Discover the Best Time to Visit Australia

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Planning to book a holiday to Australia, but confused about the best time to visit? Australia is a huge country with a variety of different climates so it is crucial to be at the right place at the right time to ensure that you make the most of your time in Australia.

Broadly speaking, the south of Australia experiences all four seasons whereas the tropical north has only two: a dry season and a wet season. The interior experiences extremes of temperatures, with hot, dry summers and some freezing winter nights.

Deciding the best time to visit depends on what you wish to do and your budget. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.

SUMMER: DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY

Summer is high season down under with locals enjoying their main summer holidays. This means it’s peak season for prices, and beaches and parks can be crowded. There’s plenty to do with numerous sporting events and a number of festivals and public holidays, including Australia Day and Chinese New Year. And don’t forget the famous Sydney fireworks to ring in the New Year.

In the north, humidity reaches its peak, bringing tropical rainstorms. If you venture in the water, stay behind the ‘stinger’ nets as venomous jellyfish patrol on the northern coast during winter. Avoid the arid interior around Uluru at this time, unless you want to experience scorching heat.

AUTUMN: MARCH TO MAY

Autumn is a wonderful time to be in Australia. In the north, the rainstorms have calmed down, leaving lush rainforests and fast-flowing waterfalls to explore. Roads in the region begin to reopen following the heavy rains, so it’s easier to move about.

Down south, the climate remains bright and sunny, rainfall has dropped and so have the temperatures. With peak season over, prices have fallen and there are fewer crowds, unless you visit during the Easter break.

March is the beginning of whale-watching season off the coast of Victoria, and it’s also the ideal time to visit those famous Australian wineries, as the leaves are beginning to turn and there are a number of festivities to celebrate vintage. It’s also a brilliant time to head into the interior.

WINTER: JUNE TO AUGUST

Winter is the least popular time to visit, with the south experiencing wintry nights and a fair bit of rainfall, while inland you’ll find extremes of temperatures, with the days still hot and dry but often dropping below freezing overnight.

However, this is a good time to head north. The waters around the Great Barrier Reef are calmer and clearer, while whales are migrating north into Queensland.

SPRING: SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER

Spring is one of the best times to visit Australia. Temperatures are rising and wildflowers bloom. This is a great time to go hiking and wildlife spotting through the national parks, with the Blue Mountains particularly popular during this time.

Inland, overnight temperatures have risen and, along with the autumn, this is the best time to explore Australia’s vast interior.

Up north, the humidity begins to build along with the temperatures, bringing the start of the rains and the occasional thunderstorm.

For help with deciding which time of year to visit Australia, contact True Travel today and our experienced team will discuss the best options for your proposed itinerary and budget.