Cairns experiences a tropical climate, specifically a tropical monsoon climate (Am) under the Köppen climate classification. A wet season with heavy monsoonal downpours runs from November to May, with a relatively dry season from June to October, though light showers can occur during this period. Cairns' mean annual rainfall is just under , although monthly totals in the wet season (Dec–Mar) can exceed , with the highest rainfall being recorded in any month in January 1981, where over of rain fell. Babinda, a town to the south of the city, is Australia's wettest town, recording an annual rainfall of over .