When to go to Australia
Australia’s climate varies by region, making it a year-round destination with each month offering unique experiences. The best time to visit Northern Australia (Queensland, Northern Territory) is May to October when it’s the dry season with cooler temperatures. The best time to visit Southern Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania) is October to April when the weather is warmer and drier. Here’s a month-by-month guide.
Broadly speaking, if you are constrained by UK / European school holiday, you should head south at Christmas and Easter. In the European summer holidays (July and August), it’s better to concentrate on the centre and north. We will be able to advise further.
January
January is peak summer (it’s hot and dry), ideal for beach holidays and festivals, and southern cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Enjoy outdoor activities, iconic beaches like Bondi, and the Australian Open tennis in Melbourne. Avoid the Northern regions (Queensland, Northern Territory) due to tropical monsoon rains and potential cyclones.
February
Milder summer weather in Tasmania and southern Australia is perfect for exploring wilderness, wildlife and coastal scenery. It’s also a great time for wine regions like the Barossa Valley. Avoid the northern tropical areas that remain wet and humid.
March
Warm, pleasant weather makes it ideal for exploring cities (like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) and outdoor festivals (like Adelaide’s Fringe Festival). It’s also a good time for the Gold Coast before it gets cooler. Avoid the northern areas that still experience some wet-season activity and the centre, which has a lot of flies at this time of year.
April
The dry season begins in the north, making it a perfect time to explore the Great Barrier Reef, swim in the Whitsundays, or head to Western Australia for wildflower season and coastal beauty. Temperatures in southern cities start to drop, although it’s still pleasant for outdoor activities.
May
Northern Australia enters the dry season, with cooler weather and minimal rain. May is ideal for visiting Kakadu National Park, the Red Centre (Uluru) and experiencing the stunning landscapes of the Kimberley. Avoid southern regions, as they start experiencing cooler, wetter weather.
June
Winter is ideal for exploring tropical north Queensland (Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest) or the Red Centre. Mild temperatures and clear skies make it perfect for hiking and cultural exploration. The Southern cities may be wet and cool, and not ideal for beach activities.
July
July is peak season in the north, with warm, dry days and cool nights. This is a great time for snorkelling, diving in the Great Barrier Reef, or visiting Broome in Western Australia for stunning beaches and natural phenomena like ‘Staircase to the Moon’. Avoid the southern states, which experience cold and rainy conditions.
August
Dry, pleasant weather continues in the north. Great for exploring natural wonders like Kimberley’s gorges or Kakadu’s wetlands. Cairns and Port Douglas offer reef tours and rainforest treks under ideal conditions. The southern regions remain cool and wet.
September
Spring starts to warm up southern regions, making it perfect for city sightseeing in Sydney and Melbourne or road trips along the Great Ocean Road. Wildflower season begins in parts of Western Australia. The northern regions start to heat up as the dry season fades.
October
Pleasant temperatures return to most southern areas, ideal for hiking in Tasmania, visiting Canberra for its stunning spring blooms, and enjoying the outdoor activities of Sydney. The Flinders Ranges in South Australia also offer great hiking in October. Tropical areas in the north begin to warm up but can still be visited so this is a good month to visit most of the country.
November
Perfect for Queensland beaches and island hopping in the Whitsundays before the heat of summer sets in. Byron Bay offers a laid-back beach escape with great weather. This is also a good time for visiting the Gold Coast and its theme parks. Northern areas like Darwin and Cairns start to see higher humidity levels.
December
Australia’s summer is in full swing in the south, making it the perfect time for exploring Sydney’s beaches, enjoying outdoor festivals in Melbourne, or hiking in Tasmania’s national parks. Christmas in Australia is warm, with plenty of holiday events and beach outings. Avoid northern regions, where the wet season begins with high humidity and frequent rains.
Call us and we will be happy to provide you with a free-of-charge no obligation itinerary and quotation designed for you.
01728 752751
Australia in pictures
