Quick Weather Summary
Mareeba has a tropical savanna climate with hot, wet summers (November-April: 23-35°C, ~750mm rain) and warm, dry winters (May-October: 10-28°C, minimal rain). Annual rainfall is approximately 900mm, making Mareeba significantly drier than coastal Cairns (2000mm).
At 443 meters elevation, Mareeba is 5-8°C cooler than Cairns year-round. Summer days reach 33-35°C, while winter nights can drop to 10°C. The dry season (May-October) offers perfect weather for outdoor activities with clear blue skies and comfortable temperatures.
Mareeba Climate Overview
Tropical Savanna Climate (Köppen Classification: Aw)
Annual Rainfall
~900mm
vs Cairns: 2000mm
Temperature Range
10-35°C
Year-round variation
Elevation
443m
Above sea level
Dry Season (May - October)
- ✓Warm days (25-28°C), cool nights (10-15°C)
- ✓Clear blue skies, minimal rainfall (<20mm/month)
- ✓Low humidity (40-60%), comfortable conditions
- ✓Perfect for ballooning, camping, and hiking
- ✓Best time to visit Mareeba
Wet Season (November - April)
- ~Hot days (30-35°C), warm nights (23-25°C)
- ~Heavy afternoon thunderstorms, ~750mm rainfall
- ~High humidity (70-85%), muggy conditions
- ~Lush green landscapes, waterfalls flowing
- ~Some roads impassable, cyclone season
Month-by-Month Weather Breakdown
January
High: 33°C
Low: 23°C
Rain: 220mm
Hottest month, heavy rain, high humidity
February
High: 33°C
Low: 23°C
Rain: 210mm
Peak wet season, afternoon storms
March
High: 32°C
Low: 22°C
Rain: 180mm
Late wet season, still humid
April
High: 30°C
Low: 20°C
Rain: 90mm
Wet season ending, cooling down
May
High: 28°C
Low: 17°C
Rain: 35mm
Dry season begins, comfortable
June
High: 26°C
Low: 14°C
Rain: 15mm
Winter starts, cool mornings
July
High: 26°C
Low: 13°C
Rain: 10mm
Coolest month, perfect weather
August
High: 27°C
Low: 14°C
Rain: 10mm
Cold mornings (10°C), clear skies
September
High: 29°C
Low: 17°C
Rain: 15mm
Warming up, still dry
October
High: 31°C
Low: 20°C
Rain: 30mm
Hot days, last of dry season
November
High: 33°C
Low: 22°C
Rain: 80mm
Build-up storms, humidity rising
December
High: 33°C
Low: 23°C
Rain: 150mm
Wet season starts, thunderstorms
Wet Season Deep Dive (November - April)
What to Expect
- Rainfall: 750mm total, mostly January-March. Expect afternoon thunderstorms 3-5 days per week.
- Temperature: Hot and sticky. Days 30-35°C, nights 22-25°C. Humidity 70-85%.
- Cyclones: Far North Queensland cyclone season. Mareeba is inland and rarely directly impacted, but heavy rain can occur.
- Storms: Spectacular lightning shows. Thunder usually afternoon/evening. Mornings often clear.
Pros & Cons for Visitors
Pros
- • Waterfalls at peak flow and spectacular
- • Landscape is vibrant green and lush
- • Fewer tourists, better availability
- • Mango season (October-December)
- • Coffee plantations still operate tours
Cons
- • High humidity, uncomfortable heat
- • Hot air ballooning may be cancelled
- • Some 4WD tracks become impassable
- • Mosquitoes and insects more prevalent
- • Road closures possible after heavy rain
Dry Season Deep Dive (May - October)
The dry season is the absolute best time to visit Mareeba. Here's why:
- ✓Perfect weather: Warm days (25-28°C), cool nights (10-15°C)
- ✓Clear skies: 90%+ sunshine days, minimal rain
- ✓Low humidity: 40-60%, comfortable and dry
- ✓Ballooning: Calm mornings, stable conditions
- ✓Camping: No rain, cool nights, no mosquitoes
- ✓Hiking: Comfortable temperatures, dry trails
- ✓Photography: Golden light, clear visibility
- ✓Events: Mareeba Rodeo (July), markets, festivals
Winter Nights Can Be Cold!
June-August mornings can drop to 10°C or even lower in exposed areas. If you're camping or doing early morning hot air ballooning, bring warm layers. By midday it warms to a pleasant 25-28°C. This temperature variation is one of Mareeba's defining features compared to coastal Cairns.
Mareeba vs Nearby Towns
Mareeba vs Cairns
Temperature
Mareeba is 5-8°C cooler year-round due to 443m elevation
Rainfall
Mareeba: 900mm vs Cairns: 2000mm. Less than half!
Humidity
Mareeba is noticeably drier, especially in dry season
Why this matters: Cairns is hot and humid year-round. Mareeba offers escape from coastal stickiness, cooler sleeping conditions, and better weather for outdoor activities. Only 1 hour drive apart.
