Find cheap flights to Cairns from £553

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Find deals from Columbus to Cairns

Find one-way and return tickets at the lowest prices, whether last-minute or planned in advance.

3 stops
Mon, Dec 1
Columbus CMHCairns CNS

from £553
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3 stops
Tue, Nov 25
Columbus CMHCairns CNS

from £559
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3 stops
Tue, Nov 25
Columbus CMHCairns CNS

from £561
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3 stops
Tue, Nov 25
Columbus CMHCairns CNS

from £588
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3 stops
Tue, Nov 25
Columbus CMHCairns CNS

from £606
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3 stops
Mon, Dec 1
Columbus CMHCairns CNS

from £626
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Find deals from Columbus to Cairns

Find one-way and return tickets at the lowest prices, whether last-minute or planned in advance.

3 stops
Mon, Dec 1 – Sun, Dec 7
Columbus CMHCairns CNS

from £1,165
Find deal
3 stops
Mon, Dec 1 – Sun, Dec 7
Columbus CMHCairns CNS

from £1,177
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3 stops
Mon, Dec 1 – Mon, Dec 8
Columbus CMHCairns CNS

from £1,205
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3 stops
Mon, Dec 1 – Mon, Dec 8
Columbus CMHCairns CNS

from £1,206
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3 stops
Mon, Dec 1 – Sun, Dec 7
Columbus CMHCairns CNS

from £1,208
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3 stops
Mon, Dec 1 – Mon, Dec 8
Columbus CMHCairns CNS

from £1,224
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Cheapest time to fly from Columbus to Cairns

One-way

Thu, Oct 16 - Thu, Oct 23£1,035
Fri, Oct 24 - Fri, Oct 31£873
Sat, Nov 1 - Fri, Nov 7£697
Sat, Nov 8 - Sat, Nov 15£603
Sun, Nov 16 - Sun, Nov 23£588
Mon, Nov 24 - Sun, Nov 30£575
Mon, Dec 1 - Sun, Dec 7£563
Mon, Dec 8 - Mon, Dec 15£747
Tue, Dec 16 - Tue, Dec 23£839
Wed, Dec 24 - Wed, Dec 31£836

Round-trip

Thu, Oct 16 - Thu, Oct 23£1,498
Fri, Oct 24 - Fri, Oct 31£1,130
Sat, Nov 1 - Fri, Nov 7£954
Sat, Nov 8 - Sat, Nov 15£924
Sun, Nov 16 - Sun, Nov 23£945
Mon, Nov 24 - Sun, Nov 30£955
Mon, Dec 1 - Sun, Dec 7£966
Mon, Dec 8 - Mon, Dec 15£1,169
Tue, Dec 16 - Tue, Dec 23£1,402
Wed, Dec 24 - Wed, Dec 31£1,175

When is the best time to visit Cairns

Cairns rewards timing: dry-season perfection (June–October) costs peak prices, wet-season bargains (January–March) save 40%, and shoulder months balance sunshine, savings, and fewer crowds. Choose your season based on budget, weather tolerance, and reef-diving conditions.

High season
June - October
  • Prices: Peak rates for flights and hotels; book 8-12 weeks ahead for better deals on midweek departures.
  • Weather: Dry season perfection with 18–26 °C, minimal humidity, and just 2–4 rainy days per month—ideal for reef diving and rainforest hikes.
  • Events: Cairns Festival (August-September) showcases arts and culture, while Great Barrier Reef Marathon (June) attracts runners worldwide.
Low season
January - March
  • Prices: Cheapest flights and accommodation—up to 40% less than dry season; midweek departures offer the best value.
  • Weather: Wet season heat with 23–31 °C and 15–20 rainy days monthly—afternoon storms clear quickly, mornings stay sunny for beach time.
  • Events: Cairns Tropical Pride Festival (February) and Australian Italian Festival (May) bring vibrant local culture without peak-season crowds.
Shoulder season
April - May, November - December
  • Prices: Moderate rates—save 20-30% versus peak season on flights; book 6-8 weeks out for optimal midweek fares.
  • Weather: Goldilocks zone with 20–29 °C and 6–10 rainy days monthly—warm enough for snorkeling, dry enough for Daintree exploration.
  • Events: Australian Italian Festival (May), Cairns Airport Adventure Festival (November), and Reef & Rainforest Week offer authentic experiences without summer crowds.

