Horn Island

Island Queensland island in Torres Strait, Indigenous community nearby

Island in the Torres Strait off northern Queensland, visited for sandy shores, seabirds and as a jumping-off point to nearby islands and reef excursions that showcase Torres Strait communities and marine life.

Main image
Horn Island
Horn Island, Torres Strait/Queensland, Australia
-10.6071, 142.2842

How to Get to Horn Island #

Access to Horn Island is by air from Cairns or by ferry from Thursday Island (small commuter flights and occasional ferry services). Commercial flights land at Horn Island Airport; arrange onward transport with local operators.

Tips for Visiting Horn Island #

  • Arrange transport with an experienced local operator - Horn Island lies off Cape York and sea conditions can be unpredictable.
  • Respect indigenous land and cultural protocols; some areas may be managed by Traditional Owners.
  • Bring adequate sunscreen and water; the island is tropical and remote.

Best Time to Visit Horn Island #

The dry season (May-October) is best for visiting due to calmer seas and reliable transport.

Dry season (May-Oct)
May-October · 20-28°C
Calmer seas and clearer skies; the preferred season for sea crossings and outdoor exploration.
Wet season (Nov-Apr)
November-April · 24-32°C
Hot, humid and prone to tropical storms; ferry services may be disrupted.

Weather & Climate near Horn Island #

Climate

Horn Island's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1810 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
22°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (442 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
25° 31°

Weather

442 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (381 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
25° 30°

Weather

381 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (365 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
25° 30°

Weather

365 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (235 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
25° 30°

Weather

235 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 28°

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 29°

Weather

7 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. The driest month with just 5 mm and breezy conditions.

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 30°

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

October

October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 31°

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is hot with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 32°

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is the hottest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (231 mm).

Comfort

29°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
25° 32°

Weather

231 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

Nearby Attractions to Horn Island