When to Visit
Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.
January
The wet season is in full swing. Heavy monsoonal rains drench the region, turning dusty tracks into muddy rivers and making many roads impassable. Humidity is high, with temperatures around 31–33°C. Waterfalls like Isabella Falls roar with life, and the rainforest hums with frogs and cicadas. It’s not the best time for travel, but nature is at its wildest.
February
Much the same as January. Intense rainfall and tropical storms dominate, particularly in the afternoons. Cape York remains largely cut off except by air. While it’s not peak tourist season, birdlife and freshwater systems flourish — and the landscapes are dramatically green and swollen with water.
March
The rains may begin to ease later in the month, but road access is still extremely limited. Swollen rivers, landslides, and flooded crossings keep 4WD routes closed. For those staying in Cooktown, it’s a chance to explore the James Cook Museum, take in coastal storms from Grassy Hill, or spot crocs from a safe distance along the Endeavour River.
April
A transitional month. Showers linger, but dry days become more frequent, and the worst of the wet season begins to fade. The landscape remains vividly green, and the first 4WD travellers start eyeing the opening of the overland tracks. Temperatures remain warm, hovering around 30–32°C, with less oppressive humidity.
May
The start of the dry season — and one of the best times to visit. Roads reopen, and the journey to the Tip of Cape York becomes possible. Creeks still run clear, and the region is lush from months of rain. Fishing conditions improve, and cooler nights offer relief. It’s a great time to explore Cooktown’s historic sites, Indigenous rock art around Laura, and remote beaches like Elim.
June
A prime month for travel. Dust replaces mud, skies are clear, and daily highs sit around 28°C. Perfect conditions for tackling the Telegraph Track, visiting the Jardine River, or camping at Loyalty Beach. In Cooktown, the Discovery Festival often takes place, celebrating the town’s colonial and Indigenous heritage with parades and cultural events.
July
Peak dry season. Warm days, cool nights, and near-zero rainfall make for ideal exploring. Visitor numbers increase but the area still feels untamed and remote. Iconic experiences like fruit bat colonies at sunset, helicopter rides over remote waterfalls, and fishing charters from Seisia are all in high demand.
August
Conditions remain excellent. Water levels drop, making off-road travel easier, but popular camping spots may fill up fast. The colours shift — red roads, blue skies, golden grasses. It's also a great time for birdwatching and exploring national parks like Lakefield (Rinyirru), with billabongs attracting jabirus, brolgas, and sarus cranes.
September
Temperatures begin climbing again, and the first signs of build-up to the wet season appear in the humidity. Still, conditions remain dry, and the days are perfect for long drives and outback adventures. It’s a great time to explore Aboriginal art sites, take guided walks, or cruise to remote sandbars from the coast.
October
Hotter and stickier. By now, the dry is waning. Temperatures can rise to 34°C, and cloud build-up may bring the odd early storm. Wildlife becomes more active near waterholes, and road conditions remain manageable — for now. For those used to heat, it’s still a good time to explore more remote spots with fewer visitors around.
November
The build-up intensifies. Thunderstorms grow more regular, especially in the afternoon. While some adventurers still head north, many prepare for the seasonal road closures ahead. Cooktown starts quietening down as the wet approaches. The landscape is hazy and dry — soon to be transformed by rain.
December
The wet returns. Rainfall increases rapidly, and access to Cape York becomes more difficult or impossible. Daytime temperatures stay high and the humidity is heavy. While it’s not travel-friendly for most, it’s a fascinating time to witness nature reset, with thunderous storms, blooming flora, and creeks beginning to flow again.
Our Ratings
Most Recommended
Recommended
Highly Recommended
Not Recommended
