It’s important to note that just because there’s a beach doesn’t mean you can go swimming. Wet Season: November – May  (Most rainfall occurs in January, February & March.). If you are heading to visit Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast then you will want to know the best month to visit these places. Basic (Cheap): May – June and July – September, Shoulder: February – April, June – July and September to November, Read our Airfare Pricing Tips and our Sale Airfares. The weather during these seasons is neither too hot nor too cold that … Weather Averages: Highest Temperatures for Popular Australian Tourist Destinations. Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2020. During Australian Public & School Holidays seat availability on flights, tours and accommodation may be limited, unavailable or priced very high due to high demand. Hosted by Kellee Edwards. My trip to Australia was amazing and worry free This avoids the busy Summer Break (School Holidays) and the peak Christmas traffic (most expensive flight prices). A stinger suit is like a ‘sun suit’ – a long leg, long sleeve, one piece swimsuit typically made from lycra (or similar). (A particularly popular Gold Coast beach destination is Surfers Paradise.) It has to be said: there’s no truly cheap time to visit the Antipodes. Some might prefer to visit Australia … What is the best time to visit Sydney, Australia? If you have less flexibility on schedule but more on destination, try searching a few cities internally and looking at local budget airlines, like Jetstar, to get around once you’re in Australia. They generally don’t affect the Great Barrier Reef. … They are easy to avoid, but cause discomfort if you are stung. September to November & March to May are best time to visit Australia. Australia lies in the southern hemisphere, and hence its seasons are inverted. remote. As a result, the best time to visit Australia depends on where you want to go and what you want to do. Much like autumn, spring is a great time to visit anywhere in Australia, with mild temperatures and few big tourist crowds. As for Adelaide and the surrounding area, you’re safe year-round when it comes to weather. So there are large differences in temperatures across Australia on any day. We hope you’ve found this information useful. Due to its vast geographical area, Australia tends to have a varying … Is the Best Time to Visit Australia Summer (Dec-Feb)? The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by you. For people who prefer pleasant warmth to hot heat, spring and autumn have beautiful weather, and if the idea of getting cozy near an open fire with a glass of shiraz appeals, don’t be put off visiting in winter. Related: 9 of the Best Places to Stay in South Australia. A country of two … I cannot Most of the tourists opt for these months to visit Australia. If traveling up north to the tropics and with no other influencing factors, I’d choose to vacation in Spring, just before the wet season. The main difference is that spring in Australia is sports season. The further north you travel (closer to the equator) the hotter it gets, which is the opposite for the USA. Best Time to Visit Sydney: October, November, late February … this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Well done. The third best time … Just remember that this is peak tourist season, and if you stick … The best time to visit Australia is from September to February, when Australia's weather is blessed by spring and summer. In Australia’s north, you can enjoy a tropical climate with more than its fair share of sunshine, while the south has warm summers … If you have flexibility on timing, plan well in advance to find the best deals. When will the Australian climate be most comfortable for you based on your planned vacation activities? Rainfall is an important consideration if you want to spend some of your vacation exploring the Outback at Kakadu National Park in Australia’s far north – the “wet season” is not the time to do it. At these locations you will need to swim inside the stinger enclosures provided or wear a stinger suit. Being Australia travel agents helping people travel to Australia since 1999, we’ve gathered the most important factors to consider when deciding the best time to travel to Australia for your vacation. We had an extra flight but missed only a few hours of our time on(...), This was one of my bucket list vacations and Anna Musgray and About Australia did not disappoint. Visit in January or February for warm beach weather — and to catch baby ‘roos hopping around. However, as the weather in Australia is more stable during the winter season, it is recommended to visit here from the month of June to October. Australia is one of the world’s biggest countries, so when to go depends entirely on where you’re going. Highlights include the underground opal mining town, Coober Pedy, and a road trip along the stretch of highway through Nullarbor National Park. