Best Time to Visit Australia

The seasons in Australia are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Australia’s size also creates many different ecosystems that change dramatically from north to south, with the north feeling more tropical and the south more temperate. Depending on the goals of your trip, certain times of the year might be better than others.

Summer: December to January

December and January are the perfect months to visit Australia’s southern states, like New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. The warm summer weather is great for beaches and offers a reprieve from the winter in the Northern Hemisphere. You can also experience the celebrated outdoor lifestyle of famous Australian cities. As you consider your plans, the climate of Queensland and the Northern Territory can be too hot or rainy, so these regions are less ideal.

What to Expect

• Sun-Warmed Sand: Feel the intense warmth of the sand give way to the refreshing shock of cool, turquoise water at iconic southern beaches like Bondi or St Kilda.
• Festive Energy: Hear the joyful hum of cities alive with holiday spirit, from the sound of clinking glasses at rooftop bars to vibrant street performances.
• Tropical Humidity: Feel the heavy, moist air and hear the dramatic downpours of the wet season in the tropical north.
• Peak Demand: If you decide to visit during the bustling peak season, navigate it with our specialists’ help by planning well in advance. This will allow our experts to secure you reservations at the most sought-after restaurants and exclusive accommodations.

Spring: September to October

Australia generally has mild temperatures across the country in September and October, with many states celebrating the changing weather with festivals and blossoming wildflowers. Desert flowers and jacarandas bloom, and the Top End, the northernmost region of Australia's Northern Territory, experiences the end of its dry season.

What to Expect

• Desert Blooms: Breath in the sweet, delicate scent of wildflowers carpeting the vast landscapes of Western Australia in a rare, colorful display.
• Northern Clarity: Feel the gentle, dry heat under endless blue skies as the Top End's dry season comes to a pleasant close.
• Cool Evenings: Savor the light chill in the air, perfect for enjoying an intimate alfresco dinner or exploring city laneways under soft lighting.
• Vivid Color: Witness the stunning, almost surreal purple canopy of jacaranda trees blanketing the streets of Sydney and Brisbane.

Fall: March to April

Across Australia, March and April typically bring comfortable temperatures, making them ideal for exploration, especially for activities like hiking. The tropical wet season around northern states calms down, while the temperatures of the southern states cool, offering great autumn colors, but persistent beach weather. The lack of extreme temperatures makes this a fantastic time to explore.

What to Expect

• Vineyard Colors: See the brilliant transformation of vineyards to fiery reds and deep golds, and hear the crunch of leaves underfoot in regions like the Yarra Valley.
• Coastal Ease: Feel the silky, warm ocean water against your skin, perfect for a private swim or charter cruise along the East Coast.
• Crisp Air: Breath in the fresh, eucalyptus-scented air on a hike, the day perfectly balanced with comfortable warmth and low humidity.
• Northern Relief: Feel the welcome retreat of heavy humidity in the tropical north, replaced by restorative, dry air.

Winter: June to July

June and July represent the best of Australia’s winter, giving you access to a diversity of activities. Tropical beaches in the north are warm, while ski slopes in the south are blanketed with snow. The cooler weather makes it much easier to visit the Outback deserts or dive in the Great Barrier Reef.

What to Expect

• Alpine Air: Feel the sharp, clean bite of cold air and hear the soft shush of skis slicing through fresh powder on the slopes of Victoria.
• Tropical Sun: Enjoy the gentle, pleasant warmth of the sun on your skin in the tropical north, a perfect escape from the southern chill.
• Cozy Indoors: Welcome the cooler, rainier days in Melbourne or Hobart as an opportunity to linger over a perfectly pulled espresso in a warm café.

Desert Comfort: Feel the mild, dry air on your face as you explore the Red Centre, able to comfortably walk and discover its landmarks without the oppressive summer heat.

The best time for general sightseeing in Australia is during the spring, from September to October, and fall, in March and April. These months offer mild temperatures, allowing you to comfortably experience more of Australia in a single trip. They provide a pleasant balance between agreeable weather and access to Australia’s celebrated remote landscapes.

