Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
MVFRCairns International Airport is currently reporting marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions with broken clouds at 2,900 feet and 10 miles or greater visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the south-southeast (150°) at 10 knots. Runway 15/33 is favored with a 10-knot headwind and 0-knot crosswind component.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is unrestricted. The ceiling is 2900 feet AGL (broken), placing conditions in the MVFR category.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 24°C (75°F) with a dewpoint of 21°C. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread suggests high humidity and potential for visibility restrictions, especially during cooling periods.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Light Showers Rain, Light Showers Rain, Showers Rain, Showers Rain.
Pilot Recommendations
VFR pilots should exercise caution. Consider filing IFR if instrument rated, or postponing the flight if conditions are expected to deteriorate further. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours.
This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.
Forecast (TAF)
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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✈️ 12/30
Active: 12
|
3,035 ft | 60 ft | ASP | 126° |
↑ 8.7 kt
•
↔ 5.0 kt
30° angle
|
|
✈️ 15/33
Active: 15
|
10,489 ft | 148 ft | ASP | 156° |
↑ 10.0 kt
•
↔ 0.0 kt
0° angle
|
Weather Statistics - YBCS
13,056 observations | Sep 2025 - May 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Cairns International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 76.8% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 2.7% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 8.6 knots. Temperatures typically range between 17°C and 35°C with an average of 26.3°C. The best months for VFR flying are November, October, December.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 13,056 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - May 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Cairns International Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
About Cairns International Airport
Overview
Cairns International Airport serves as a critical aviation hub in northeastern Queensland, Australia, connecting regional, domestic, and international traffic. Located at 10 feet mean sea level near the coastal city of Cairns, the airport supports medium-sized aircraft operations with two asphalt runways. Its strategic position makes it a key gateway for tourism and commercial aviation in the tropical North Queensland region.
Flying Conditions
The airport demonstrates predominantly favorable VFR conditions, with 80.7% of observations indicating visual flight rules are suitable. Wind patterns are consistently from the south at an average of 7.8 knots, with temperatures ranging between 17°C and 35°C, averaging 26.4°C. Both runways offer 100% favorable wind alignment, with minimal crosswind challenges averaging 3.5-4.8 knots.
Notable Features
Situated at coordinates -16.878921, 145.749480, Cairns International Airport is characterized by its low elevation and tropical coastal environment. The two runways—12/30 (3,035 ft) and 15/33 (10,489 ft)—provide flexibility for different aircraft types and operational requirements. The longer runway (15/33) offers substantial landing and takeoff capabilities for larger aircraft.
Approach Considerations
Pilots can expect consistently good visibility averaging 10 statute miles, with extremely rare instances of reduced visibility. October through December represent the best VFR months, providing optimal flying conditions. The uniform wind patterns and minimal crosswind conditions suggest straightforward approach and departure procedures for most aircraft categories.
Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.
Learn More
Recommended guides based on current conditions at YBCS
Official Data Sources
Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.