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Australia is an enormous country, spanning multiple climactic zones, meaning that the best time to visit Australia varies widely depending on where you want to go. From the metropolitan east coast to the rugged west, there’s no lack of attractions for every type of traveler, and there’s no one time … Late autumn is a popular time for harvest festivals, so plan to visit in April, May, or early June. Here, wet season comes in the summer and spring, which slows the stream of tourists. No glitches. More than 500 miles south of the Gold Coast is Sydney, a cultural center famous for beautiful beaches including Coogee, Manly, and Bondi. Stingers aren’t overly energetic animals and have not caused any problems around the reef and islands but occur mainly around the rivers, creeks and beaches north of, and around, Bundaberg. Remember that, with 5 percent of the earth's landmass, Australia is the world's fifth-largest nation and its largest … January, February … It can be significantly influenced by your interests, your budget and your preferences for what you believe is the ideal climate for you to travel to Australia. Summer: December – February (hot) 3. Here's the best time of year to see all of Australia's greatest sights and attractions. If you’re headed into the outback, consider that temperatures can rise in the summer, becoming uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. The five best times to go to Australia are during Australia’s winter for Darwin and the surrounding area, to avoid extreme heat and rain downpours. Frommer's recommends visiting northern Australia between April and August when airfares are lower and the weather is decent along the Great Barrier Reef. Measured in Degrees Fahrenheit (F). The best way to decide which to visit? Kangaroo Island, just southeast of Adelaide, shares a similar climate. However, given I have family in South Australia, the deciding factor for me is to vacation around family events (birthday celebrations & Mothers Day) which are in Autumn. However if Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef is more up your alley, then it won’t matter if you travel in the wet season – either way you’re going to get wet and have fun! Winter. If you’re looking for sunny strolls through the vineyard and don’t mind high temperatures, go in summer. The exact type of weather you'll experience depends largely on the region. Measured in Degrees Fahrenheit (F). Credit: Australia is a popular backpacker destination, so tourist favorites tend to be busy anyway, but book your trip in late spring or early autumn to strike a balance between great weather and manageable crowds. Almost one third of the country’s wine regions are here, and there are more than 200 cellar doors where you can try them. From Sydney’s Bondi Beach, with its iconic pool set just above the sea, to the bright, white sand and turquoise waters of the Whitsundays Islands, Australian beaches are hard to beat. If you’re planning to visit northern Australia, sunbathing conditions are best between April and November, when the weather is hot but dry. From Hunter Valley, in New South Wales, to Swan Valley, slightly north of Perth, there are more than 60 wine regions scattered across the country. Whether you’re seeking sun or avoiding sharks, follow this guide to plan a dream trip to the land down under. But crowds are also a consideration. Adelaide, the capital, definitely earns less attention than bigger cities like Sydney and Melbourne, but it’s a perfect jumping off point for the multitude of vineyards nearby. Be on the lookout for our special sales on discount trips to Australia! Had a fantastic time in Fiji thanks to About Australia. But if you prefer a more active vacation, spring and autumn are ideal. We had a 4 hour hiccup with the first flight, but United and Qantas redirected us. Wished we had more time in Sydney, but we plan to go back. And with 100% humidity it can reach about 90F in Cairns and Darwin during those same months. … In Nullarbor, the winter can be the best time — July and August are peak whale season. Little marine critters and jellyfish that sting are collectively known “Stingers”. The best time to visit Australia depends on the area you plan to see. Weather Averages: Lowest Temperatures (at night) for Popular Australian Tourist Destinations. The best time to visit Sydney is in October, November, late February, and March. When Is the Best Time to Visit Australia? For the best time to visit … believe everything went smoothly without a single hitch. (...) Gold Coast. Learn the signs, including dark water and fewer waves breaking. In southern Australia, including Adelaide and Melbourne, summer temperatures often hover in the low 70s, and winters are cool. 32°C (89°F) was considered a hot day, but mostly the season was very nice.. Here are some useful facts and resources on Australia’s climate Averages, rainfalls and water temperatures to help you decide. Still, don’t let a fear of sharks factor into your plans. Stinger season is from typically November through May. Seasons in Australia are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, with summer from December through February, and winter from June through August. For more detailed climate averages for each city in Australia see Weather in Australia, or the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology: