Cairns Tide Times
Current Tide State
Rising tide
↑ Next: 8:48
High in 1h
Current Tide Status
Next Tide
High Tide
Time
8:48
Height
3.3m
in 1h
Tide Station Details
Station ID:
au-cairns
Region:
Australia/Brisbane
Country:
Australia
Continent:
Oceania
Latitude:
-16.918600°
Longitude:
145.778100°
Time & Data Information
Timezone:
Australia/Brisbane
Abbreviation:
Brisbane
Local Time:
7:47
Last Updated:
2026-03-01T21:47:30.136Z
Data Source:
Live APIHeight Unit:
Meters (m)
Cairns - 7 Day Tide Forecast (Brisbane)
Complete tidal predictions with Spring/Neap cycle analysis
Tidal Range
2.9m
Neap Tide
Cairns Tidal Analysis
- Times shown in Brisbane
- Neap tides occur when sun and moon are at right angles, creating smaller ranges
- Heights are relative to Chart Datum
- Weather conditions may affect actual tide levels
📊Cairns Tide Chart Key
The tide chart above shows the height and times of high tide and low tide for Cairns. The red flashing dot shows the tide time right now. The grey shading corresponds to nighttime hours between sunset and sunrise at Cairns.
Tide Times are Brisbane.
Fri 23 Jan (height: 5.59m / 18.3ft)
Wed 04 Feb (height: 5.91m / 19.4ft)
Cairns Extreme Tides - Next 7 Days (Brisbane)
Highest and lowest tide predictions for the week ahead
Highest Tides
8:48
2 March 2026
3.3m
High Tide9:19
3 March 2026
3.2m
High Tide9:47
4 March 2026
3.1m
High Tide10:11
5 March 2026
2.8m
High Tide20:48
2 March 2026
2.7m
High TideLowest Tides
2:12
2 March 2026
0.4m
Low Tide2:47
3 March 2026
0.5m
Low Tide3:20
4 March 2026
0.6m
Low Tide14:48
2 March 2026
0.8m
Low Tide15:19
3 March 2026
0.8m
Low TideHighest Tide
3.3m
Lowest Tide
0.4m
Tidal Range
2.9m
Period
7 Days
What time is high tide in Cairns?
The next high tide in Cairns is at 8:48 with a height of 3.35m. High tides occur approximately every 12 hours and 25 minutes due to the lunar cycle. Plan your beach visits, boating activities, and other marine pursuits around these peak water levels.
What time is low tide in Cairns?
The next low tide in Cairns is at 2:12 with a height of 0.40m. Low tides alternate with high tides throughout the day, providing optimal times for beach activities and marine exploration. Use this chart to plan fishing trips, beach visits, boating activities, and other marine pursuits.
Cairns Tide Chart
The tide chart above shows a 7-day forecast of tide heights for Cairns. The chart displays both high and low tides with precise times and heights in meters. You can use this chart to plan fishing trips, beach visits, boating activities, and other marine pursuits. The data is updated regularly from official tide monitoring stations to ensure accuracy for your location in Australia.
Tide Times for Cairns: Monday 2 March 2 March 2026
Tide Times for Cairns: Tuesday 3 March 3 March 2026
Tide Times for Cairns: Wednesday 4 March 4 March 2026
Tide Times for Cairns: Thursday 5 March 5 March 2026
Tide Times for Cairns: Friday 6 March 6 March 2026
Tide Times for Cairns: Saturday 7 March 7 March 2026
Tide Times for Cairns: Sunday 8 March 8 March 2026
Cairns Detailed Tide Times
| Date & Time | Height | Type |
|---|---|---|
2 March 2026 2:12 | 0.4m | Low |
2 March 2026 8:48 | 3.3m | High |
2 March 2026 14:48 | 0.8m | Low |
2 March 2026 20:48 | 2.7m | High |
3 March 2026 2:47 | 0.5m | Low |
3 March 2026 9:19 | 3.2m | High |
3 March 2026 15:19 | 0.8m | Low |
3 March 2026 21:20 | 2.7m | High |
4 March 2026 3:20 | 0.6m | Low |
4 March 2026 9:47 | 3.1m | High |
Cairns
Australia/Brisbane
Latitude
-16.918600°
Longitude
145.778100°
Map Type
Street Map
Zoom Level
14x
Station Information
Latitude
-16.9186°
Longitude
145.7781°
Timezone
Australia/Brisbane
Station ID
au-cairns
About Cairns Tide Times
Cairns is located in the Oceania region in Australia. The tide predictions shown above cover 7 days of high and low tide times, updated daily using professional-grade harmonic tidal analysis. Tide heights are displayed in metres above Chart Datum (CD), the standard reference level used in marine navigation charts.
