Cooktown, Queensland, Australia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Cooktown, Queensland, Australia? If you're planning to go to Cooktown, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Cooktown
- Important essentials for Cooktown
- Activities for Cooktown
- Cooktown in January: weather and what to pack
- Cooktown in February: weather and what to pack
- Cooktown in March: weather and what to pack
- Cooktown in April: weather and what to pack
- Cooktown in May: weather and what to pack
- Cooktown in June: weather and what to pack
- Cooktown in July: weather and what to pack
- Cooktown in August: weather and what to pack
- Cooktown in September: weather and what to pack
- Cooktown in October: weather and what to pack
- Cooktown in November: weather and what to pack
- Cooktown in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Cooktown, Queensland, Australia
Based on the climate and weather in Cooktown, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Cooktown, Queensland, Australia
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Cooktown, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can become worn. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good option.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Cooktown. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
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Airplane or car necessities
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For families with young children
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. This one works in most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Cooktown, Queensland, Australia by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Cooktown is really hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
February
Traveling to Cooktown in February, you will notice that it is extremely hot and very rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
March
In March, Cooktown can be very hot and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 30s C) and occasionally jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Cooktown, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
April
April in this region is hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
May
If you visit Cooktown during May, you will probably see that it is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
June
June in this region is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
July
Traveling to Cooktown in July, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
August
August here is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
September
Traveling to Cooktown in September, you will notice that it is extremely warm and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
October
If you are traveling to Cooktown in October, you will notice that it is hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
November
If you vacation in Cooktown during November, you might see that it is extremely hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
December
December in Cooktown is constantly hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
Activities for Cooktown, Queensland, Australia
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Cooktown.
If you visit the James Cook Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
Check out our guides for these other locations: Shardlow, England, United Kingdom, Eastern Cape, South Africa, Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States of America, Thisted, Denmark, Cirebon, Indonesia, Ipswich, South Dakota, United States of America, Mbombela, South Africa, Yamachiche, Quebec, Canada, Iwye, Belarus, Choč Mountains, Slovakia, and Richmond, Maine, United States of America.