What to Expect

• Salty Air: Feel the refreshing, cool spray of the ocean and smell the salt in the air during the iconic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.
• Clear Skies: Witness the brilliant white sails of the Sydney Opera House starkly defined against a perfect, deep blue sky.
• Laneway Charm: Follow the scent of roasting coffee and the muffled sounds of jazz as you explore Melbourne's hidden laneways, the temperature pleasantly mild.
• Desert Light: Experience the profound, reverent silence of the desert as you watch Uluru shift through a breathtaking spectrum of ocher, orange, and deep red.
• Billabong Life: Hear the sudden splash of a crocodile and the calls of thousands of birds as you glide through the Yellow Water Billabong, watching the wildlife gather at the water's edge.

Best Months

• March
• April
• September
• October

Learn more by having a look at our 2-Week Australia Tours.

The best time to enjoy Australia’s beaches is in the fall, from March to April, and spring, in September and October. These seasons have the most agreeable temperatures nationwide, making the supreme, pearly sands of the East Coast accessible, from Sydney's famous shorelines to the secluded coves of South Australia.

What to Expect

• Silica Sand: Feel the uniquely soft, powdery silica sand of Whitehaven Beach cool beneath your feet. It’s so fine it squeaks.
• Gentle Warmth: Feel the perfect, restorative warmth of the sun on your skin, strong enough to relax you, but without the sharp intensity of mid-summer.
• Warm Water: Feel the surprising buoyancy and supportive warmth of the water as your surfing private instructor guides you onto your first wave at Manly.
• Coastal Drives: Tast the distinct sharpness of salt on the air as you wind along the dramatic cliffs of the Great Ocean Road, windows down.
• Calm Shores: Hear the gentle, rhythmic lapping of waves on Adelaide's Henley Beach, the sun shining brightly in a cloudless sky.

Best Months

• March
• April
• September
• October

You can explore incredible beaches and remote possibilities by taking a look at our Best Secret Islands of the Great Barrier Reef.

The best time for surfing in Australia is from February to May. While the best surf changes by area, the wet season in the tropical north helps feed wave breaks along the eastern shoreline, while powerful waves fill the winter months along the south coast. From the Gold Coast to Bells Beach, this period handles large swells and smaller breaks.

What to Expect

• Catching Waves: Feel the exhilarating rush of power as the wave picks you up, carrying you on a long, clean ride at the legendary Snapper Rocks.
• Ocean Power: Feel the immense power of the Southern Ocean as you paddle out at Bells Beach, the air cold and spray sharp against your face.
• Warm Waters: Enjoy the surprising pleasure of paddling out in boardshorts, the water at Noosa Heads pleasantly warm, even in the soft light of early morning.
• Surf Culture: Soak in the unique, laid-back atmosphere of a classic surf town, smelling the comforting scent of board wax and drying wetsuits.
• Sunrise Sessions: Feel the quiet solitude of Bondi at sunrise, sharing the ocean with only a handful of others as the sky turns from grey to pink.

Best Months

• February
• March
• April
• May

Find more to inspire you with our Best Sydney, Australia, tours and vacations.

The best time to visit Western Australia is during the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) shoulder seasons. This vast state spans multiple climates, but these months offer the most comfortable conditions for the greatest range of activities. Spring is particularly famous for the spectacular wildflower season in the south, while autumn provides excellent, settled weather for cruising the Kimberley region in the north and enjoying the renowned Margaret River wine region without the intense summer heat.

What to Expect

• Wildflower Spectacle: Inhale the sweet, delicate fragrance of millions of native flowers, turning vast landscapes in the south into a blanket of unexpected color.
• Kimberley Clarity: Feel the pleasant, dry heat and see the stunning red cliffs of the Kimberley plateau clearly defined against a perfect blue sky after the wet season.
• Wine Harvest: Taste the sophisticated blends of a cabernet sauvignon or chardonnay during the mild, beautiful autumn harvest in Margaret River.
• Coastal Drives: Feel the warm sun and cool breeze as you drive the rugged coastline, pausing at secluded beaches and tranquil bays.

Best Months

• March
• April
• September
• October
• November

Further information on Australia’s wine regions can be found in our Best Wine Regions in Australia.

The best time to visit Sydney is during the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). These months offer the most agreeable temperatures for sightseeing and enjoying the city’s famous harbor and beaches without the peak summer crowds and humidity. Spring is marked by the blooming of the iconic jacaranda trees and an energetic city life, while autumn provides consistent warmth, perfect for walking the coastal paths.

