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Welcome to the TropicsThe easy way to describe the climate in Cairns and surrounds is, ‘tropical’. But don’t let this conjure up visions of dreary endless rainfall throughout the year. The rain is pretty much restricted to the months of December/January to March – the Wet Season/Summer. The humidity adds weight to the air from around November, lingering until April. Outside of this time frame, the season is known as the Dry season, (for obvious reasons) or ‘winter’. Temperate climate seasonal breakdowns of, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring are not applied (or rarely so) in tropical climates. Unlike in the drier tropics in the North West of Australia, relief from wet season humidity is often, thanks to the regular tropical downfalls. Rain may be heavy and abrupt or may persist for days, and sometimes weeks. But don’t be deterred! A walk through the rainforest in the rain is an invigorating and marvellous experience as you watch the trees, insects, animals and birds delight in the wet weather and stubborn rays of sunlight reflect off the rain drenched leaves and moss. The tropical sun burns easily, so whether you are heading out for an hour or a day, be prepared and take a hat, sunscreen and suitable clothing. Conditions overcast? don’t let complacency ruin your holiday – the sun will burn irregardless. Slip, Slop and Slap. Around Cairns the average annual rainfall is 1992mm. Mid summer/wet season temperatures range from 23ºC to 31º C and mid winter/dry season temperatures range from 18º C to 26º C (Australian Bureau of Meterology). For those amongst us whose blood has thinned a little in warmer climates, the dry season temperatures can feel downright chilly. However, if you are southerner or just a cold weather enthusiast you will probably always feel the warmth of the tropical climate and may relish the slightly cooler conditions found on the Tablelands less than 100km west and southwest of Cairns (altitude of 600 – 1100 meters). With barely a hint of humidity and always a few degrees cooler, the Tablelands takes great pride in its ‘air-conditioned’ climate. It’s a case of 4 seasons in one drive… The prevailing winds around Cairns are from the East Southeast, occurring with greatest intensity between April and August. During the wet season, a sea breeze freshens up coastal areas. CyclonesIn all fairness to mother nature – they deserve a mention. Thanks to the monsoon trough present near Cairns during the wet season, cyclonic activity and thunderstorms are relatively common during the Far North wet season. Cyclones which are categorized from 1 – 5 (5 being the most severe), can cause severe destruction on land and at sea. Even coral reef formations, fish cycles and other marine ecosystems can suffer under the impact of cyclonic conditions. Predictions of cyclone activity are made each season, but the main thing we need to know is that they do happen and they can be exceptionally severe. Emergency authorities advise on appropriate actions to take should a cyclone appear imminent. The Bureau of Meterology site advises on developing low pressure systems and cyclone, warnings, threat maps and tracking. . For up to date information on cyclone threats and emergencies the Bureau of Meteorology can be contacted on: 1300 659 210 Cyclones and thunderstorms and tropical downfalls can cause chaos on the roads. It is not uncommon for bridges and roads to be flooded and thus closed. Before setting out it is advisable to check with Main Roads for a Road Condition Report on 1300 130 595 (Line open 24 hours). Alternatively, if you can access the internet the Bureau of Meteorology provides and automated reading of water levels at numerous flood prone bridges across the region. See the River Height Data in ‘Useful Links’, below. TidesWhether a fisherperson, a beach-bum or just curious, tidal movements may be of interest to you! http://tide-times.com.au/localtime_QLD/North_Queensland/Other/Cairns.html Cairns tides can rise and fall as much as 3.5 metres. Caution should be taken when parking your car near to the water’s edge or walking among rock pools where one may become entrapped by water. Tidal movement also affects river heights and in a storm can have a considerable influence on flooding severity. Probably the best place to watch the tide is from the Cairns esplanade, where one can watch the mud flats revealed and then hidden beneath a curtain of water. Tidal movement is at its most extreme at the full or new phases of the moon, when tides are known as spring tides. Neap tides describe the period when there is least difference between high and low tide. Useful Weather Links
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