When Is The Best Time To Visit Australia?

Australia is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Known for its fantastic beaches, Great Barrier Reef and red outback, when is the best time to visit Australia?
The Best Time to Visit Australia. Photo: Dan Freeman | Unsplash

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Australia is a popular holiday destination for people all over the world. 

Home to the Great Barrier Reef, world-famous beaches, tropical rainforests, beautiful national parks, and more, there is so much to love about Australia.

However, before planning your trip Down Under, you must know the best time to visit. 

The best time to visit Australia will depend on what part of the country you’re planning to visit. Because the country is so big, the best time to visit Tasmania is a lot different from visiting Australia’s North West.

Seasons in Australia 

Australia. Photo: Chaz McGregor | Unsplash

Summer – December to February 

The daily temperatures in Australia during the summer range from 20°C to 37°C in major cities. 

Autumn – March to May 

Things start to cool down in autumn, with the average daily temperatures ranging from 17°C to 35°C. 

Winter – June to August 

Since Australia is so big, winter is much different in the south than in the north. In the southern states, you can expect snow and frost, whereas, in the north, you can expect sunshine and no rain. 

The temperatures in winter range from 11°C in the south to 30°C in the north. 

Spring – September to November 

Spring is when the temperatures start to warm up again, and the rain begins to stop. The daily temperatures range from 17°C in the south and 35°C in the north.

Seasons in the Tropics 

Australia’s Tropics. Photo: Manny Moreno | Unsplash

However, Australia’s northern tropical and subtropical regions such as Cairns, don’t experience the four seasons. They have two seasons: wet and dry. 

The wet season (tropical summer) is between October and April. During the wet season, you can experience a mix of sun, rain and thunderstorms. During this time, the waterfalls are gushing, and prices are more affordable. The wet season is also stinger (jellyfish) season, so you must wear a wetsuit when swimming in the ocean.

The dry season runs from May to September (winter). During this season, you can experience plenty of sunshine, little rain and an average maximum temperature of 35°C. 

The Best Time to Visit Australia for Great Weather 

Australia’s Great Weather. Photo: Guillaume Marques | Unsplash

As mentioned above, every region in Australia experiences different weather and temperatures. 

However, if you’re planning to visit Australia solely for a beach holiday, the best time to visit is during the warmer months. September to April in New South Wales and southeast Queensland, and November to March in the southern states. 

If you’ve always wanted to visit the Australian outback, the best time to visit is during the cooler months, from May to August. The days are warm but not too hot, and the nighttime temperatures drop to give you a comfortable sleep. 

If you’re hoping to hit the Australian Alps with days of snow, the best time to hit the snowfields in New South Wales and Victoria is from June until early September. 

The Best Time to Visit Australia for Hiking 

Hikes in Australia. Photo: Vladimir Haltakov | Unsplash

Australia has 681 national parks, so you can guarantee there are plenty of epic hiking trails. 

Because of where the national parks are located, they are best tackled at certain times of the year. 

Since the summer months can be unbearable in Australia’s Red Centre, the hikes in places such as Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park are most comfortable and safe from April to September. However, the best time of year to go hiking in Tasmania is during the warmer months. 

If you’re planning on tackling the hikes in Queensland and New South Wales, the best time is during the drier months (June to October). 

Heading to the biggest state in the country to experience their breathtaking hiking trails? The best time to hike the famous Cape to Cape Track is during the spring (September and October) when the wildflowers bloom and autumn (March to May). 

The Best Time to Visit Australia to go Surfing 

Surfing in Australia. Photo: Brandon Compagne | Unsplash

Australia is one of the most popular surfing destinations in the world. However, the best months for surfing in Australia don’t always match the best months for swimming.

If you’re going to Australia to learn to surf, you’ll be more comfortable spending time in the water during the summer, especially in Victoria and southwest Western Australia. 

If you’re a seasoned surfer, the best time to hit the waves with more consistent swells is during the winter months (June to August). However, storms can still generate big waves at any time of the year.

The Best Time to Visit Australia to See Wildlife 

Australia’s Native Kangaroo. Photo: Graham Holtshausen | Unsplash

If you’re an animal lover, you’ll want to visit Australia’s east and west coasts between May and November to see migrating whales. 

The best time to book a whale-watching tour is generally in August and September, when the humpbacks tend to be their most active.

The best time to see land-based Australian wildlife is more about the time of day than the time of year. The best time to see land wildlife is during the hours of dusk and dawn, specifically for animals such as kangaroos and wombats. After spending their day dozing in gum trees, the best time to spot koalas is in the evenings. 

The great thing about Australia is that because it’s so big, there are so many different species of wildlife. And with lots of wildlife comes lots of baby animals. While sea turtles can be seen in Australian waters any time of year, if you visit Queensland between November and January, you’ll see turtles come onto the beach to lay their eggs. If you visit from January to April, you’ll be able to see the baby turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean. 

The Best Time to Visit Australia 

Australia Beach. Photo: Nick Dunn | Unsplash

Australia is a fantastic holiday destination that has so much to offer. 

Where you plan on spending your time in the country will depend on the best time of year to visit. 

If you’re looking for a beach holiday in New South Wales or southeast Queensland, it’s best to visit from September to April. However, if you want to hit the slopes in New South Wales and Victoria, the best time to visit is from June to September. 

No matter how you plan on spending your time in Australia, one thing’s for sure, it’s a destination worth being on the top of everyone’s bucket list.

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