What to Expect

• Harbour Views: Witness the Opera House and Harbour Bridge perfectly framed against a clear, temperate sky, ideal for an unhurried walking tour or private cruise.
• Coastal Comfort: Feel the restorative sea breeze as you complete the famous Bondi to Coogee walk, the temperature perfect for exercise.
• Jacaranda Blooms: Walk under the stunning, almost surreal purple canopy of blooming jacaranda trees that line the streets and parks in spring.
• Alfresco Ease: Enjoy a meal or drink outdoors in The Rocks or Darling Harbour, with pleasant evening temperatures that invite late-night conversation.

Best Months

• September
• October
• March
• April

Let Zicasso’s Sydney tours inspire your vacation.

The best time to visit Melbourne is during autumn (March to May) and late spring (October and November). Melbourne is known for its quickly changing weather, but these periods offer the greatest chance for stable, mild days, which are perfect for exploring the city's celebrated cultural and food scene. Autumn, in particular, showcases the beautiful foliage in the city's parks and surrounding regions like the Yarra Valley, while the sporting season is in full swing.

What to Expect

• Laneway Exploration: Follow the scent of roasting coffee and the muffled sounds of jazz as you explore hidden laneways, the temperature pleasantly cool and invigorating.
• Yarra Valley Hues: See the surrounding wine country awash in the fiery reds and deep golds of changing foliage, perfect for a scenic drive and wine tasting.
• Outdoor Events: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of outdoor events, festivals, and sporting matches in comfortable, dry conditions.
• Cosy Cafés: Welcome the occasional crisp, cool day as an excuse to linger in a warm, historic café with a book and a perfectly brewed espresso.

Best Months

• March
• April
• October
• November

On our Australian Adventure Tour for Seniors: Sydney to Melbourne, you will discover everything from the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback.

The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from June to October. This period is the dry season in tropical Queensland, meaning less rainfall and clearer water for superior visibility. The water remains warm, but the evenings along the coast are refreshingly cool. The reef system also includes a vast network of islands, like the Whitsundays, known for their white-sand beaches.

What to Expect

• Coral Gardens: Feel a profound sense of weightlessness as you drift effortlessly over a vibrant, intricate garden of living coral.
• Crystal Clarity: Marvel at the glass-like transparency of the water, allowing you to see the intricate patterns on a passing sea turtle in sharp, vivid detail.
• Deep Silence: Tune into the meditative sound of your own breathing, the only sound in the deep, blue silence during a private scuba charter.
• Boat Deck: Feel the crisp, dry air and gentle breeze on the deck of your catamaran, a welcome contrast to the region's typical humidity.
• Relaxed Snorkeling: Feel completely at ease as you slip into the water, knowing it’s the safest time of year for a relaxed snorkeling experience.

Best Months

• June
• July
• September
• October

Allow our Great Barrier Reef tours and vacations to inspire your journey.

The best time to experience the Northern Territory is during the dry season, from June to September. The tropical wet season has finished, the desert's high heat has diminished, and wildlife is at its most active. While southern states are cool, the Top End offers a warm welcome with seemingly endless sunny skies, letting you explore from the shifting sands of Uluru to the vast water formations of Katherine Gorge.

What to Expect

• Dry Warmth: Feel the pure, dry warmth of the desert air on your skin during the day, a stark and pleasant contrast to the surprisingly crisp, cool nights.
• Earthy Scent: Breathe in the unmistakable, earthy smell of damp red earth and spinifex grass just as the first rays of sun warm the cool desert.
• Vivid Wildlife: Hear the cacophony of birds and the deep splash of a saltwater crocodile as wildlife congregates in huge numbers around Kakadu's shrinking waterholes.
• Deep Silence: Experience the immense, profound silence of the desert as you dine under a glittering canopy of stars, seemingly brighter and closer than you've ever seen.
• Ancient Stories: Feel the textured surface of the ancient rock as your indigenous guide shares the Dreamtime stories painted there thousands of years ago.

Best Months

• June
• July
• August
• September

If you are an adventure seeker, see Zicasso’s Best Adventure Destinations in Australia.

