Here is the thing – when it comes to travelling and planning to go to different countries – the typical modus operandi is to plan around seasons because of either the pouring rain or the almost unbearable snow. But with the land down under, that is never the case. You have great weather all year round! And by that, we mean mostly sunny and warm weather – yes, even in the cooler months. This makes figuring out the best time to go to Australia more about what activities you want to experience rather than avoiding extreme weather conditions. And not only that, you get some gorgeous landscapes to gawk and marvel at, plus some fun things to do depending, of course, on what tickles your fancy!
The only thing you have to decide when you are deciding the best time to visit Australia is what you would like to do when you are there, finding out what season that is and booking your trip. So, if you are trying to figure out when you should make your trip to the great outback, here is a handy dandy guide that will help you out!
If you are living on the northern hemisphere side of the globe and you expect the land down under to give you the same weather pattern, think again and throw what you know about the season out the window. The weather in Australia is different in that it is mostly warm throughout all seasons and one of the prime spots in the Southern Hemisphere neck of the woods!
This unique phenomenon poses immense opportunities to travellers, offering them a distinctly different holiday experience depending on the month and climate. Whether you love sun, snow, good food, wine, good vibes, travel, or adventure, Australia has something for everyone throughout the year. Let us delve deeper into the phenomenon of Australia and find out why it’s a destination 365 days a year!
Australian summer (December to February): Sunshine and outdoor adventures
When does summer start in Australia? From December to February, of course. During these months, the sun shines above you, and the outdoors becomes a part of you. The whole country bursts into life. This is the best time to visit the beaches with Bondi Beach, Gold Coast, and other beaches filled with sun-lovers surfers and offering a plethora of water sports like scuba diving, surfing, kite-surfing, sup, snorkeling, etc. The Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, invites thousands of tourists – attracting them to dive and snorkel through this natural beauty. The reefs team with life, thousands of fish species, various types of coral, and other marine life. It’s a snorkelling and diving delight.
But an Australian summer is not just limited to beaches! There are outdoor festivals happening through the summer months — music festivals, food festivals, and obviously Australia is celebrating wild! The must-visit places are the Sydney Festival and the Australian Open Tennis in Melbourne. Swim by day – party by night, but if you’re travelling to the outbacks, be cautious as the mercury levels soar high. You have to keep yourself hydrated and put up sunscreen as the temperature in Australia during this time can be indeed merciless. It’s time to go out on an adventure or laze around on the beach; either way – summer is the time to have fun and splash around!
Australian winter (June to August): A cooler escape
Winter in Australia! The months from June to August mark the onset of winter and a whole new look and feel to Australia. But do not expect a winter wonderland here. While the entire northern hemisphere is snow-riddled, Australia offers you an escape from the scorching sun. The tepid winters in the southern cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Alice Spring feel more like a cool springtime. It’s the best time of year to go to Australia if you want to explore the city sans sweltering summer heat.
The snow mountains in Australia also provide you with a grand opportunity to ski or snowboard till your heart is content along the snow capped mountains at Thredbo and Perisher. The snow mountains cater to experts and novices at an equal scale. The Great Ocean at this time also provides a magnificent view of its cliffs and coastlines. The winters are mild, so it’s easy to come out of your home and go out on an adventure.
Winter is also a great time to enjoy Australia’s fantastic wine regions. Snuggle up and join a wine tour of the Yarra Valley or Barossa Valley to enjoy fabulous wines and delicious food. Embrace the cold weather and see another side of Australia that’s just as magical as summer down under!
Spring in Australia (September to November): Blooming landscapes and wildlife
From September to November, spring blankets Australia with blooming wildflowers and abundant wildlife. It’s a season of rejuvenation – and everywhere you look – the scenery becomes an array of colours. One of the best blushes of Australia’s wildflower season can be found in the wildflower routes of Western Australia. Wildflowers blanketing the ground in swaths currently make a powerful spectacle.
Wildlife enthusiasts, spring is your season. Set up along the coast for some fantastic whale watching as humpback and southern right whales make their migration towards warmer waters in the north. The national parks will be alive with the sweet chorus of birds, and you’ll find kangaroos soaking it up in the lovely weather. Hike the gorge trails of Grampians National Park or hop a ferry over to Kangaroo Island. Here, unique wildlife can be found mingling in with stunning coastline landscapes.
Spring is the time when Australian temperatures are perfect for all of your favourite outdoor activities. Cycle past vineyards – wander through the lush rainforests of Queensland. This is the season to go exploring, especially when Mother Nature starts to showcase her delights.
Autumn in Australia (March to May): Mild weather and golden scenery
Summer will drift away as autumn arrives from March to May. One of the best things about Australia in this season is that it’s awash with the beauty of colour and the most wonderful of weather conditions. The autumn season is a great time for the outdoors enthusiast!.
The autumn landscapes are simply wonderful, particularly in places like Tasmania and the Barossa Valley. Around this time, vineyards will be gleaming with boughs full of golden leaves. It’s the perfect time to go wine tasting Valley, Tasmania wine.
