When is the Best Time to Visit Australia?

The climate in Australia varies due to its vast size and diverse landscape. In the north, expect a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. During the dry season (May to October), temperatures are high (30°C) and rainfall minimal, while the wet season (November to April) brings heavy rainfall and high humidity.

The south, including states like Victoria and New South Wales, has a milder climate with four distinct seasons, giving you more flexibility when choosing the best time to visit Australia. Summer (December to February) brings hot temperatures, which can reach up to 40°C, while winter (June to August) sees cooler weather and some rainfall. The in-between seasons are warm and generally dry too. As you go further north, on the east and west coast, you’ll find a more tropical climate, while the southern parts have weather like the Mediterranean; hot summers (30°C-40°C) and cooler winters, with some rain.

The hottest months in Australia are usually between December and February when temperatures peak at about 40°C.

Seasonal Guide for Visiting Australia

The summer months of December to February bring hot weather to the southern half of Australia. However, our favourite seasons to visit this part of the country are autumn and spring when it’s typically less busy and offers a more temperate climate. For animal fanatics, we’d recommend travelling Down Under between September and November, as the wildlife is more active; whereas March to May is when wineries are busy grape harvesting.

Best Times to Go to Australia for…

Wildlife Spotting

No matter which season you visit Australia, you’ll always be able to see koalas, kangaroos, and colourful birds. But particular animals are more abundant at certain times of the year. Known as Australia's Galápagos, Kangaroo Island is teeming with diverse wildlife, including kangaroos (surprisingly!) wallabies, koalas, echidnas, seals, and sea lions, which you can see all year round. November to March is the driest weather for viewing the animals, while they are thought to be most playful and active in September and October. In winter, the joeys emerge from their mother's pouches to explore, and Southern Right whales visit the waters around the island.

Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is home to whale sharks and manta rays between March and August each year. Between March and May is the best time to visit Australia to swim with the incredible animals, when the water is warm and the area hasn’t reached its peak tourist season in July, with the school holidays bringing big crowds. For whale watching on the east coast of Australia, you’re most likely to get land-based sightings in:

• Sydney, New South Wales: May to November
• Great Ocean Road, Victoria: May to September
• Hervey Bay, Queensland: July to November

Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef is home to a dazzling array of marine life, offering unparalleled snorkelling and diving experiences. Spot vibrant corals, tropical fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks in this UNESCO World Heritage Site between June and October (the dry season in Australia’s north), when the water is warm and clear. Back on land, this is also the best time of year to visit Daintree Rainforest one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Amongst its lush canopy, you’ll spot cassowaries, tree kangaroos, crocodiles, and a myriad of bird species.

Adventure Activities

Australia is made for outdoor living and has a myriad of adventure activities up its sleeve. Surfing is a number one sport for the locals, and wave hunters will find the weather in Australia between December and February the best for surfing on the east coast, in places such as Byron Bay and the Gold Coast. This is when offshore winds ensure consistent swell. In Western Australia, particularly the southwest region, prime surfing conditions are during the Australian winter months from June to August when powerful waves hit the coast.

On land, Australia boasts lots of stunning locations for hiking and bushwalking. From the rugged terrain of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales to the ancient landscapes of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia, there are trails to suit every level. You can make the most of Australia’s photogenic scenery any time of year, but the cooler weather in autumn and spring makes it more comfortable.

Queensland offers up lots of options for thrill-seekers, from crags for rock-climbing around Brisbane, which are best tackled between May and August, when the heat isn’t too intense, to white water rafting, which operates all year round.

Off-Peak Travel

Australia sees its highest influx of travellers between December and February, particularly over the Christmas and New Year period, as well as during Easter (either March or April). As this is considered the best time to travel to Australia by many, it is when flights and accommodation will be at their most expensive and the beaches busiest.

However, travelling during the off-peak season, which includes autumn, March to May (avoiding Easter), and spring, September to November, as well as the winter months, June to August, means tourist attractions are less crowded, accommodation is easier to find, and flights are generally cheaper. Weather in Australia outside of its summer months is also milder, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities and exploration, plus, with fewer crowds there are greater opportunities for discovering hidden gems and deep diving into local culture.