Best time to visit Australia

Visiting Australia in February

The glorious sunshine continues into February, usually the hottest month of the year. Tasmania generally has a milder climate than the mainland, though in February you can expect beautiful weather and plenty to do. As well as the notorious Tasmanian devil and other endemic creatures, the vibrant food-and-wine culture make this island a must-visit destination. Visit scenic wineries, untouched natural landscapes and wildlife-abundant reserves.   

When it comes to February festivals, you can witness the Asian Lunar New Year celebrations taking place throughout the country. In Sydney, you can celebrate the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. 

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Visiting Australia in March

The tail end of the Australian summer is a great time to enjoy a sunny beach break. March isn’t considered a peak month, meaning less crowds and lower prices. You can explore the South Australian Outback, Flinders Ranges and other wildlife-watching destinations like Kangaroo Island. Take a self-drive itinerary through the wine regions or along the Great Ocean Road. 

In Melbourne you can partake in the combined celebrations of the Moomba Festival and Victoria Labour Day. Here you’ll find a colourful street parade with costumed participants as well as a range of activities taking place on the Yarra River.

Visiting Australia in April

In the heart of autumn, witness striking natural scenes as the horizon explodes in red and gold. While the weather cools down a little, the further north you travel the warmer it will be. Queensland’s Gold and Sunshine Coasts offer a chance to get some off-peak sun, while the climate in the Outback is just right for getting active and exploring. 

The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, Surfer’s Paradise Festival and Byron Bay’s Eastern Roots & Blues Festival provide some great beachside entertainment. You can also unleash your inner nerd at the SupaNova Cosplay Parade.     

Visiting Australia in May

Explore Australia’s most iconic attractions, from the Northern Territory to the Great Barrier Reef in bordering Queensland. These destinations offer some of the best weather available in May, and without the heat of full summer you can sustain an active itinerary. As well as snorkelling in deep-water national parks and guided trekking in the Red Centre, you’ll find secluded beaches where you can relax undisturbed.   

Witness the Captain Cook 1770 Festival at the unusually named town of Seventeen Seventy, or celebrate the return of the whale shark to Ningaloo Reef at the Whale Shark Festival in Exmouth. 

Visiting Australia in June

Winter comes to Australia in June, and during this period some of the country’s southern regions can get chilly – yet Australian winters are far milder than in most other countries. With the return of the whale shark, snorkelling excursions to Ningaloo Reef become a key attraction. More remote than the Great Barrier, Ningaloo is also a great destination for spotting humpback and southern right whale. The northern portion of the West Coast is full of endless stretches of beach, as well as nature reserves teeming with Australian creatures, from the cuddly koala to fascinating reptiles. 

Visiting Australia in July

Long after the summer crowds have gone, the climate of Noosa in Queensland remains mild. This welcoming waterfront environment offers a huge range of experiences, making Noosa an excellent destination for families. Relax on endless beaches, explore spectacular coastal trails and visit quaint farmers’ markets. Meanwhile, nature lovers will find world-famous Australia Zoo and Noosa National Park close at hand.

Further north, the Darwin Beer Can Regatta is held in July. At this curious event, competitors build boats from old beer cans to race them the waters off Mindil Beach.

Visiting Australia in August

As most Australians start putting on extra layers, the Outback and Northern Territories remain warm. The humidity (which can hamper summer journeys here) is much reduced, making August a great time to visit the Kakadu or Mary River National Park. Marvel at dramatic waterfalls and stretching floodplains, swim in water pools and search mangrove swamps for rare creatures. You can also cruise the Yellow Water Billabong or visit Warradjun Aboriginal Culture Centre. 

August brings the National Country Music Muster as well as the Balingup Medieval Carnival, where Middle-Ages costumes are donned by all. 

Visiting Australia in September

Temperatures rise as spring takes hold. Those seeking Australia’s untamed ruggedness can explore the Kimberley, a huge savanna full of natural beauty. Discover dramatic gorges and winding rivers as you explore by foot, boat or on horseback.  

Canberra’s Floriade is a month-long flower festival where you can see over a million blooming flowers as you take part in local activities and eating experiences. The Perth Wildflower Festival showcases thousands of wildflower species on the many rural paths and nature trails nearby. A third springtime festival is the Wangaratta Orchid Show, when Australia’s most exotic flora steal centre stage.

Visiting Australia in October

As spring continues and the mercury creeps up, the beaches come back on agenda. October is also a good month for snorkelling trips at the Ningaloo and Great Barrier Reefs. Tasmania and the south of the country become holiday hot spots once more as wineries here open for business. Throughout the country, your nature walks and safari trips are at their most picturesque as the many colours of Australian spring burst into the vegetation. Choose a luxury lodge with views of Ayers Rock, a legendary sandstone structure which lies hundreds of miles from civilisation. 

Visiting Australia in November

The last month of Spring, November brings gorgeous weather to the south. The northern regions experience a wet season around this time, making November a good month to explore wild Western Australia. With beaches and national parks empty of tourists, the west is perfect for those who love warm weather but not so much the crowds.

Here you can visit the Margaret River Gourmet Escape to experience forest feasts, farmhouse breakfasts and a range of wine-tasting events. The Fremantle Festival also takes place in November, when the city comes alive with musical street performances and vivid floats.  

Visiting Australia in December

As holiday season begins, festive summer cheer takes hold. Popular beaches are likely to be busy, yet there are many destinations off the tourist routes. Visit Lord Howe Island where visitor numbers are managed to sustain its peaceful atmosphere and conserve its subtropical forests. Christmas is a huge event here. Celebrating in the height of summer makes for an incredibly novel experience. 

Head to Sydney for Carols by the Sea, a delightful free concert held on Bondi Pavilion. Other intriguing festive events are the 70-year-old Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the Penguin Parade on Philip Island.