Best Time to Visit Australia

The best month to visit Australia depends on which part of the continent you are planning a trip to.

January in Australia

January is the peak of summer in Australia. The average temperature varies from 20°C to 30°C, but it can get much higher in some areas, especially in the inland and northern regions. The humidity is also high, especially in the tropical and subtropical zones, where thunderstorms and cyclones are common.

Why visit in January?

Enjoy swimming, surfing, snorkelling, diving, sailing, kayaking, and fishing in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific and Indian Ocean.

Explore stunning natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands, the Blue Mountains, the Daintree Rainforest, and Kangaroo Island.

Attend the Sydney Festival, the most diverse arts festival in the world, held every January.

Enjoy the Australian Open, one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, held every January in Melbourne.

February in Australia

February is still summer in Australia, but the temperatures start to drop slightly, making it more comfortable to explore the outdoors. The coastal areas in this month are usually calmer and breezier but can also experience heatwaves and bushfires.

Why visit in February?

Attend the Adelaide Fringe, the open-access arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere that showcases music, comedy, circus, and more every February and March in Adelaide.

February is an excellent time to visit the southern regions, such as New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia, where you can enjoy the beaches, the mountains, the vineyards, and the wildlife.

You can also attend famous events like the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras event and the Perth Festival.

March in Australia

March observes the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. The weather is cooler and drier across the country. This is one of the best months to visit Australia, as you can enjoy the pleasant climate and the changing colours of the foliage.

Why visit in March?

You can also explore the country's diverse attractions, such as the Great Ocean Road, the Blue Mountains, the Kangaroo Island, and the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Witness cultural and sporting events like the Melbourne Fashion Festival, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, and the Canberra Balloon Spectacular.

Enjoy WOMADelaide, the world's most celebrated and acclaimed music, arts, and dance festivals, held every March in Adelaide.

April in Australia

April is the midst of autumn in this continent. The weather is mild, and days are sunny in the northern and central regions. The average temperature goes from 15°C to 25°C.

Why visit in April?

Enjoy wildlife this month by visiting Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kakadu National Park, Grampians National Park, and Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Visit historic towns and villages like Hobart, Ballarat, Broome, and Alice Springs and experience their culture, heritage, and hospitality.

Attend the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and the Barossa Vintage Festival.

Attend Bluesfest, the renowned music festival in the world, held every April in Byron Bay.

May in Australia

In May, Australia experiences the end of autumn, which means cooler temperatures in some places but still warm and sunny in others. The average daytime temperature for Australia in May is around 20°C, but it can vary from 11°C in Bronte to 34°C in Marrakai. The average rainfall also differs across the regions, ranging from 3.9 mm in Katherine to 211 mm in Strahan.

Why visit in May?

Attend the Vivid Sydney Light and Music Festival, which is held every May and June in Sydney.

Enjoy the Noosa Food and Wine Festival. It celebrates the best of Queensland’s culinary scene.

Visit the western coast to explore the Ningaloo Reef, the Shark Bay, and the Kalbarri National Park.

June in Australia

June marks the winter in Australia. However, the coastal areas are still warm and sunny, with fewer crowds and more breeze. The inland and the southern regions are cooler and more pleasant but with more rainfall and cloud cover.

Why visit in June?

In June, visit alpine regions of Australia, such as the Snowy Mountains, the Victorian Alps, and the Tasmanian Highlands.

Attend Dark Mofo, the daring arts and cultural festival in the world, held every June in Hobart.

You may also participate in the ritual of the Winter Feast, the Nude Solstice Swim, and the Burning of the Ogoh-Ogoh.

July in Australia

July is the coolest and quietest month of the year. The average temperature lies between 10°C and 20°C, but it can vary depending on the region and the weather. Coastal regions remain warm and sunny, yet quieter with a gentle breeze. Meanwhile, inland and southern areas offer cooler, more enjoyable conditions, albeit with increased rainfall and cloudiness.

Why visit in July?

July is a great time to visit if you love skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports.

Attend the Darwin Festival in the Northern Territory. This festival runs for 18 straight days. You can enjoy comedy shows, cabaret events, films, and visual arts.

Wait for NAIDOC Week, the time to honour the history, culture, and achievements of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the country's first inhabitants.

August in Australia

August can be mild to warm in most places, with cool to cold nights. The average temperatures range from 11°C in the southern region to 30°C in the northern zone. Rainfall is rare in the centre-north and more frequent in the south.

Why visit in August?