Autumn is just as beautiful whilst out on the trails, too! You can find excellent vistas of changing colours along the hiking tracks in the Blue Mountains, and everything seems a lot more peaceful and relaxed in the evening. This is the ideal opportunity to take this perfect setting in while getting close to nature. This period is also the cheapest time to fly to Australia.
Weather and temperatures in Australia: What to expect
Australia is a country of contradictions. Where else can you find stunning coastlines and arid deserts, bustling metropolises – and untouched bushland all within a few hour’s travel time?
Australia’s weather patterns: A regional overview
Australia can generally be split into two weather zones : tropical to the north and temperate to the south. Even more specifically, within these zones, you can have completely different climates. It is wise to plan ahead and plan what you will need to pack based on the time of year and the states you plan to visit.
Tropical North
This equates to warm weather most of the year around. In fact, the North is home to the hottest place in Australia, Marble Bar. In states like Queensland and the Northern Territory, be prepared to find yourself in this type of climate:
Summer (Dec-Feb): It can become really hot. Daytime temperatures normally range from 30-35°C (86-95°F). It can be really humid. Australia’s summer months also host the wet season, so expect to find torrential rain and occasionally cyclones.
Autumn (Mar-May): This is a great time to visit as the heat lessens (25-30°C. 77-86°F). The skies begin to clear up as well.
Winter (Jun-Aug): This is the dry season. The temperature in Australia in winter should still be hot (20-25°C, 68-77°F), but there will be a cold breeze from time to time.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Spring in Australia is fairly hot (25-35°C. 77-95°F). This is the lead-up to the wet season – so it can be quite humid. However, it doesn’t rain too much yet.
Temperate South
Contrast this to temperate states like Melbourne, Sydney, and Tasmania – which have all four seasons:
Summer (Dec-Feb): These months can be warm (25-35°C. 77-95°F) and are peak tourist season. This means lots of other people and inflated prices.
Autumn (Mar-May): It is one of the most beautiful seasons to visit as temperatures are mild (15-25°C. 59-77°F), and many of the trees will have changed to lovely golden and red hues. At this time, the average temperature in Australia is great for outdoor activities.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Temperatures drop (5-15°C. 41-59°F), particularly in Tasmania – where you will see snowfall in the mountains.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Spring is well and truly in the air with warmer temperatures (15-25°C. 59-77°F). One of the best times to have an outdoor celebration!
What to pack based on your destination
You have done your research, so you know what weather to expect; next is what to pack! Here’s a quick overview based on the areas you might be going to:
Tropical North: It can get very hot up here, so you’ll definitely need light – breathable clothing. You’ll also need to pack your swimmers and sunscreen. And mosquito repellent! You’ll need that too, especially during summer. A light jacket or jumper is also handy in the wet season.
Temperate South: Always pack layers. Bring T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, a warm jumper, and a waterproof jacket. If you are heading up to the mountains, ensure you pack a warm hat and gloves for those cold winter days.
Once you’ve figured out when is the best time to go to Australia, the next step is deciding where to go—check out this guide to the best places to visit in Australia to plan your itinerary.
Seasonal activities: Wildlife and adventures
Australia is known for its wildlife and adventure activities, so depending on the time of year, you’ll want to plan a few things to see the best of this country.
Whale watching (May to November)
Between May and November, the coast of Australia becomes a hot spot as humpback whales swim in the waters on their way to warmer climates for breeding. Head to Hervey Bay or Sydney for some of the best whale watching in Australia, watching these beautiful beasts breaching and playing in the water.
Turtle hatching (December to March)
In summer, make sure you check out turtle hatching along the beaches in Queensland. The best spot is the Great Barrier Reef, watching baby turtles hatch from their nest and make their first journey to the ocean. Turtle hatching season in Australia really starts in January so come at least a week or two before.
Bird watching
If you are all nerdy about birds and want to catch some sightings of only the kind of birds, you would find in the land down under – grab some gear and binoculars and make your way to the Aussie outback between September and November. Oh, and take loads of pictures for that secret bird album!
Adventure enthusiasts
For those seeking adventure, the best times for various activities include:
Diving: For quality diving, it’s better to visit the Great Barrier Reef from June to October – as visibility is at its best. If you’re more keen on those warmer waters, the best time to go diving in the north of the country will be summer.
Hiking: For some pleasant temperature and scenery on your hike, autumn and spring are great months. Larapinta Trail and Overland Trail are two popular trekking trails you should look at in the Northern Territory and Tasmania.
Go to the Outback: Winter is the recommended time for a visit to the Outback. The weather is really mild during the day but surprisingly chilly at night.
Why Australia is perfect for any season
When is the best time to go to Australia? To put it quite simply – there is quite a lot to love, see and enjoy for any flavour of person. Do you love to do some outdoorsy stuff that involves water? There is something for you in that summer season. Do you want to taste (and maybe get drunk) some great wine and eat some delicious food? Well, there is a spot and a time for you in the land down under, And all this is peppered with pretty great weather and awesome landscapes! Double the fun factor, and don’t do this all by your lonesome; grab a couple (or several friends) and go on a group trip to Australia!
