Best Time to Visit

Whether you enjoy beachgoing, hiking, exploring cities or viewing wildlife, Australia offers a wide range of experiences throughout the year and across its diverse landscapes. The best time to visit Australia depends on your weather preferences and on the activities you’d like to do. It also has many festivals and events around which you can plan your Australia vacation. Speak to a Destination Specialist to plan your perfect Australia escape.

Understanding Australia’s Seasons

Australia’s seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, with summer in Australia coinciding with winter in many northern countries and vice versa. Here’s a seasonal breakdown of a full year Downunder:

·   Spring in Australia: September to November

·   Summer in Australia: December to February

·   Autumn in Australia: March to May

·   Winter in Australia: June to August

The country’s vast size, however, also means that its climate varies greatly from region to region, even within the same season. Some areas, such as the north, have a tropical wet and dry season, while others in the south, southeast, and western parts of the country experience milder, temperate climates. 
“It might sound cliche, but you really can visit year-round,” says  Destination Specialist Alice Teramoto. “Australia is a big country, so there is always somewhere with amazing weather!”

The Best Times to Visit Australia According to Your Interests

If you have a specific interest or activity in mind, note that certain times of the year are more conducive to beachgoing, wine tours or viewing wildlife than others. Here is a primer for when to visit Australia according to what thrills you most.

Hitting the beach

For sea, sand and suntanning, summer (December to February) is the best time to visit southern Australia, the sub-tropical Gold and Sunshine Coasts, and the Great Barrier Reef. Temperatures are warmest then and the days are longest.

Catching waves

The Australian winter (June to August) offers the most reliable conditions for surfing, although good waves can be found around Australia pretty much throughout the year.

Spotting wildlife

Although you can see wildlife in Australia throughout the year, the best time to view the country’s distinctive marsupials in places such as Kangaroo Island is during spring (when many animals are giving birth or emerging from pouches), while the Australian winter is ideal for whale watching in the Sydney area and around New South Wales. In coastal Queensland, turtle hatching season typically occurs between November and March, with most hatchlings emerging in January and February.

Hiking and trekking

In terms of hiking, the mild temperatures of the country’s spring and fall are ideal for treks in various regions, such as Tasmania or the Southern Alps. Spring is also an excellent time to explore the Outback, including Uluru (temperatures are more comfortable and the heat is less intense then).

Wining and dining

While Australia offers world-class food and restaurants year-round, spring is the ideal time for winery tours and tastings as the vineyards are in full bloom, while autumn sees the harvesting of grapes and other fruits and the sampling of new vintages and products. Spring and fall are also the best times to take in major food events, such as the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, which is held every March.

Festival-going

A host of other festivals, arts celebrations and sports events take place in Australia throughout the year, from the Australian Open in January to Vivid Sydney in July. 

Contact us to customize your Australia trip around your interests and passions.

Let the Seasons Shape Your Australia Journey

Looking to avoid crowds (and higher prices)? When you go to Australia can be as significant as where you go.

High season

Australia’s summer (December to February) is also its peak travel period, offering warmer weather and longer daylight hours as well as bigger tourist crowds.

Shoulder seasons

Australia’s shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November) provide a balance between pleasant weather, fewer crowds and more reasonable prices.

Low season

Australia’s off-peak season (typically June to August) offers the lowest prices on flights and accommodation along with fewer crowds, making it a great time for budget-conscious travelers and those seeking a more relaxed experience.

Regional Highlights to Plan Your Australia Travels Around

Due to its large size and diverse geography, Australia encompasses a wide range of climate regions.

The Tropical North

The northern part of the country, including Darwin and Cairns, is largely tropical, with hot and humid conditions year-round and distinct wet and dry seasons.

The Subtropical Eastern Coast

Southern Queensland and the Southern Great Barrier Reef are semi-tropical, offering pleasant temperatures throughout the year but very balmy summers.

The Four-Season South

The south and southeastern parts of Australia, which include Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, go through distinct seasons, ranging from warm or hot summers to cool and cold winters.

The Arid Outback

Australia’s vast Outback region, including Uluru, is primarily desert-like, experiencing extreme temperatures and limited rainfall. It can get unbearably hot during summer and surprisingly cold during the winter months in the night and early mornings.

The Temperate West

Western Australia, including Perth, enjoys a Mediterranean-style climate, meaning hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

For more details on these destinations, consult our full range of Australia Vacation Packages.

