The ‘wet’ or ‘green’ season as the locals call it, is from December through April/May where it is tropically warm and humid with consistent rainfall including monsoonal events.
As a matter of fact, the Daintree Coast receives an astounding 4000-6000mm of rain each year!
If thinking about visiting the Daintree Rainforest during this period don’t be put off by the idea of of rain. After-all it is a rain-forest.
This is when the rainforest really comes to life with waterfalls, creeks flowing, the frogs will serenade you at night and enchanting fireflies drift through the trees.
A Daintree wilderness experience, well worth getting rained on for! Grab an umbrella and put on your wet weather poncho, you’re in for a real rain-forest adventure.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why…
'So many shades of green!'
Outlasting the dinosaurs, the last ice age and other major events – the Daintree Rainforest is home to at least 12 of the world’s primitive flowering plant species. Considered to be the world’s oldest rainforest, Daintree Rainforest is estimated to be around 180 million years old!
Wandering through this ancient forest of pristine wilderness in the Australian wet tropics is an experience of a lifetime. It is incredibly special and should be respectfully enjoyed.
There are 3 boardwalks throughout the Daintree Coast for visitors to explore the diversity of the rainforest. Jindalba Boardwalk in Cow Bay, Madja Boardwalk between Thornton Beach and Cooper Creek and Dubuji Boardwalk in Cape Tribulation.
Each Daintree Rainforest boardwalk is unique, and it’s well worth taking the time to wander through them all to encounter all the rainforest ecosystems.
Rainforest trees need rain. When they receive a really good drink they grow and glow.
It’s no wonder visitors to the Daintree Rainforest commonly comment about there being ‘so many shades of green!’.
'So many shades of grey!'
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, however it’s hard to not find the Daintree Rainforest and Daintree Coast beaches spectacular in all weather.
The rain is a good reminder to slow down and take your time.
Daintree Rainforest Waterfalls
Crystal clear fresh flowing water pours down the rocks and cliff faces throughout the forest.
During the wet season you’ll find a waterfall around every corner driving from the Daintree Ferry, along Alexandra range through to Cape Tribulation. Drive slowly and safely to take it all in.
Immense natural beauty in abundance.
Frogs!
Take your umbrella and a torch and go for a night walk, you won’t have to go far – just follow the sounds of the frog calls.
Guided night tours of the Daintree rainforest is another option to learn more on the plants and wildlife during the nighttime! Ask at a local shop or your accommodation provider for more info on Daintree night tours.
Please avoid shining torch light directly at any animals eyes – just like us, direct light can affect their eyes too!
What does the frog say? Take a listen to the ‘Boofy Frog Chorus’ and learn more about the local frogs on the Daintree Rainforest Insights audio guides page.
Fireflies!
After rain, the fireflies float like brightly glowing fairies throughout the trees at dusk and it most certainly is an enchanting sight!
You don't need to stay inside the whole time
Whilst watching and feeling the rain pour down in bucket-loads from the cosy comfort of your Daintree rainforest accommodation is enjoyable itself… there’s still plenty of other things to do, see and explore during your stay.
It doesn’t always rain! Quite often the heaviest downpours are in the evening and are a welcome cool down after a hot humid tropical day exploring the Daintree Coast.
Some of the recommended activities during your Daintree Rainforest holiday during the wet season include:
- Take a walk (with an umbrella) along the Daintree Rainforest boardwalks and explore the amazing diversity.
- Enjoy a personalised guided tour of the Daintree Rainforest with one of the local tour providers.
- Take a wilderness tour along the Daintree River or Cooper Creek near Cape Tribulation, to spot crocodiles, birds, frogs and other wildlife. Many of the boats have covered roofs ideal for the seasonal conditions here.
- Enjoy icecream from one of the local Daintree Ice Creameries.
- Visit the Daintree Discovery centre for a Daintree educational experience.
- Take a walk along the Daintree Coast beaches - regardless of it being wet, they're still spectacular.
Discover more things to do, see and explore on the Daintree Coast on our Things to do in the Daintree Rainforest guide.
Daintree Rainforest Cleanse
You may have heard of Shinrin-Roku, the Japanese art of forest bathing – well when it’s raining in the ancient Daintree Rainforest you can experience nature immersion at its wildest.
With the freshest of clean, pure water pouring down from the sky, creeks roaring, waterfalls flowing, frogs croaking, masses of giant ancient trees absorbing the rain through their inticate root systems and canopies of leaves … there is nothing quite like being surrounded by natural wilderness in its rawest form when the weather is a bit wild too.
After a hot humid day exploring this stunning tropical region, the fresh rain cools things down and refreshes everything.
Tips for visiting the Daintree Rainforest during the wet season
Yes it can get wild!
During heavy rain, flowing water pours down the rocks of cliff faces over roads, and creeks can rise over low lying bridges.
Drive slowly and safely – the roads get wet and can be slippery! In monsoonal downpours there can be landslides, fallen trees and damage to roads. There can also be flooding at the Daintree River and the Daintree Ferry can stop running for periods of time until the water has receded and it is safe to operate again.
Below are some tips to help you plan a safe and rewarding visit to the Daintree Rainforest during the wet season:
- Drive slowly and take your time. Take in the sights and surrounds.
- Pack a decent umbrella, a wet weather poncho, a hat, insect repellent and light cotton clothing suitable for wearing on hot humid tropical days.
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast. The Cairns Radar Loop on the Australian Bureau or Meteorology (BOM) provides a quick insight on how much rain may be on the way.
- Remember to look at any weather warnings for flash flooding and cyclones which can occur during this season. http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/
Is it worth visiting the Daintree Rainforest in the rain?
We’d say – YES definitely!
Well perhaps not quite for all – if you’re someone who doesn’t like to get a bit wet and prefers to stay inside and watch TV all day – this Daintree wilderness experience might not be for you.
Otherwise just bring an umbrella, a rain poncho and a sense of adventure – and you’ll be glad you made the decision to visit rain or no-rain!
For the full rainforest immersion experience stay in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest at one of the wonderful acccommodation options in Forest Creek, Cow Bay, Diwan, Thornton Beach and Cape Tribulation. You’ll find everything from rainforest cabins, motel-style rooms, campgrounds to luxury Daintree Rainforest getaways.
Browse our Daintree Coast directory to plan your visit.
