King tides expected later this week

Published: 12th May 2026. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

King tides are expected to affect Cairns this week, from Thursday 14 May through to Saturday 23 May.

The highest tide of 3.23m is forecast to occur on Sunday night (17 May). There is no king tide forecast on Wednesday 20 May.

Most of the king tides are expected to occur overnight.

The potential impacts of king tides may be intensified by high rainfall, which could worsen flooding during this period.

During king tides, seawater can flow onto roads, footpaths and private property, potentially causing damage to vehicles and infrastructure. Saltwater flooding can damage cars immediately on contact.

Residents and visitors are urged to:

Avoid parking vehicles in known low‑lying or tidal‑affected areas
Never drive through floodwaters
Exercise caution when travelling near the coast and tidal creeks.

Motorists are reminded to drive slowly and carefully to reduce bow waves, which can push water deeper into nearby homes and businesses.

Forecast king tide levels for Cairns (times and heights may vary for other locations):

Thursday 14 May: 2.79m at 6.54am and 2.9m at 7.45pm
Friday 15 May: 3.09m at 8.28pm
Saturday 16 May: 3.31m at 9.13pm
Sunday 17 May: 3.23m at 10pm
Monday 18 May: 3.17m at 10.52pm
Tuesday 19 May: 3.05m at 11.53pm
Wednesday 20 May: No king tide forecast
Thursday 21 May: 2.93m at 1.04am
Friday 22 May: 2.84m at 2.23am
Saturday 23 May: 2.79m at 3.34am.

To protect public safety and private property, Council may temporarily close roads affected by tidal flooding. Motorists must obey all road closure signage and find alternative routes until conditions improve.