June, July, August, and September tend to be the best months to visit Queensland. The winter in this tropical climate is dry and cool, making it a good time to explore the coastline by boat, head inland in search of wildlife, or see the Great Barrier Reef's coral systems. You can experience Queensland’s breadth, including spotting wildlife like cassowaries and dingoes.

What to Expect

• Calm Waters: Feel the gentle spray on your face as your private yacht cuts through the impossibly blue, calm waters of the Whitsunday Islands.
• Rainforest Air: Breathe in the cool, damp, oxygen-rich air of the Daintree Rainforest, filled with the scent of ancient ferns and wet earth on a guided morning walk.
• Rare Sightings: Feel the thrill of a sudden, quiet movement in the foliage before spotting the brilliant blue neck and black feathers of a rare, elusive cassowary.
• Alfresco Dining: Savor a complex dish at an upscale Brisbane restaurant, the cool evening air making outdoor dining a distinct pleasure.
• Soft Sand: Walk along the expansive, palm-fringed Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas, the sand firm and cool underfoot at dusk.

Best Months

• June
• July
• August
• September

The Best Places to See Wildlife in Australia has a wealth of information on the country’s species.

The best time to visit Australia’s wine regions is in the late fall in the Southern Hemisphere, from April to June. Australian wines are ranked among the world's best. Its wineries are set in beautiful landscapes and often provide exquisite food. From the Margaret River to the Barossa Valley, this period includes the harvest season and many local festivals.

What to Expect

• Cellar Scents: Inhale the rich, complex aroma of fermenting grapes, damp earth, and toasted oak barrels in the quiet cool of a private wine cellar.
• Barrel Tastings: Feel the velvety texture and taste the bold, peppery notes of a Barossa Valley shiraz, poured for you by the winemaker directly from the barrel.
• Crisp Air: Step into the crisp, cool air, your senses immediately picking up the comforting, smoky scent from a winery's hearth.
• Golden Hues: Witness the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley awash in a sea of golden, amber, and deep crimson foliage, the light soft and autumnal.
• Gourmet Lunches: Take your time with a multi-course gourmet lunch, each dish perfectly paired with an estate wine, as you look out over the tranquil, sunlit vines.

Best Months

• April
• May
• June

Be inspired after taking a look at our Australia wine tours.

The best time for family travel in Australia is during the fall, from March to April, and spring, in September and October. Instead of summer’s high heat or winter’s potential chill, these seasons provide many opportunities for nature walks and cultural excursions. From snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef to learning about Dreamtime in the Daintree Rainforest, options abound in perfect weather.

What to Expect

• Wild Encounters: Hear the delighted gasps from your children as they spot their first kangaroo grazing peacefully in the wild, its powerful form silhouetted against the bush.
• First Snorkels: Feel the calm, warm, buoyant water support your family on a private reef pontoon, creating a safe and exciting first snorkeling experience.
• Harbor Cruises: Feel the refreshing wind and light spray on your faces as your private cruise rounds Bennelong Point, revealing the Sydney Opera House up close.
• Easy Hikes: Walk comfortably on a guided trail, the air mild and pleasant, making it easy for everyone to stay engaged with the guide's stories of the bush.
• Penguin Parade: Huddle together in the cool twilight air, hearing the first excited chirps before watching hundreds of small penguins bravely waddle past you up the beach.

Best Months

• March
• April
• September
• October

For more details on what you and your family can expect in Australia, see our sample Australia family vacations.

Fall, in March and April, and spring, from September to October, are the best times for couples to visit Australia. The mild temperatures highlight the changing landscapes, creating endless opportunities for romance. In cities like Melbourne or on remote islands like the Whitsundays, spring brings flower festivals, while autumn offers glimpses of changing leaves and seasonal food.

What to Expect

• Private Dinners: Feel the soft sand underfoot as you're guided to a table for two, hearing only the gentle lapping of waves and the pop of a champagne cork.
• Sunset Drinks: Hear the quiet clink of champagne glasses as you watch the sun ignite Uluru in fiery colors from the serene, private terrace of your luxury lodge.
• Quiet Retreats: Wake to the sound of birdsong and the smell of eucalyptus, enveloped in the complete peace and solitude of a private Blue Mountains wilderness retreat.
• Gourmet Meals: Savor the complex, unexpected flavors of a degustation menu at a world-class restaurant, the ambiance intimate and exclusive.
• Blooming Scents: Walk hand-in-hand under a stunning purple canopy, the air filled with the sweet, subtle fragrance of blooming jacaranda trees.