Tidal patterns at Cairns are driven by the gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun acting on the local ocean. The timing and height of each tide depends on the shape of the local coastline, water depth, and the position of celestial bodies relative to Earth. Like all coastal locations, Cairns experiences a full tidal cycle approximately every 24 hours and 50 minutes.
Spring tides — which occur at new moon and full moon — produce the largest tidal ranges at Cairns, with higher high tides and lower low tides than average. Neap tides, at the quarter moons, produce the smallest ranges. This fortnightly cycle is an important consideration for anyone planning coastal activities in the area.
Who Uses Tide Predictions for Cairns?
🎣 Fishermen & Anglers
Fish are most active around tide changes, particularly the two hours either side of high and low water. Anglers targeting shore fish near Cairns use tide predictions to plan sessions when water movement is at its most productive.
⛵ Sailors & Boaters
Navigating in and out of harbours and estuaries near Cairns safely requires knowing the state of the tide. Sailors rely on these predictions to avoid running aground in shallow water and to time passage through tidal channels.
🏄 Surfers & Water Sports
Many surf breaks and water sports venues near Cairns are tide-dependent. Certain breaks work only on a specific tide height, while kayaking and paddleboarding routes can be heavily affected by tidal currents and water depth.
🏖️ Beachgoers & Walkers
Tidal beaches, coastal paths, and rock pools near Cairns are accessible only at certain tide states. Checking tide times before visiting ensures you don't get cut off by a rising tide, and helps you find the best time to explore exposed sand and rocky shores.
How to Read the Cairns Tide Chart
The tide chart above plots predicted water height (in metres) against time for Cairns. The curved line rises to peaks (high tide) and falls to troughs (low tide). The height shown is measured above Chart Datum — a reference level set near the lowest predicted astronomical tide level for the area.
- HWHigh Water — the peak of the tide. This is when the sea is at its highest level. The exact time and height changes each day.
- LWLow Water — the trough of the tide. The sea is at its lowest level, often exposing rocks, sand, and mudflats.
- ↑Flood tide — the period when the tide is rising from low water to high water. Currents flow onshore or up estuaries during this phase.
- ↓Ebb tide — the period when the tide is falling from high water to low water. Currents flow offshore or down estuaries during this phase.
All times shown are in the local timezone for Cairns (Australia/Brisbane). Remember that tide times advance by roughly 50 minutes each day, so always check the chart for your specific visit date.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cairns Tides
How many tides does Cairns have per day?
Most coastal locations, including Cairns, experience two high tides and two low tides every 24 hours and 50 minutes — this is called a semidiurnal tidal pattern. Some regions experience one tide per day (diurnal), or a mixed pattern. The exact cycle for Cairns is shown in the chart above.
How accurate are tide predictions for Cairns?
Astronomical tide predictions for Cairns are typically accurate to within 15–30 minutes and a few centimetres. However, actual water levels can vary due to weather — strong onshore winds raise sea levels, while offshore winds lower them. Storm surges and low atmospheric pressure can add significant height. Always treat predictions as a guide and check local conditions before heading to the coast.
What is Chart Datum and why is it used?
Chart Datum (CD) is the reference level from which all tide heights at Cairns are measured. It is set close to the Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) — meaning tide heights are almost always positive numbers. Chart Datum is also the reference used on nautical charts for water depth, so mariners can add the predicted tide height to the charted depth to calculate the actual depth of water at any given time.
Why do tide times change every day?
Tides are caused by the Moon's orbit around the Earth, which takes approximately 24 hours and 50 minutes to complete one tidal cycle. This means high and low tides at Cairns occur about 50 minutes later each day. Over a month, this adds up to a complete shift through the clock. The height of tides also changes through the monthly cycle between spring and neap tides.
Want to learn more about how tides work? Read our complete guide to tide times →