A month by month guide of when to go to Australia
Australia is a year-round destination, but with such a vast and varied landscape, the best time to visit depends a lot on where you're heading and what you want to do. From tropical rainforests to desert Outback, temperate islands to coral reefs, every region has its own rhythm. One thing you can usually count on, though, there will be sunshine somewhere.
Seasons are reversed from the UK, with summer running from December to February and winter from June to August. Northern Australia, including the Top End and the Great Barrier Reef, has a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season, while the south, including Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania, follows a more traditional, for the UK and US, four-season pattern.
Below is a summary of when to visit or scroll down for a full month-by-month guide.
Australia peak season:
December to January is Australia’s summer holiday, so beaches and national parks can get busy and prices rise accordingly.
Australia low season:
June to August in the southern states is quieter and cooler, with good value to be found. While parts of Northern and Central Australia are best explored at this time.
Best time to visit Australia by region/activity
- Best for the Great Barrier Reef: June – October
- Best for the Red Centre: April – October
- Best for East Coast beaches: December – March
- Best for Whale Watching along the East Coast: June – November
- Best for wildlife in the National Parks: March – October (variations between parks)
- Best for hiking in Tasmania: December – February
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January
Australia’s summer holidays bring long, hot days and pool party energy. It’s perfect for beach holidays: head to the Whitsundays, Byron Bay, or the Sunshine Coast. In the south, cities like Sydney and Melbourne buzz with outdoor events and festivals, while Tasmania is at its best for walking and wildlife. Expect high demand in coastal areas, so book well in advance.
February
Still hot across much of the country, February is ideal for tropical islands, coastal escapes, and Tasmania’s wild beauty. It’s also a brilliant time for food, wine, music, and art festivals in the southern states. The Red Centre can be scorching, so probably best to go elsewhere unless early morning walks are your cup of tea. This is shoulder season in some areas, generally offering better rates.
March
One of the most pleasant months to travel, with cooler temperatures arriving in the southeast but summer warmth lingering. It’s a great time to visit Sydney and Melbourne, explore the Blue Mountains, or enjoy vineyard tours in the Barossa Valley. In the north, the rains begin to ease, and wildlife is active in Kakadu and the Daintree. Whale sharks start to arrive at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia – a bucket-list experience for marine lovers.
April
Australia starts to settle into autumn, making it one of the best times for touring. It’s still warm enough for beach days in Queensland, while the southern states enjoy mild weather and autumnal colours, especially in wine regions like Margaret River in Western Australia. Kakadu and the Top End tend to dry out, offering superb wetland wildlife viewing. Uluru is cooler now too, with fantastic conditions for sunrise and sunset walks. School holidays can make national parks busier, so plan ahead.
May
Crisp mornings and blue skies mark the start of the dry season in the north – perfect for wildlife sightings, as animals gather around waterholes. In the south, temperatures drop but it’s still a lovely time to explore cities, coastlines, before winter begins.
June
Winter arrives across southern Australia, bringing cooler temperatures but clear skies – great for city breaks, or spotting whales migrating along the east coast. Elsewhere, this is peak time for the north, with dry, sunny weather and thriving wildlife. The Red Centre is also ideal now, with cool nights and comfortable days. Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef is excellent. Tasmania is chilly but atmospheric, with log fires, fresh produce and quiet trails.
July
Mid-winter in the south means crisp, cool days – perfect for wine tasting, coastal walks, and wildlife spotting in places like Kangaroo Island. Northern Australia is still in its dry season and arguably at its best, with bright days, clear skies and easy access to remote areas. It’s the ideal time for reef and rainforest adventures in Queensland, as well as cultural experiences around Uluru. Popular with UK holidaymakers, this is peak season in many regions, so early booking is advised.
August
A great time to experience both northern and southern Australia. The Top End remains dry and rich in wildlife, and it’s also an excellent month to visit the Red Centre. Whale watching is in full swing along the New South Wales and Queensland coasts. In the south, wildflowers begin to bloom, especially in Western Australia, although it can be wet and stormy during this period, so make sure to check the weather report!
September
Spring begins across the country, with rising temperatures and blossoming landscapes. It’s an ideal month for the Great Ocean Road, Blue Mountains hikes, or exploring the Barossa Valley in full bloom. Northern Australia remains dry and comfortable, making it great for outdoor adventures. Whale shark season continues at Ningaloo, and the Great Barrier Reef has excellent visibility for snorkelling. The weather is reliably good across most regions, making this a top all-round travel month.
October
A transition month with warm weather returning to the south and dry conditions holding in the north. It’s a brilliant time for the Whitsunday Islands, before the humidity kicks in. Tasmania is back in bloom, and cities across the south host food and cultural festivals. Wildlife is active throughout the country, spot crocs and birds in Kakadu or kangaroos in the Grampians. Temperatures in the Red Centre are climbing, so plan early morning hikes. Still outside peak season, it’s a great time to go.
November
With summer around the corner, November is ideal for combining city breaks with nature. Beaches in Queensland and New South Wales are warming up, while tropical rain has yet to fully arrive in the north. The wildflowers are still out in parts of Western and South Australia. It’s a great month for exploring Sydney or sailing through the Whitsundays. The north becomes hot and humid, though some areas remain accessible.
December
Australia’s summer holiday season kicks off in December, with the coastlines coming into their own – perfect for beach holidays on the Whitsundays or at Byron Bay. Christmas and New Year are celebrated outdoors with barbecues and surfing. It’s also a great time for Tasmania and the south coast before temperatures peak in January. Northern Australia is entering the wet season, so expect high humidity and afternoon storms. Book early for popular holiday spots, as demand is high.