When is the best time to visit Australia? Here’s your season-by-season guide
From bustling cities to iconic natural marvels, Australia offers a variety of attractions across all seasons, making the best time to visit a question of what you want to see and experience.
Any time is a great time to visit the Land Down Under—and we’ve got Australia tours designed to highlight the country’s diverse beauty year-round. The best time to visit Australia comes down to what type of weather you prefer and what you’d like to do when you get there. Plus, given how big it is, you can experience almost any type of weather on one whirlwind tour. Ready to take the trip of a lifetime? Read on for our season-by-season guide to Australia.
The best weather in Australia by month
One of the most important things to know before you go to Australia is that it’s located in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning its seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. So, in June, July, and August—when most in the U.S. and Canada are dealing with summer heat—some Australians are celebrating ski season. Of course, the reverse is also true: If you love the idea of going to the beach in January, book one of our Australia tours during the North American winter, when summer is in full swing in the Land Down Under. What could be better than extending the season’s warm embrace with a wanderlust-worthy trip to the Southern Hemisphere?
Winter in Australia
Go for the Great Barrier Reef, wildlife spotting, and Christmas in July
When’s the best time to go to the Great Barrier Reef? During the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, or winter Down Under. The iconic reef system is located in the northernmost region of Queensland, which experiences its dry season (and winter) from June through the end of August. This is a particularly great time to go to the reef because the water will be clear—perfect for snorkeling. The favorable weather this time of year also means your chance of seeing marine life, like whales, during your Australia tour is higher.
Weather in Australia in June, July, and August
Because of the size of Australia, temperatures can vary greatly across the country no matter the season. In fact, the northern territory and Queensland hardly experience seasons at all. Instead, it’s more often divided into wet and dry seasons. If you’re on one of our Australia tours during this time of year, expect temperatures to range from 46 to 86 F depending on where you are.
June
Did you know that the Great Barrier Reef is part of a larger national park? It’s one of the most unforgettable national parks in the world, and Australian winter is a great time to experience it.
- Dive into our 12-day Highlights of Australia: The Great Barrier Reef to Sydney tour, which includes three nights in the region. This gives you plenty of opportunities to learn about this special ecosystem, which encompasses more than just the reef itself.
- Soak in the sounds of the rainforest while you try to spot local wildlife like wallabies, platypuses, and over 430 species of birds in the northern and eastern regions of Australia.
July
July marks the middle of Australian winter and no matter where you go in the country, you’re in for cooler temperatures and fun activities. The Great Barrier Reef is still ripe for a visit with some of the clearest waters you’ll see, but experience what else winter in Australia has in store for you on your Australia tour.
- Hit the slopes in the country’s Alpine regions, which are known for some world-class skiing. Want to spend July surrounded by snow? This is the best time of year for you to visit Australia.
- Stroll through the Mulled Wine Garden (a Christmas-themed bar with live music) in Sydney, snack on melted cheese, and cozy up at a fire pit and the brand-new Christmas in July festival. Use your free time on any of our Sydney tours to get a taste of this French-inspired holiday magic.
August
While there are a number of reasons why North America’s summer is the best time to visit Australia, the moderate climate Down Under is probably one of the most popular reasons. August has some of the coolest temperatures of the year, making visiting some of its hottest regions ideal.
- Venture north to Darwin, named after the renowned naturalist. During other times of the year, the temperatures rise well above 90 F, but in the winter they can be as low as 67 F. Take a dip in freshwater swimming holes and keep your eyes out for dingoes and wallabies.
- Walk with an Indigenous guide through the Mossman Gorge Rainforest on our Australia & New Zealand tour. August is the best time to explore this northern rainforest because it’s part of the region’s dry season.
Put these on your Australia winter to-do list
Spring in Australia
Go for the Outback, wildlife, and festivals
One highlight of most of our Australia tours is a trip to the Outback, where temperatures will be far more comfortable than any other time of year. If visiting Uluru is important to you, then you’ll want to go during the Northern Hemisphere’s fall months—or spring in Australia. From September through November, the Outback typically enjoys the best weather for exploring. It’ll be warm-to-hot during the day and cool down significantly at night.
Weather in Australia in September, October, and November
If you’re visiting Australia in the spring, you’re in for temperatures that range from a pleasant 63 F to a sweltering 95 F, depending on where you are. The days will be warm and sunny with cooler nights, so pack some light layers no matter where you are during Australia’s spring.
September
Like in the Northern Hemisphere, Australia’s spring is also considered the shoulder season. That means that you can expect some of the mildest (and sunniest) days of the year in Australia.
- Stand in awe of Uluru or hike around the UNESCO World Heritage site, which has had tremendous religious and cultural significance to many Aboriginal communities for thousands of years. On our 22-day Australia & New Zealand tour, your Outback adventure will take you to the massive red rock, which is one of the world’s most iconic natural attractions. End your day with the once-in-a-lifetime experience of witnessing the setting sun paint ever-changing colors across Uluru.
- Explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park with us on our Australia & New Zealand tour, where you’ll get to spend an entire day learning about Uluru and the nearby collection of domed rock formations known as the Kata Tjuta.
October
Just like in the Northern Hemisphere, nature comes back to life during the springtime months. That means that no matter where you’re headed in Australia, spring is a great time to see rare wildlife and an array of native flora and fauna.
- Try to spot baby koalas and kangaroos, which typically leave their mother’s pouches in the springtime. On our Highlights of Australia: The Great Barrier Reef to Sydney tour, you’ll get a guided tour of Flinders Chase National Park, which is rife with iconic Australian wildlife, when you add the Adelaide & Kangaroo Island extension.
- Enjoy the sight (and smell) of flowers like tulips, paper daisies, cherry blossoms, and jacarandas that are in full bloom in October. If you’re on any of our Sydney tours, you’ll get to pass through the Royal Botanic Gardens. Use your free time on tour to spend some hours admiring the collection of more than 50,000 different plant species.
- Admire even more adorable wildlife when you add our Phillip Island Penguin Parade excursion to your Highlights of Australia & New Zealand tour. No matter the season, the tiny penguins of Phillip Island waddle ashore in an adorable parade after a long day of fishing. They’re returning to feed their babies, and you’ll watch as the penguins arrive for dinner on the beach.
November
If you like festivals, you’ll love springtime in Australia, especially November, which hosts a dazzling array of festivals to choose from. Whether you’re looking to admire art or celebrate with locals, you’re bound to find a festival you’ll love in November.
Party like a local during the weeklong extravaganza that is the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The city of Melbourne lights up with parties and parades each November for this lively celebration.
Stroll through the annual Sculpture by the Sea installation in Sydney, which—for a couple of weeks in October and November—transforms the coastal walk between Bondi and Tamarama beaches into a sculpture park. Whether you’re on our 15-day Australia for Solo Travelers: Melbourne, Queensland Coast & Sydney tour or our 22-day Australia & New Zealand tour, there’ll be plenty of free time for you to seek out exciting events like this.
Make like a kangaroo and hop over to Australia this spring
Summer in Australia
Go for New Year, indoor (and outdoor!) celebrations, and hot weather
If cold weather isn’t for you, then you should escape the Northern Hemisphere’s winter chills on one of our Australia tours during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer. The hot weather from December through February makes it a particularly lively time, with plenty for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
Weather in Australia in December, January, and February
Average temperatures range from 68-99 F during Australia’s summer. While it will be humid, there won’t be much rainfall unless you’re in the far northern regions. Overall, you can expect sunny days that are perfect for spending on one of the country’s golden beaches, enjoying a tennis match, and so much more.
December
While the Northern Hemisphere temperatures cool down in December, Australians enjoy warmer days. This makes the month ideal for beach lovers—whether you’re a swimmer, snorkeler, or sunbather, you’ll love Australia in December.
- Dip your toes in the Tasman Sea at the world-famous Manly Beach. Not far from Sydney, this beach is most known for being the birthplace of surfing in Australia—but it’s also a gorgeous place to relax, swim, and people-watch during your free time on any of our Australia tours, which all pass through Sydney.
- Take to the water on our Australia for Solo Travelers: Melbourne, Queensland Coast & Sydney tour and explore the glistening Whitsunday Islands. The archipelago is made up of 74 islands surrounded by stunningly aquamarine waters that meet the white sands of beaches like the famous Whitehaven Beach.
- Soak in the sunny sights of world-famous Bondi Beach and its iconic Bondi Icebergs Club, which features swimming pools perched over the ocean so that crashing waves splash up into them. You can also admire the Gap, a dramatic dip in the cliffs of Watsons Bay. On our Highlights of Australia & New Zealand tour, we’ll take you right there.
January
January marks the middle of summer in Australia, and it’s full of seasonal events and activities to enjoy—starting with the first day of the month.
- Ring in New Year’s Eve in style on our 22-day New Year’s Eve in Australia & New Zealand tour. Revel in the unique perk of this Australia tour: the chance to celebrate the coming year (in the summertime!) in Sydney with your new travel buddies. There’s something magical about seeing fireworks over the sails of the Opera House; this grand celebration will show you why Australia is one of the best places to visit during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter.
- Settle in for a movie at Sydney Harbor. The Westpac OpenAir is a seasonal outdoor cinema that plays contemporary films with the Sydney Opera House as the backdrop. This unique venue opens in early January and closes in late-February (though it is always weather-dependent). It asserts to be the world’s most beautiful cinema—a claim that’s hard to argue with! Use your free time on one of our Sydney tours to decide for yourself.