Best Months

• March
• April
• September
• October

Take a look at our sample Australia tours for couples for more information.

The fall months of March and April and the spring months of September and October are the best times to visit Australia for seniors. These shoulder seasons provide mild temperatures that demonstrate the natural and cultural beauty of the country in much more comfortable conditions. An Australia tour for seniors focuses on escaping the crowds while exploring the highlights across the country, from the islands of the Great Barrier Reef to the arcades of Melbourne, the cultural connection to the Daintree Rainforest to the incredible views of Uluru. Whether looking for an adventure at your pace or interested in exploring the vineyards of one of the famous winegrowing regions, fall and spring are the best months for an all-around Australia trip.

What to Expect

• Uncrowded Comfort: Walk the scenic coastal paths near Sydney or the galleries of Melbourne, enjoying a relaxed pace without the strain of summer crowds or heat.
• Easy Access: Cruise through the calm, dry-season waters of the Great Barrier Reef or the Yellow Water Billabong, with stable conditions perfect for viewing wildlife.
• Desert Delight: Feel the dry, mild air on your face as you comfortably explore the base of Uluru, enjoying sunrise and sunset without the oppressive summer heat.
• Al Fresco Dining: Savor a delightful meal on a vineyard terrace in the Barossa Valley or Yarra Valley, the air crisp and pleasant with autumn colors all around.
• Seasonal Blooms: See the unexpected, colorful spectacle of wildflowers blooming across the Western Australian landscape in the gentle warmth of spring.

Best Months

• March
• April
• September
• October

Take a look at our sample Australia tours for seniors for more information.

October to December is the best time for spring and summer activities. While visiting a museum or restaurant is a year-round activity, other excursions are weather-dependent. These months provide the best weather for seasonal activities that vary by region.

What to Expect

• Floral Scents: Be enveloped by the overwhelming, sweet perfume of millions of native wildflowers at Perth's Kings Park Festival.
• River Rushing: Feel the cold shock of spray and the rush of adrenaline as your raft plunges through whitewater, powered by the spring snowmelt.
• Luxury Glamping: Sleep under canvas in total comfort, the night air warm and the sky so clear you can see the Milky Way from your bed.
• Island Hopping: Feel the sun and wind as your private boat zips between secluded harbor islands, each offering a new, exclusive view of the city.
• New Vintages: Taste the crisp, bright, acidic notes of a newly released semillon, the winemaker explaining its profile in a sun-drenched Hunter Valley tasting room.

Best Months

• October
• November
• December

April to July are the best months for fall and winter activities. The changing temperatures are great for outdoor experiences as southern states cool down and northern states exit the wet season. This period highlights the continent's diversity, offering a different perspective on its scenery, culture, and wildlife.

What to Expect

• Turtle Hatching: Feel the tension and awe as you quietly watch tiny, determined turtle hatchlings emerge from the sand and scramble toward the moonlit surf.
• Fresh Powder: Hear the satisfying crunch of fresh powder under your boots and feel the sharp, clean, cold air fill your lungs on the Victorian slopes.
• Clear Diving: Marvel at the new ecosystems visible in the temperate, clear waters, where migrating whales or leafy sea dragons might appear from the blue.
• Cycling Tours: Feel the easy rhythm of a long cycling expedition, the air comfortably cool as you pedal past rows of golden vines in a quiet wine region.
• Dry Rainforests: Walk deep into the Daintree Rainforest, able to hear the distinct calls of birds and insects clearly in the dry, comfortable air.

Best Months

• April
• May
• June
• July

Understanding the different seasons in Australia will help you plan the type of experiences you want or the destinations you wish to visit. Each season offers remarkable opportunities, from seeing the deep colors of Uluru to spotting dingoes on a white-sand beach.

Explore even further with our Australia travel guide. To plan your trip, you can find inspiration with our sample Australia vacations and tours before you speak to an Australia travel specialist.