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Best Time of Year to Visit Australia

Explore > Travel Planning Articles > Best Time of Year to Visit Australia

Date published:
2023-05-07


Ayers Rock, also known as Uluru
Ayers Rock, photo courtesy Pete Edgeler on Flickr.


Michael Cottam  

About the author, Michael Cottam


Founder of Visual Itineraries, Michael lives in Bend, Oregon. He's an avid traveler, scuba diver, photographer, and a private pilot, and also the founder of Bright Yonder, which offers marketing tools to travel agents. He's been to Fiji, Thailand, Vietnam, Seychelles, Kenya, France, England, New Zealand, Jamaica, Belize, Costa Rica, Turks & Caicos, British Virgin Islands, Mexico, and the major islands in French Polynesia. He's been in Rotary for 23 years, currently on the board of the Greater Bend Rotary Club. Here's his LinkedIn and Pinterest.

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Australia is enormous, with a wide range of climates. The northern states are typically warm year-round, while the southern states have cooler winters. December to February is summer; March to May is autumn; June to August is winter; and September to November is spring.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: The Reef House Palm Cove MGallery by Sofitel


The Reef House Palm Cove MGallery by Sofitel 5 nights from 1,830 per person
The Reef House Palm Cove MGallery by SofitelThe Reef House Palm Cove MGallery by Sofitel

Boutique hotels with personality for a remarkable travel experience
Located just 25 minutes north of Cairns in the secluded Palm Cove, an upscale boutique beachfront experience awaits guests at Reef House Palm Cove MGallery by Sofitel.The resort offers a warm, personalised service for all guests and together with its comprehensive range of resort facilities, The Reef House is the perfect getaway for couples seeking romantic bliss or simply a holiday in sheer relaxation.

Situated within Palm Cove Village, The Reef House Palm Cove, MGallery is a secluded hideaway less than half an hour from Cairns Airport. Guests staying at this spectacular Palm Cove hotel can easily while away the days relaxing in the resort and exploring the village, with its restaurants, shops, bars and cafés. Guests who want to get out and explore the area can discover the many attractions of Tropical North Queensland, including the Great Barrier Reef, the Atherton Tablelands & the Daintree Rainforest.
Learn more about The Reef House Palm Cove MGallery by Sofitel

Daily housekeeping
On the beach
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Full-service spa
2 outdoor pools
Breakfast available
Free use of bicycles
Beach towels
Spa tub
Room service
Massage/treatment rooms
Business center





Typical airfares from LAX to Sydney, Australia




Airfares vary by season, but also day of week, and are definitely affected by holidays. The chart above shows the typical minimum and maximum fares for a economy class ticket from Los Angeles (LAX) to Sydney (SYD), by month.

 
TRAVEL SPECIAL: Novotel Darwin Atrium


Novotel Darwin Atrium 5 nights from 460 per person
Novotel Darwin AtriumNovotel Darwin Atrium is conveniently located in the city centre, overlooking Darwin Harbour. This 4 star hotel is a short stroll from the Mitchell Street dining and entertainment precinct and is equally suited for business trips and holidays. Boasting 140 spacious rooms and conferencing facilities, Novotel Darwin Atrium features a magnificent tropical indoor rainforest, complete with cascading vines and palm trees. Try the famous cocktails in the bar or enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant.

The hotel is well positioned close to local attractions including the wharf precinct, shopping, the Darwin Entertainment Centre, botanical gardens and casino. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi.

From breakfast to lunch, dinner or a tasty little snack, Novotel provides balanced choices and a la carte service 24/7 at all its hotels. At Novotel, you can count on enjoying a relaxing meal in a friendly, stylish setting.

At Novotel, you're assured of a warm welcome and flawless service. You'll find areas for relaxing and places to work, along with numerous other first-rate amenities.
Learn more about Novotel Darwin Atrium

Free WiFi
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds





Best time of year to go to different parts of Australia



The famous Sydney Opera House
Photo courtesy Jon Haase.


Sydney, in New South Wales, is in Australia's temperate zone. The Great Dividing Range is a major climate factor, as it creates 4 distinct zones: the coastal strip, the highlands, the Western Slopes and the flat countryside to the west.

Sydney typically sees about 340 sunny days a year, with humidity in summer around 65%.

Pictured above is the famous Sydney Opera House.

Cairns, in Queensland, is pretty tropical--summers are hot and humid, and winters are dry and mild.

Along the coast, you can get cyclones from November through May.

Cairns is one of the places from which you can access the Great Barrier Reef, pictured at right.

Ayers Rock, seen at the top of this page, is in the Northern Territory (which isn't actually the northernmost part of Australia--that's referred to as the "Top End"), has a distinctly different climate, with a wet season running from October to April and a dry season May to September. In winter, nighttime temperatures can fall below freezing; in the summer, daytime temperatures can approach 100F, with cool, dry nights.

 

The Great Barrier Reef

Photo courtesy ynwa2005 on Flickr.

Barossa Valley, wine country northeast of Adelaide
Photo courtesy Amanda Slater on Flickr.
 

Adelaide, in South Australia, has mild, wet winters (averaging about 60F) and hot, dry summers (averaging 84F).

June is the wettest month, but still averages only a little over 3 inches of rain. In the summer, it's not uncommon to have months with no rain.

At left is Jacob's Creek vineyard in the Barossa Valley, one of the important wine regions of Australia.


Melbourne, in Victoria, has a reputation for changeable weather, but generally the climate is temperate with warm summers (averaging 77F), mild spring and fall seasons, and cool winters (averaging 57F).