How Long Should You Stay in Australia?

Experiencing the Highlights

Ten days to two weeks is enough to comfortably explore Australia’s top draws, from Sydney and Melbourne to the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback. However, the country’s vast size, expansive geography, and unique culture amply reward longer stays. 

Doing a Deeper Dive

If you have three weeks or more, consider adding Tasmania, Kangaroo Island, or points in Western Australia to your itinerary. These areas are located near major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, making them easy to incorporate into a tour of Australia.

Picking a Theme

Themed itineraries, such as ones focused on wildlife or on single cities such as Brisbane, are also an efficient way of maximizing your time. For a timeframe and must-see list that works best for you, consult one of our many Destination Specialists.

“Sydney and Melbourne are a great combination for first-time visitors to Australia, with Brisbane, Adelaide and/or the Outback added in, depending on how much time you have,” Destination Specialist Alice Teramoto says. “Returnees should take in Perth, Darwin, and the Kakadu National Park area and/or Tasmania if they can, plus spend some time in the cities they loved the first time around.

FAQ

What are the best months to visit Australia for good weather?

The best months for temperate weather in the southern half of Australia are generally March to May (autumn) and September to November (spring). These months offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. The wet season in northern Australia is generally from November to April.

How do Australia’s seasons differ from those in the Northern Hemisphere?

Australia’s seasons are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. This means that when it's summer in the Northern Hemisphere (June to August), it's winter in Australia. Conversely, when it's winter in the Northern Hemisphere (December to February), it's summer in Australia.

When is the peak tourist season in Australia?

The peak tourist season in Australia is during its summer months, from December to February. This is when the weather is hottest and most people flock to its beaches and summer festivals. 

When are the shoulder seasons in Australia?

In Australia, the shoulder seasons run generally from March to May (autumn) and September to November (spring). These periods are recommended for travel because of their combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds and lower prices compared to the peak summer and winter seasons.

When are flights and accommodation most affordable?

The shoulder seasons (April to June and September to November) as well as the winter months (June to August) generally offer the most affordable flights and accommodation in Australia. These periods coincide with fewer crowds and more moderate weather conditions, allowing for budget-friendly travel.

What is the best time to visit specific cities like Sydney, Melbourne or Perth?

Although Australia’s cities offer year-round appeal, the best time to visit its biggest centres may be spring (September to November) or autumn (March to April). Cities such as Sydney and Melbourne host world-class events during these periods, and you'll avoid the summer tourist crowds. These months also offer the perfect weather for sightseeing, wine tours, and beachcombing, plus greater access to gourmet restaurants. 

When is the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef or go snorkeling?

The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef for snorkeling is during the dry season, from May to October. During this period, the weather is generally clear, temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is scant, resulting in optimal water visibility for snorkeling. The dry season also avoids the stinger season, which coincides with the summer months

What months are best for hiking or outdoor activities?

The best time for hiking and outdoor activities in Australia generally falls during the shoulder seasons: March to May (autumn) and September to November (spring). These months offer milder temperatures, fewer crowds and a lower risk of extreme weather compared to summer or winter.

When can I see unique wildlife, such as whale migrations or wildflowers?

Whale migrations in Australia primarily involve humpback whales traveling between Antarctic feeding grounds and warmer waters for breeding. The voyages occur along both the east and west coasts, with the peak season for the northern migration between June and August and the southern migrations between September to November. Wildflower season, particularly in Western Australia, is generally from May to November, with the peak viewing period from late July to early October. 

What is the wet and dry season in northern Australia, and how does it affect travel?

Northern Australia experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, significantly impacting travel. The dry season (May to October) is characterized by clear skies, lower humidity and comfortable temperatures, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities and tourism. Conversely, the wet season (November to April) brings heavy rainfall, high humidity and the possibility of cyclones, which can lead to road closures and affect accessibility to certain areas.

Are there certain times to avoid due to extreme heat, rain or crowds?

Yes, certain times should be avoided in Australia due to extreme weather conditions as well as crowds. During the summer (December to February), the country often experiences intense heat, especially in the interior and northern regions; temperatures can reach extreme levels, potentially impacting outdoor activities.  From November to April, the northern regions are also prone to heavy rainfall and sometimes cyclones, meaning that travel to these areas may be disrupted and access to some locations such as national parks restricted.