks a shabby door matt looking shark.Can you swim in Cairns crocodiles?
There are crocs in the far north and yes one was spotted at trinity beach but to put things in to perspective you have got more chance of being hit on the head from a falling coconut than you have of even seeing a croc. Trinity is the best swimming beach in Cairns and the most beautiful too.Is it worth going to the Great Barrier Reef?
Well, it depends. If the reef system is your sole reason for visiting Australia, then no, probably not. However, if you're traveling to Australia for other reasons, there are definitely some areas of the Great Barrier Reef that are still worth checking out.How do you prevent box jellyfish?
Prevention- Get information about conditions. Talk to lifeguards, local residents or officials with a local health department before swimming or diving in coastal waters, especially in areas where jellyfish are common.
- Avoid water during jellyfish season.
- Use protective lotions.
- Wear a protective suit.
