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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Australian News Desk Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
The live radar above shows Cairns currently under a mix of light showers and patchy cloud moving in from the Coral Sea, with the most active cells hugging the ranges to the west. Use the 512km loop to track their movement over the next hour.
What’s showing on the Cairns radar right now?
The Cairns radar (located at Saddle Mountain, 20 kilometres south of the city) is picking up scattered rain bands pushed ashore by a moderate seabreeze. Most of the precipitation is light, though a few heavier bursts are likely near the Daintree and Atherton Tablelands. If you’re heading outside, the loop will help you time your walk or drive.
Why check the Cairns radar loop before heading out?
The 512km loop gives you a clear picture of how rain is moving — especially useful when planning a trip to the reef or the tablelands. A seabreeze can trigger afternoon showers that appear suddenly, so refreshing the loop every ten minutes keeps you ahead of the change. For the seven-day outlook, combine the radar with the official Australia weather hub forecast.
Does the Cairns radar show rain for the next 7 days?
No — radar shows real-time precipitation only, not a forecast. For a weather radar cairns 7 days outlook, head to the BOM’s seven-day forecast page, which combines radar trends with computer model data.
What is a seabreeze and why does it affect the radar?
A seabreeze is a cool onshore wind that develops during the day. In Cairns it pushes moist air from the Coral Sea inland, often triggering afternoon showers that appear on the radar as spreading patches of green and yellow.
How do I view the Cairns radar loop in 512 mode?
The live radar above is already set to the 512km loop. You can also find the same loop on BOM’s site under “Cairns Radar Loop 512” — it stitches together the last 90 minutes of images so you can see rain movement at a glance.
Sources
For a broader view of what’s happening across the state, check the Brisbane weather page, and if storms are developing, stay across the latest severe weather warnings.