- Score tickets to the Australian Open in Melbourne when you’re on our Australia for Solo Travelers: Melbourne, Queensland Coast & Sydney tour. This massive tennis tournament, the first of the fabled Grand Slam events, is usually held in late-January.
February
Summer in Australia ends in February, so visit this month to absorb the last of the country’s hottest days, brightest skies, and bustling beaches. But there’s so much more to enjoy as summer concludes in Australia.
- Dance with the locals at many different musical festivals. Artsy Melbourne hosts plenty in February—from the Port Fairy Jazz Festival featuring New Orleans-style licks to the free St Kilda Festival on the very beach it’s named for. Use your free time on our Australia for Solo Travelers: Melbourne, Queensland Coast & Sydney tour and boogie with your new friends.
- Seize your chance to visit the quaint island of Tasmania by adding it to your extension on our Australia for Solo Travelers: Melbourne, Queensland Coast & Sydney tour. You’ll take an eco-cruise through sea caves (be on the lookout for dolphins, seals, penguins, and even humpback whales!) and learn all about the local land wildlife too, like the endangered Tasmanian devil.
- Add the Adelaide & Kangaroo Island extension to your Highlights of Australia: The Great Barrier Reef to Sydney tour and hop over to Kangaroo Island, a haven for Australia’s diverse animal species and one of the country’s top spots for wildlife sightings. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, koalas, tammar wallabies, and little penguins as you drive through Flinders Chase National Park.
Spend Australia’s summer on one of these tours
Fall in Australia
Go for warm days in big cities and trips into wine country
Fall might just be the best time of year to go to Australia: Most of the famous sights are less busy, prices for accommodations are lower, and the weather is still very good. Depending on where you go, taking an Australia tour during the Southern Hemisphere’s spring can also mean hot days and blue skies.
Weather in Australia in March, April, and May
Visit Australia in the country’s fall for crisp autumn air as the humidity of summer fades away and winter approaches. Average temperatures usually range from 63 F to 95 F, and the sun is still bright. Overall, you can expect some of the mildest (and sunniest) days of the year. As with spring and winter, when you’re exploring the Land Down Under, we recommend bringing layers for the cooler evenings.
March
This is the best time to discover the country’s two biggest cities—Sydney and Melbourne—and discover which is better suited to your interests. With fewer visitors, these two metropolises become a lot easier to explore.
Admire whale sharks, which flock to World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef in March to feed on the krill spawning in the coral. The elegant creatures will feast in this part of Western Australia until July and since they are filter-feeders, they stay near the surface to enjoy their meals. That means you might just be able to spot some on your fall tour of Australia.
Book our 15-day Highlights of Australia & New Zealand tour, which will bring you to four different cities in the region. Of course, Sydney and Melbourne are included, but so are New Zealand’s Auckland and Queenstown. Sydney is full of urban delights, from top-rated restaurants and shopping to Art Deco and Modern architecture, whereas Melbourne is more known for its colorful street art and enthusiastic sports culture. The good news? If you’re a beach-lover you don’t have to choose. Both cities are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
If you love wine, March and April are the best times of year to visit Australia because its vineyards are in their harvest season. Our 12-day Highlights of Australia: The Great Barrier Reef to Sydney tour offers multiple opportunities to venture into Australian wine country and experience the harvest yourself. Want to learn more about local winemaking? Do just that on our Yarra Valley Winery & Steamtrain excursion. For an even closer look, book our McLaren Vale Wine Tasting & Lunch excursion during your free day in Adelaide.
April
Cooler daytime temperatures mean more outdoorsy time during Australia’s fall, and April is one of the best months of the year to experience a multitude of activities throughout the country.
- Add the Tasmania extension to our Australia for Solo Travelers: Melbourne, Queensland Coast & Sydney tour and hike Cradle Mountain. There’s never a bad time to experience the sights of the national park, but in April you’ll enjoy cooler temperatures and the changing of the leaves of the Fagus tree—the only native deciduous tree on the island. Plus, adorable wombats are very common in this area, so keep your eyes peeled for the critters!
- Catch a game of footy. The Australian Football League begins its season every March, which means if you’re in Australia in April, you’ll be able to enjoy a match or two.
May
In the Northern Hemisphere, May is represented by flowers in bloom and baby animals joining the world. In Australia, May is all about the beginning of new sporting events and celebrating art. Plus, since the temperatures are still fairly warm, everything can easily be enjoyed outdoors.
- Tackle watching a sport that’s extremely popular in Australia—rugby starts in March and extends all the way through October. Don’t miss your chance to see this thrilling game on your Australia tour.
- Admire iconic Sydney when it’s illuminated by more than 60 light installations. Vivid Sydney is a yearly festival that showcases art in the urban space every May through June. As if this city didn’t sparkle enough already, the festival is a stunning way to conclude fall in Australia.