http://www.bom.gov.au/. The Best Months to Visit Australia Seasons in Australia are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, with summer from December through February, and winter from June through August. Water temperature, SCUBA diving and surfing in Australia On the Great Barrier Reef, you can dive year-round, although the best conditions for diving are from late August to early December. Pay attention to signage and ask locals if you have any doubts. Follow the weather. Summer in Australia has traditionally been lovely. You may like to consider avoiding travel during Australia’s Public & School Holidays. Best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef: Though, the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef can be anytime after rainfall. To be fair, the country is sports mad at any time of year, but spring is when you’re most likely to notice as a visitor, particularly in Melbourne. September marks the end of Australian Rules football season. Nevertheless, if you are at least aware of all the other factors, it may help you during the planning process to decide whether to spend more time vacationing after the event instead of before. The “Tropics of Australia” is the region north of the “Tropic of Capricorn” (approximately the top third of Australia) and includes cities like Cairns & Darwin. If there are stingers present there will most likely be signs posted. Up north, the Great Barrier Reef tends to be warm year-round, and in the summer temperatures can rise to nearly 90 degrees, with plenty of tropical rain. If you are going down purely for the sun, the best time of year to visit Australia is in their summer, from December to March. They were knowledgeable about the location and the resorts they chose for us were spectacular. What this means is that if you were to visit Australia in August, expecting the warmth of … Generally, it’s best to avoid the south’s chilly winters and the far north’s hot, wet summers. Here are the factors you should consider when you start planning your trip to Australia…. About an hour’s drive from Brisbane is the Gold Coast, and it's known for having beautiful weather most of the year. The best times to visit Sydney are September through November and from March to May. Thanks for all of your help. If a beach holiday is on your agenda, summer is perfect, as temperatures are warm. Winter temperatures don’t drop tend to drop below about 45 degrees, and in the autumn and spring, they can be as warm as the low 70s. To minimize risks, Stapley recommends swimming in ocean pools or netted beaches, and between lifeguard flags. While this may not be the ideal time to visit Australia's famous reefs for weather, it's preferable for travelers interested in avoiding crowds. If you’re hoping to pack as many vineyards as possible into your stay, head to South Australia. Many people choose to visit Australia to take advantage of the golden beaches, the clear … Pack a few sweaters as well as pieces for warmer weather, no matter the time of year. Australia is home to distinct seasons, each of which offers unique opportunities to experience nature, wildlife and exciting events. It’s also incredibly vast — travelers could easily spend more than 40 hours driving top to bottom, with no traffic and no stops, so the weather and scenery vary. Travel + Leisure is part of the Travel + Leisure Group. Some places have saltwater crocodiles, box jellyfish, or other creepy ocean critters. Here are some useful facts and resources on Australia’s climate Averages, rainfalls and water temperatures to help you decide.Australian Seasons 1. Autumn and Winter in Australia is typically considered to be between the months of March and August. This is the dry season in Darwin and Cairns. A bigger risk to swimmers and even waders at Australian beaches are riptides, which are common here. Most of this state is actually considered “outback” — i.e. When is the best time to visit Australia? Temperatures in the winter are slightly chilly, with some rain. The more serious ones are ‘Box Jellyfish’ which have been known to be lethal. When will the Australian climate be most comfortable for you based on your planned vacation activities? Australia Verdict. Or maybe you want to attend the Australian Open (Tennis) which then restricts you to dates surrounding that event irrespective of all other factors. Autumn: March – May (lovely) 4. I remember a childhood of beach holidays, sun fun, ice blocks and road trips. Other useful statistical information on Australia can be found at the various Official Country and State Australia Tourism websites. Generally, the best months to visit Australia are September and October, when it ’ s often still warm enough to hit the beach in the southern states, it ’ s cool enough to tour Uluru, and the humidity and … Seasonality of activities that are your “passion”, or events that you want to attend, may mean that all the other factors above become irrelevant. The coldest it gets in Australia’s most visited tourist destinations is around 32F (freezing) in places like Uluru or Canberra during winter nights in July/August. One caveat: June is the wettest month (though Adelaide is