Cairns travel tips

Unveiling Cairns: Tropical Escapade Awaits

Imagine plush rainforests meeting the azure Coral Sea; Cairns is where nature dances in vibrant hues. Positioned as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Cairns lures travelers with its outdoor adventures and laid-back vibe. Unlike the bustling cities, Cairns offers a unique blend of relaxation and thrill. It’s no wonder savvy travelers frequently search for cheap flights to Cairns—a haven for divers, hikers, and sun-seekers alike. With Kiwi.com's Nomad search tool, you can explore multi-city routes, making Cairns a pivotal stop in your Australian adventure.

Post-Landing Plans: Dive into Essence

Start your Cairns journey at the bustling Esplanade Lagoon, a perfect spot to shake off jet lag with a refreshing swim or a leisurely stroll. Just a short trip away, the Cairns Botanic Gardens offers a meditative escape brimming with exotic flora—a delight for both botanists and beauty lovers. For those who are eager to dive into local culture, the Cairns Night Markets present an ideal spot to meander through aisles of indigenous crafts. Conveniently access flights that land within daytime hours to maximize daylight exploration—something Kiwi.com is exceptional at with its smart layovers.

Best Time for Budget-Friendly Flights

When planning your travel to Cairns, consider flying during the shoulder seasons—April and May or September and October—when the weather is idyllic, and crowds are fewer. Booking 4-6 weeks in advance often reveals the best deals, and Kiwi.com's price alerts ensure you won’t miss those fleeting discounts. Flights from major hubs like Sydney or Brisbane typically last about 3 hours, so look for early morning or late evening departures to snap up the most economical options while enjoying full days of exploration in Cairns.

Navigating Cairns Airports and Airlines

Cairns Airport is your main gateway, a mere 7 km from the city center and serviced by both budget and full-service airlines. Transition smoothly from the plane to paradise using local shuttle services or affordable buses right outside the terminal. With Kiwi.com's real-time updates and Disruption Protection, you can navigate reroutes stress-free. Remember, flexibility is key—using Kiwi’s tools allows you to mix and match carriers, ensuring both cost-effectiveness and convenience.

Essential Tips for a Seamless Cairns Journey

  • Utilize Kiwi Guarantee for peace of mind against any travel disruptions.
  • Set a Price Alert to catch the best deals on your flexible Cairns itinerary.
  • Consider the Nomad search tool for an ultimate multi-city adventure, incorporating neighboring exotic destinations like Port Douglas.
  • Avoid peak tourist months (December-February) to enjoy more space at must-sees like the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Use Travel Hacks to uncover unexpected savings on layovers or hidden city tickets, maximizing your journey through Cairns.

Weather in Cairns

Average Weather

MonthAverage monthly max temperatureAverage monthly min temperature
January30°C24°C
February29°C24°C
March29°C23°C
April27°C22°C
May25°C20°C
June24°C18°C
July24°C18°C
August24°C17°C
September26°C19°C
October28°C21°C
November29°C22°C
December30°C23°C
Hottest Month
30°C
January
Coldest month
17°C
August
Sunny days
289
days per year

14 day forecast

Sunday
9 Nov
31°C21°C
16 Nov
32°C23°C
Monday
10 Nov
31°C23°C
17 Nov
32°C23°C
Tuesday
11 Nov
31°C22°C
18 Nov
84%
32°C24°C
Wednesday
12 Nov
89%
31°C24°C
19 Nov
85%
32°C22°C
Thursday
13 Nov
84%
30°C24°C
20 Nov
82%
30°C22°C
Friday
14 Nov
31°C24°C
21 Nov
81%
30°C23°C
Saturday
15 Nov
31°C23°C
22 Nov
31°C23°C

Airports in Cairns

International airports in and near Cairns

Frequently asked questions

Main airports in Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Getting from the airport to Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Best time of year to fly to Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Things to do in Cairns, Queensland, Australia
When to book your flight to Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Recommended duration of stay in Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Top tourist attractions in Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Safety walking at night in Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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