Mareeba vs Atherton
Temperature
Mareeba is warmer - Atherton at 750m is cooler
Rainfall
Mareeba: 900mm vs Atherton: 1400mm. Drier climate
Sunshine
Mareeba gets more sunshine, less cloud cover
Why this matters: Mareeba sits in the rain shadow of the Atherton Tablelands, making it drier and sunnier than higher-elevation towns like Atherton and Herberton. Better for ballooning and sunshine-dependent activities.
Mareeba vs Chillagoe (Outback)
Temperature
Similar, but Chillagoe has more extreme heat (38°C+)
Rainfall
Chillagoe: 600mm. Even drier than Mareeba
Landscape
Chillagoe is true outback, Mareeba is transition zone
Why this matters: Mareeba is where rainforest meets outback. Travel 2 hours west to Chillagoe and you'll find a much hotter, drier, more arid landscape. Mareeba offers the best of both worlds.
What to Pack for Mareeba Weather
Dry Season (May - October)
- •Warm jacket or fleece for cool mornings (10-15°C)
- •Light layers: t-shirts, long pants, long sleeves
- •Sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat
- •Comfortable walking shoes/hiking boots
- •Water bottle (stay hydrated in low humidity)
- •Camera for clear blue skies and golden light
Wet Season (November - April)
- •Rain jacket or umbrella for afternoon storms
- •Light, breathable clothing (cotton, linen)
- •Shorts, t-shirts, sandals or waterproof shoes
- •Insect repellent (mosquitoes more active)
- •Sunscreen still essential (strong UV)
- •Quick-dry towel and swimwear for waterfalls
Severe Weather & Safety
Cyclone Season (November - April)
Far North Queensland experiences tropical cyclones during the wet season. Mareeba is 60km inland at 443m elevation, so direct cyclone impact is rare. However, ex-tropical cyclones can bring heavy rainfall and flooding to the region. Monitor Bureau of Meteorology warnings during wet season travel.
Thunderstorms
Wet season thunderstorms are spectacular but can be severe with lightning, flash flooding, and strong winds. Storms typically build in the afternoon. If outdoors, seek shelter at first sign of lightning. Avoid swimming in creeks/waterfalls during storms due to flash flooding risk.
Road Flooding
Heavy rain can cause road flooding and closures, especially on unsealed roads. Never drive through floodwater - it only takes 15cm to float a car. Check road conditions at qldtraffic.qld.gov.au before travelling in wet season.
UV & Sunburn Risk
At 16.85°S latitude, Mareeba has high UV levels year-round. UV index regularly exceeds 10 in summer. Even on cloudy days, UV can cause sunburn in under 15 minutes. Wear sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, hat, and protective clothing. Seek shade 10am-3pm.
Related Pages & Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Mareeba?
Mareeba has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw) with distinct wet and dry seasons. Summer (November-April) is hot and wet with temperatures 23-35°C and most of the 900mm annual rainfall. Winter (May-October) is warm and dry with temperatures 10-28°C, clear skies, and minimal rain. Mareeba is notably drier and cooler than coastal Cairns.
How hot does it get in Mareeba?
Mareeba summer temperatures range from 23°C overnight to 33-35°C during the day from November to April. The hottest months are November-January. Winter (June-August) sees daytime highs of 25-28°C and cool nights dropping to 10-15°C. At 443m elevation, Mareeba is 5-8°C cooler than Cairns year-round.
How much rain does Mareeba get?
Mareeba receives approximately 900mm of rainfall annually, concentrated in the wet season from November to April. This is significantly less than Cairns (2000mm) due to Mareeba's position in the rain shadow of the Atherton Tablelands. The dry season (May-October) sees minimal rainfall, averaging less than 20mm per month.
When is the wet season in Mareeba?
Mareeba's wet season runs from November to April, with peak rainfall January to March. Expect afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity (70-85%), and temperatures of 23-35°C. Total wet season rainfall is approximately 750mm. Some unsealed roads may become impassable, but waterfalls are spectacular.
Is Mareeba weather better than Cairns?
Mareeba weather is generally more comfortable than Cairns. At 443m elevation, Mareeba is 5-8°C cooler year-round and receives less than half the rainfall (900mm vs 2000mm). Mareeba has lower humidity, more sunshine, and cooler winter nights (down to 10°C). However, Cairns offers easier beach access and tropical warmth year-round.
Does it snow in Mareeba?
No, it does not snow in Mareeba. Winter temperatures drop to around 10°C on the coldest mornings, but this is far above freezing. Frost is extremely rare and light. Mareeba has a tropical climate, not temperate, so snow is impossible.
What's the best month to visit Mareeba?
June, July, and August are the best months to visit Mareeba. These winter months offer perfect weather: warm days (25-28°C), cool mornings (10-15°C), clear blue skies, and almost no rain. This is peak season for hot air ballooning, camping, hiking, and outdoor activities. July also features the famous Mareeba Rodeo.