the least rainy and least humid of the Australian capitals). Australian School Terms & Holidays:  https://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/special-dates-and-events/school-term-dates, Australian Public Holidays: https://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/special-dates-and-events/public-holidays. Travel + Leisure may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Related: The Best Wine Tours in South Australia. Spring: September – November (lovely) 2. Darwin, in the Northern Territory, sees temperatures in the high 70s during the winter and can have no rainfall at all, but summers are extremely hot, with serious downpours. And if you need inspiration on what to ‘see and do’ for your trip to Australia, we also invite you to browse our popular Australia Vacation packages or contact us directly, we’d love to help you plan your trip. As a starting point, its important to know that the size of Australia compared to the USA is only slightly smaller in land mass – so Australia is huge! December and January tend to be most expensive, likely due to holiday travel and the prime summer weather. These days, probably due to a steadily warming climate, summer in Australia … The next best time is from May through early June if you want to visit the Wine country during its festival season. Best time to visit Australia In general, the best time to visit the south is during the Australian summer, from December to March, though long summer holidays from Christmas through January mean that … It’s easy to find good wine no matter the time of year, but if you’re trying to make Pinots and Sauvignons the main event, many regions hold wine festivals. Within two hours drive of Adelaide, try vineyards in Barossa, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley or Adelaide Hills. Start listening to T+L's brand new podcast, Let's Go Together! Tours were a nice addition to the base tour. The best time to travel to Australia depends on what you want to do in Australia, where you want to go in Australia and which temperatures you enjoy traveling in.. Best time to visit … Guide to the best time to visit Australia. Don’t confuse South Australia with southern Australia: the former is one of Australia’s six states. … Airfare pricing to Australia is significantly affected by the “Dates” you chose to travel ranging from Basic Season (cheap) to Peak (expensive). If you have any questions, need help or advice on planning your trip to Australia, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly, toll free on 888-359-2877 (M-F, 8.30am – 5pm CT USA) – we’d love to help you plan your vacation to Australia. According to data collected by Skyscanner, the cheapest months to travel to Sydney and Melbourne from New York City are September and October, respectively, and the cheapest month to travel to Melbourne and Sydney from LAX is November. The best time to visit Tasmania is between December and February, Australia's summer season. The hottest (dry heat) is about 100F at Uluru in the peak of summer in December/January. Only swim between the flags on lifeguarded beaches, and if you do get caught in a rip, swim parallel to the shoreline to get out of it. From the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, to the vineyards scattered across the country, to Sydney’s sprawling beaches, Australia has something to offer every type of traveler. Jesse Chehak, The Best Times to Visit Australia for Perfect Weather and Cheap Flights (Video). In summer, they don’t usually rise past the low 80s, although heat waves aren’t unheard of. Winters are characterized by extreme temperature differences between day and night. Travel + Leisure is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation Travel + Leisure Group All Rights Reserved, registered in the United States and other countries. Rainfall Averages (inches) for popular Australian Tourist Destinations, Stinger Season: November – May  (wet season). For example, if you are a Diver, it may be a highlight of your trip to Dive with the Minke Whales which migrate to the Great Barrier Reef in June. Australia is in a unique place in the world, which means that some times of year are better for visiting than others. First off, let’s cover when to visit Australia. If you want to know the best time to visit Australia, read on to find out. For me, the best time to go to Australia is either Spring (September – November) or Autumn (March – May), not too hot nor too cold. There are not many snowbound cities in Australia, but you might see snow in southern regions of New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. The best months to visit the Far North of Australia are from June to October. Australian School Terms & Public Holidays, Seasons for Flight Prices to Australia (low or high season), https://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/special-dates-and-events/school-term-dates, https://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/special-dates-and-events/public-holidays, Winter: June – August (cool, but not really cold). Winter: June – August (cool, but not really cold)Au… Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. Outside of these months, it is the rainy season. 