When is the best time to visit Australia?

January to March 

January to March is one of the best times to explore Southern Australia, with warm, sunny, and dry days perfect for beaches, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures. This is also peak holiday season for Australians, so booking early is highly recommended to secure your preferred accommodations and tours.

In the Tropical North, this period marks the wet season, bringing high humidity, heavy rain, and occasional storms. While you can still visit the Great Barrier Reef, weather conditions can be unpredictable. On the west coast, around Ningaloo Reef, expect hot but dry days.

In the Red Centre, including Uluru and Alice Springs, temperatures soar, with hot, dry days and warm evenings perfect for dramatic desert sunsets.

Events & Festivals

• December/January – New Year’s Eve, Sydney: Experience Sydney’s world-famous fireworks over the harbour as the city celebrates in spectacular style.
• January – Australian Open, Melbourne: Join the excitement as the world’s top tennis players compete in one of the sport’s most prestigious Grand Slams.
• March – Adelaide Festival: A major international arts event featuring world-class opera, theatre, dance, and music performances.

April to May

April to May is one of the best times to visit Australia, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds. The southern regions enjoy warm, sunny days and crisp evenings, while the northern tropics begin to dry out after the wet season, making it easier to explore remote outback roads and national parks. Across New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, you’ll witness stunning autumn colours.

Events & Festivals

• Mid-March to May – Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia: Swim alongside the world’s largest fish as they migrate through the crystal-clear waters of the Ningaloo Coast.
• May/June – Vivid Sydney: Experience the world’s largest festival of light, where Sydney’s iconic landmarks, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, are illuminated with breathtaking light projections and art installations.
• May – Whale Watching Season: Spot migrating whales along the coasts of Tasmania (Freycinet & Bruny Island), New South Wales (Sydney & Merimbula), Western Australia (Albany), and Victoria (Warrnambool).

June to September

June to September is the best time to visit the Tropical North of Australia, with warm, sunny, and dry days creating ideal conditions for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Kakadu National Park. Visibility for snorkelling and diving is at its best, and humidity is low, making this the perfect season for outdoor adventures.

In the southern regions such as Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia, expect cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall perfect for cosy getaways, winter festivals, and gourmet food and wine trails. In Australia’s Red Centre, including Uluru and Alice Springs, days are warm and pleasant while evenings turn cool, so it’s best to pack layers.

Events & Festivals (June–September)

• June – Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia: Swim with the world’s largest fish as they migrate through the turquoise waters of the Ningaloo Coast.
• June to September – Whale Watching Season: Spot majestic humpback whales along Australia’s coastline — in Tasmania (Freycinet & Bruny Island), New South Wales (Sydney, Merimbula & Byron Bay), Western Australia (Albany), Victoria (Warrnambool), and Queensland (Hervey Bay & Fraser Island).
• May/June – Vivid Sydney: Don’t miss the world’s largest festival of light, where Sydney’s skyline and landmarks like the Opera House transform into a vibrant canvas of colour and creativity.

October to December

October to December is one of the best times to visit Australia, offering warm spring and early summer weather ideal for beaches, outdoor adventures, and sightseeing across the country. From the vibrant cities of Sydney and Melbourne to the scenic coastlines of Queensland and Western Australia, this period is perfect for exploring national parks, wine regions, and world-famous landmarks.

In the tropical north, humidity begins to rise towards the end of November, with the occasional thunderstorm signalling the approach of the wet season. However, it’s still a fantastic time to experience the Great Barrier Reef before the summer rains arrive.

Events & Festivals (October–December)

• November – Melbourne Cup Carnival: Experience Australia’s most iconic horse racing event — the “race that stops the nation.” Enjoy a week of fashion, festivities, and world-class racing in Melbourne.
• October to November – Whale Watching Season: Witness the tail end of the whale migration along New South Wales (Sydney, Merimbula & Byron Bay), Western Australia (Albany), and Queensland (Hervey Bay & Fraser Island).