Attend the Ekka festival, Queensland's annual agricultural show, held every August in Brisbane. You can also sample the famous Ekka strawberry sundae, a delicious treat made with fresh strawberries, ice cream, and cream.

This is an excellent time to visit coastal areas such as the Great Ocean Road, the Mornington Peninsula, Byron Bay, and the Margaret River, where you can enjoy the beaches, surfing, and whale watching.

Attend the Melbourne International Film Festival. It features the best local and international talent in cinema, documentaries, animation, and more.

September in Australia

In Australia, September marks the onset of spring in many regions and the dry season in the tropical north. During this time, the weather tends to be quiet and pleasant, with temperatures averaging between 10°C to 38°C, varying by area. While rainfall remains scarce in the northern areas, it may gradually pick up in the southern regions as spring advances.

Why visit in September?

This month, you can witness the migration of humpback whales along the east and west coasts and the nesting of sea turtles in Queensland.

Enjoy the Brisbane Festival, the eclectic arts and cultural festivals held every September in Brisbane.

Attend Floriade, a flower and entertainment festival held every year in Canberra’s Commonwealth Park near the Lake Burley Griffin.

October in Australia

In October, the northern parts of Australia are warmer and more tropical, with average highs of 33°C in Darwin and 30°C in Cairns. The southern parts are cooler and more temperate, with average highs of 22°C in Sydney and 18°C in Hobart. Rainfall is usually light in most areas, except for some parts of the tropical north.

Why visit in October?

Enjoy Halloween, the spooky and supernatural festival celebrated on October 31st.

Watch the Melbourne Cup, the popular horse racing event in the country, held in Melbourne.

Visit Sculpture by the Sea, the world's most spectacular outdoor sculpture exhibition, held every October and November in Sydney.

November in Australia

The weather in November is warm and sunny. In the south, the average temperatures range from 18°C in Hobart to 26°C in Perth, with moderate rainfall in some cities, like Melbourne and Sydney. In the north, the average temperatures are higher, reaching up to 33°C in Alice Springs and 40°C in Purnululu National Park. However, the north also receives more rain and humidity.

Why visit in November?

Celebrate the Noosa Triathlon in Queensland, the largest Olympic-distance triathlon in the world, with over 8000 participants and 100,000 spectators.

Visit Uluru's Field of Light installation, a stunning display of 50,000 solar-powered lights illuminating the desert landscape at night.

Visit the Margaret River Gourmet Escape in Western Australia, a four-day culinary extravaganza featuring celebrity chefs, wine tastings, and gourmet markets.

December in Australia

Summer starts in December in Australia. The north has a hot and moist climate, with average highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. The centre and west are arid and warm, with average highs of 35°C and lows of 18°C. The south and east are cool, with average highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C.

Why visit in December?

Experience the Woodford Folk Festival. The festival runs for six days and nights from December 27 to January 1 in Woodford, Queensland.

Observe the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, the most challenging sailing event in the world, starting on Boxing Day (December 26) in Sydney and ending in Hobart, Tasmania.

See the penguin parade on Phillip Island, Victoria. This natural phenomenon occurs year-round, but December is the peak breeding season.

The following points can help you understand the best time to visit Australia and New Zealand much better.

Peak Season: The peak season is from December to February, which is Australia's summer months in the temperate zone and wet season in the tropical zone.

Shoulder Season: The shoulder season in Australia is from March to May and from September to November, which is autumn and spring in the temperate zone and dry season in the tropical zone. This season is the best time to visit Sydney.

Off-Season: The off-season in Australia is from June to August, which is winter in the temperate zone and dry season in the tropical zone.

Australia is a tourist-friendly place no matter what month of the year you visit. However, unexpected and unpleasant events might occur at any time in foreign lands. What you can do to prepare for them is purchase travel insurance.

With Tata AIG, you can get financial coverage for a wide range of incidents at affordable travel insurance costs.

With us, travelling insurance protects you against unforeseen situations such as trip accidents, passport loss, trip extensions due to medical emergencies, or other unavoidable circumstances.

Moreover, travel insurance in Australia can also assist you if you lose your luggage at the airport by paying for essentials until you find it.

What is the currency and exchange rate in Australia?

The currency in Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD). It is divided into 100 cents.

What is the best season to visit Melbourne?

Consider scheduling your trip in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) for the best travel conditions. During these months, the weather is mild, the crowds are fewer, and the prices are lower.

When is the best time to go surfing in Australia?

The East Coast has consistent year-round surf, while the West Coast has bigger swells during winter.

When is the best time to visit Tasmania and the Australian Alps?

The best time to visit them is during the summer, from December to February, when the weather is sunny and the snow has melted.