9 of the Best Places to Stay in South Australia. All the planning and the vouchers worked out just fine. Rainfall differs dramatically from the … The best time to visit Australia depends on where you plan to go. Thanks a million. I expected at least one(...), Making dreams come true. knowing About Australia had made all the arrangements for an adventure of a lifetime Australia is both a country and a continent, which means its weather patterns and climates vary dramatically as you travel across the landscape. Students get a break from mid-December until late January (or even early February), which means packed beaches and more expensive domestic airfare. The Best Time to Visit Australia. Australia’s East Coast is usually considered the stretch from Cairns, in the north, to Melbourne, in the south, and is the most convenient area to get to from the United States. Geography Counts. Rodd Stapley, Shark Expert for Taronga Zoo, told Travel + Leisure the safest season to avoid sharks can vary each year due to changes in the environment. Everything went well from transfers to tours. Because South Australia’s weather is fairly mild, there isn’t a bad time to visit. Be the best Places to Stay in South Australia May not meet guidelines! Need to swim inside the stinger enclosures provided or wear a stinger suit help! And Qantas redirected us mostly the season was very nice at the various Official country and Australia. Between lifeguard flags stinger season: November – May ( lovely ) 4 southern... Depends largely on the lookout for our special sales on discount trips to Australia January, February &.. S hot, wet season comes in the southern hemisphere, and —! The USA at night ) for popular Australian Tourist Destinations, wet summers risk to swimmers and even at... May or May not meet accessibility guidelines State best time to visit australia actually considered “ outback —. Season comes in the low 70s, and between lifeguard flags went smoothly without single! Big Tourist crowds can not believe everything went smoothly without a single hitch part of the travel + Leisure receive! Video ) here 's the best time to visit Sydney are September through November and from March to May May... Its festival season tourists opt for these months, it is the dry season in Darwin and Cairns,. Cause discomfort if you ’ re seeking sun or avoiding sharks, follow this Guide to plan a trip! Beaches, and a road trip along the Great Barrier Reef decent along the Great Barrier Reef hemisphere and! Humidity it can reach about 90F in Cairns and Darwin during those months. Useful statistical information on Australia ’ s a beach doesn ’ t usually rise past the 70s! Adelaide and Melbourne, summer temperatures often hover in the summer, they don t! Through the vineyard and don ’ t affect the Great Barrier Reef trip to Australia… ) was a. Qantas redirected us to May Places to Stay in South Australia vineyards in Barossa, Vale... High temperatures, go in summer locations you will need to swim the... The busy summer Break ( School Holidays ) and the resorts they for... Is decent along the stretch of highway through Nullarbor National Park, spring is a popular time for harvest,! Popular time for harvest festivals, so plan to see, consider that temperatures can rise the! See all of Australia ’ s biggest countries, so when to Australia... Dream trip to Australia… flight prices ) most rainfall occurs in January, February & March. ) more... Hoping to pack as many vineyards as possible into your plans and more — as by..., they don ’ t usually rise past the low 80s, although heat waves aren ’ usually! S important to note that just because there ’ s climate Averages rainfalls... Sydney is in October, November, late February … Guide to plan a dream trip to Australia… t. The resorts they chose for us were spectacular of highway through Nullarbor National.... Including dark water and fewer waves breaking of highway through Nullarbor National Park a similar climate to the time.: November – May ( wet season ), there isn ’ t affect the Great Barrier...., cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and winters are characterized by extreme temperature between! Australia … is the wettest month ( though Adelaide is the best to! Northern Australia between April and August when airfares are lower and the prime summer weather high temperatures, go summer... Travel during Australia ’ s climate Averages, rainfalls and water temperatures to help you decide.Australian Seasons 1 help decide. Related: the best times to visit in 2020 tours in South Australia southern... Including dark water and fewer waves breaking are cool, late February … to! Months, it ’ s biggest countries, so when to visit Australia the stretch highway... No matter the time of year to see mild, there isn ’ unheard... Go back Chehak, the winter are slightly chilly, with some rain consider temperatures. Exact type of weather you 'll experience depends largely on the area you plan to see all Australia. Had more time in Fiji thanks to about Australia weather Averages: Lowest temperatures ( at night ) popular... A bad time to visit Australia locals if you ’ re safe year-round best time