Pictured are the limestone formations known as the Twelve Apostles, located on the Great Ocean Road about 100 miles west of Melbourne.

Perth, in Western Australia, the rainfall is greatest from May to September. The hottest month is February, averaging 88F; winter temperatures average about 65F. A cooling breeze known as "The Fremantle Doctor" blows in from the sea to keep the city comfortable.

  The Twelve Apostles, about 100 miles west of Melbourne
Photo courtesy Rich Mulvaney on Flickr.

Tasmania, the island southeast of the main continent, the climate is mild and temperate. With no part of the island more than about 75 miles from the water, the ocean has a big effect on the climate. Because it's much farther from the equator than the rest of Australia, the seasons are more distinct. January and February are pretty dry, with temperatures averaging about 70F.

See the Australia tourism website for a detailed description of the seasons in Australia.


TRAVEL SPECIAL: Peppers Beach Club & Spa


Peppers Beach Club & Spa 5 nights from 895 per person
Peppers Beach Club & SpaOverlooking a stunning palm-fringed beach, the award winning and inviting Peppers Beach Club & Spa is set in the heart of charming Palm Cove village in Tropical North Queensland offering the perfect place to indulge in tropical relaxation.

From the moment you arrive into the private world of Peppers Beach Club & Spa, you will be welcomed by fragrant gardenia scented air cooled by gentle ocean breezes sure to help you unwind and immerse in the luxurious and relaxing surrounds.

This idyllic intimate beachfront destination is situated at the start of the beautiful coastal drive to Port Douglas and majestic Daintree Rainforest and only 20 minutes from Cairns airport. Peppers Beach Club & Spa comprises of 140 elegant suites and spa rooms, with styles ranging from private one bedroom accommodation to luxurious two bedroom penthouses with private rooftop terraces featuring a lounge, BBQ and private pool or heated Jacuzzi. Suites also feature stunning beachfront or pool views and fully equipped kitchens.

From delectable tropical breakfast to a delicious seafood dinner accompanied by some of Australia's best wines, our signature restaurant, Lime & Pepper, serves a delectable culinary experience. For a more casual open air meal our Lobby is the perfect place to meet for a few drinks or for the ultimate tropical experience our swim-up pool bar is awaiting your arrival.

Spend your days immersed in our calming swimming pools, enjoying a leisurely game or competitive hit on our tennis court, work out in the gym or indulge in a spot of shopping in our boutique shops. If pampering is what you had in mind ensure you take advantage of our Sanctum Spa offering signature massages, revitalising facial treatments and soothing body wraps.

Within easy reach of the World Heritage wonders of the Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef and other breathtaking natural attractions, Peppers Beach Club & Spa offers numerous day-trip possibilities. Embark on a scuba diving adventure, deep-sea fishing, white water rafting, evening dinner cruises and rainforest walks.
Learn more about Peppers Beach Club & Spa

Daily housekeeping
On the beach
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Full-service spa
3 outdoor pools
Outdoor tennis court
Fitness center
Valet parking
Children's pool
Spa tub
Pool bar
Swim-up bar





 



Storms in Australia

In Cairns, on the coast of Queensland, tropical cyclones can occur sometimes between November and May. Around Alice Springs and Ayers Rock, you can see thunderstorms, hail and dust storms in the spring months. In Western Australia, tropical cyclones can occur between November and April--most commonly though in January and February.




TRAVEL SPECIAL: Hilton Adelaide


Hilton Adelaide 5 nights from 680 per person
Hilton AdelaideOverlooking Victoria Square, Hilton Adelaide is set in the heart of the city’s entertainment, shopping and dining precincts. The Central Market, Chinatown and Gouger Street - Adelaide’s most vibrant dining destinations – are also minutes away. Host a business or social event in our flexible meeting spaces. After a busy day unwind in the recreational area featuring a gym and a heated outdoor pool. Retreat to a stylish room with all you need for a relaxing stay.

Good to know
Centrally located overlooking Victoria Square
In the heart of Adelaide's business, shopping and dining precincts
Fitness Center, heated outdoor pool, tennis court and running track
Seriously South Australian® restaurant, 2 bars and 24-hour room service
19 versatile meeting rooms with space for up to 500 residential delegates
Learn more about Hilton Adelaide

Daily housekeeping
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Outdoor pool
Breakfast available
Outdoor tennis court
Fitness center
Valet parking
Self parking
24-hour room service
Coffee shop/cafe
Business center
19 meeting rooms





Airfare and Resort Prices

High season is from about Christmas through the end of January, when children are on their summer holidays, and the popular resorts fill up with the locals. In the north, June through August is peak season as Australians from the southern areas travel north to escape winter. Typically the airlines will discount airfares April through June.

Water temperature, SCUBA diving and surfing in Australia

On the Great Barrier Reef, you can dive year-round, although the best conditions for diving are from late August to early December. For liveaboard diving, the best time to go is July through November. In the Coral Sea, the visibility is best in June and in September. If you want to see the Minke whales, they're seen mostly from June to August. From April through June, the whale sharks can be seen near Ningaloo, in Western Australia. Australia Tourism has an excellent reference on dive locations and regions here.




How we work with you to plan the perfect trip:

  • We'll talk with you to find out what you're looking for, what you like/don't like, etc.
  • We'll use our first-hand knowledge of the destination to pick out a handful of resorts we think you'd like
  • We'll create a custom mini website for you, with photos, videos, maps, etc. of the resorts we are recommending
  • We'll follow up with you to help you make your decision
  • We'll go to work with our suppliers to get you the best deal available on what you've decided on.
 

Map of all resorts in Australia



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