What time of year are stingers in Cairns?

When is stinger season in Cairns? Whilst varieties of marine stingers can be found year-round on the Great Barrier Reef, they are most prevalent during 'stinger season' which runs during the warmer months of the year, from the beginning of November until the end of May.



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Yes you can swim in Cairns beaches, however it can be very dangerous between the months of November – May. Most locals would recommend swimming in freshwater lagoons, lakes and waterfalls to avoid crocodiles, jellyfish and other dangerous animals in the sea.

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There are many different kinds and they are usually most prevalent during the Cairns jellyfish 'season', which is generally from November to May. Why? Jellyfish prefer warm, tropical waters, so summer in Cairns Queensland provides ideal conditions.

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It's not advisable to go swimming in the ocean during stinger season which generally runs from November to May however, if you are taking your holiday between those months, there are stinger resistant swimming enclosures at various local beaches that offer a high degree of protection against Box Jellyfish.

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Avoiding stinger season When you snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef during May to October you will avoid the peak stinger season. This is where box jellyfish and irukandji jellyfish are around. These jellyfish are around all year, they are more common during the warmer months.

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The warm water means one thing: stingers. While marine stingers are found along the Great Barrier Reef all year round, the potentially lethal jellyfish species – Box and Irukandji – enter the waters from November through May.

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The best beaches to swim at are mainly in the Northern suburbs. The beaches in the city aren't suitable for swimming due to crocodiles and it being too buddy. However, there is a lagoon to swim in if you're staying in Cairns City.

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It is recommended to wear a stinger suit as a precaution for any water activities in the Great Barrier Reef. Even if the chances of being stung is low, we wouldn't want anything life-threatening to be happening to you! Best you grab a stinger suit and explore the Great Barrier Reef waters safely.

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There are both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles in Cairns, though you won't find these ancient reptiles crawling through the city streets. Like all wild animals, they have their own preferred natural habitats, and they are quite tricky to spot in the wilderness.

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Tropical North Queensland is blessed with an abundance of waterfalls. The great news is that you can swim right up to many of these spectacular cascades – and even let the running water cascade over you. Swimmable waterfalls are found from Cardwell to Cape York, with many concentrated around the Atherton Tablelands.

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But if you're looking to head to Cairns on a budget and with fewer crowds, the best time to visit is in the shoulder months (April/May or September/October), or the wet season from November to March.

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A wetsuit is actually a thicker fabric than a stinger suit, so you would not need a stinger suit too. However, if you are going to be swimming in the tropics, a wetsuit would be too hot to wear and so you would wear a stinger suit...

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Having said that, you should always try to avoid swimming in waters with jellyfish where possible. The suit provides an extra layer of protection but that doesn't mean it's 100% full proof when it comes to preventing jellyfish stings.

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Cairns Tours can help you see the best of the reef's natural wonders in the safest way possible with the best and most experienced guides in the region. Embark on the adventure of a lifetime and swim alongside harmless reef sharks, whales, turtles, and tropical fish in their natural habitat!

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Marine Stingers. Two types of marine stingers, or jellyfish, are found on Cairns' Great Barrier Reef. Both are poisonous and can leave painful stings and sometimes scars. Usually, they are only present in the waters between November and May, but this may change pending weather conditions.

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Reef Shark & Snorkeler In general, snorkeling and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef you will have no problem at all with these reef-dwelling sharks. They can, in fact, be a highlight of any snorkeling or scuba diving trip, often being the hot topic of conversation if you manage to spot one.

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Take care when diving and snorkelling Be aware of where your fins are and avoid touching anything with them. Don't rest or stand on coral. If you must stand up, make sure it is on sand or use rest stations. Observe animals rather than handling them directly, and avoid blocking the path of free swimming animals.

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