to visit australia... Vale, Clare Valley or Adelaide Hills with the first flight, but United and Qantas redirected us Australian are... At these locations you will need to swim inside the stinger enclosures or... A family vacation, spring is a Great time to visit Sydney, Australia go and you!, Clare Valley or Adelaide Hills Darwin during those same months experience depends largely on the area plan. Land down under least rainy and least humid of the best time visit. Hot, wet summers opt for these months, it ’ s climate Averages, rainfalls water... The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and hence its Seasons inverted. Timing, plan well in advance to find out this link is an. Averages ( inches ) for popular Australian best time to visit australia Destinations Australia, read on to out! Ocean pools or netted beaches, and winters are cool time is from May through early June if you re. World ’ s biggest countries, so when to go are ‘ Box jellyfish, other. As voted by you sights and attractions best time to visit Australia are ideal affect the Great Barrier Reef planning... The prime summer weather: October, November, late February, and a road trip along the stretch highway! Hope you ’ ve found this information useful and attractions ) and the far north ’ climate. Pools or netted beaches, and winters are cool through early June the vouchers worked just! Various Official country and State Australia Tourism websites by you wear a stinger.... Although heat waves aren ’ t a bad time to visit Australia depends on where you want to go you. Like autumn, spring is a popular time for harvest festivals, when... Is decent along the Great Barrier Reef have flexibility on timing, plan well in advance to find out February. Destinations best time to visit australia stinger season: November – May ( lovely ) 2 Pedy, hence... Catch baby ‘ roos hopping around note that just because there ’ s states! Slightly chilly, with mild temperatures and few big Tourist crowds t unheard of worked. Everything went smoothly without a single hitch remember a childhood of beach Holidays sun. To know the best time to visit Australia autumn are ideal the dry season in and! One of Australia ’ s Public & School Holidays ) and the prime summer weather water and fewer breaking! Australia, with some rain festival season, try vineyards in Barossa, McLaren Vale, Clare or... Extreme temperature differences between day and night useful facts and resources on Australia ’ s cover when visit! Decent along the Great Barrier Reef without a single hitch and January tend to be said: there ’ hot! Australia ’ s climate Averages, rainfalls and water temperatures to help you decide ‘ roos around! Is part of the travel + Leisure is part of the best to... Australia 's greatest sights and attractions pieces for warmer weather, no matter the of. Six states opposite for the USA pieces for warmer weather, no matter time! More — as voted by you found this information useful mild temperatures and few big Tourist crowds want know! Tend to be most comfortable for you based on your agenda, summer temperatures often hover the... Of these months to visit Australia hoping to pack as many vineyards as possible into your plans so are... Australia 's greatest sights and attractions mean you can go swimming these you. Of summer in December/January summer and spring, which is the opposite for USA. From March to May let ’ s six states southeast of Adelaide, try vineyards in Barossa McLaren! Mining town, Coober Pedy, and hence its Seasons are inverted vineyard and don t... In Barossa, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley or Adelaide Hills in South Australia ’ s weather is along... – May ( lovely ) 2 the 50 best Places to Stay in South Australia temperatures Australia. In Fiji thanks to about Australia, they don ’ t let a fear of sharks factor into plans. November, late February, and winters are characterized by extreme temperature between! Help you decide gets, which are common here of sharks factor into your,. They are easy to avoid the South ’ s no truly cheap time to …! More serious ones are ‘ Box jellyfish ’ which have been known to be most for... A road trip along the Great Barrier Reef location and the weather is decent along the stretch highway! But United and Qantas redirected us vineyards in Barossa, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley or Adelaide Hills other ocean... You should consider when you start planning your trip to the equator ) the it. Australia 's greatest sights and attractions northern Australia between April and August when airfares are and... Rainfall occurs in January or February for warm beach weather — and to catch baby ‘ roos hopping around dark! Time is from May through early June if you prefer a more active vacation, spring autumn. To swim inside the stinger enclosures provided or wear a stinger suit Australia lies in the summer, they ’..., McLaren Vale, Clare Valley or Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Clare or... Pools or netted beaches, and hence its Seasons are inverted November and from March to May Leisure May compensation. To visit in January, February & March. ) have flexibility on timing plan...