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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 22 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: Islington Hotel


Islington Hotel 5 nights from 1,425 per person
Islington HotelIslington is a very special luxe hotel in Hobart, a blend of contemporary and period architecture and stunning landscaped gardens against a backdrop of magnificent Mount Wellington.

Built in 1847, these intimate lodgings showcase the property’s original glory, updated to include the little necessities and amenities our forebears overlooked, such as a glass enclosed mountain-view pavilion and a cellar stocked with the finest Tasmanian wine.

The hotel public spaces and suites alike feature fine art and antique furnishings. Islington appeals to those who desire the very best in life, personalised service delivered in an atmosphere of serenity, luxury and tranquillity.

<b>Services & Amenities</b>

<i>Hotel</i>

– individually styled sitting & meeting rooms
– the conservatory a la carte restaurant
– secure off-street parking
– extensive wine cellar
– accommodates children 15 years and over

<i>Rooms</i>

– in-room iPad with complimentary wifi
– under floor heating throughout
– custom made king sized Islington Angel beds
– complimentary mini-bar/ tea / barista coffee
– daily housekeeping
Learn more about Islington Hotel

Daily housekeeping
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Breakfast available
Room service
Coffee shop/cafe
Business center
Terrace
Coffee/tea in a common area
Garden
Library
Computer station
Lobby fireplace





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: Park Regis City Center


Park Regis City Center 5 nights from 560 per person
Park Regis City CenterPark Regis City Centre would like to thank all its supporters in the Sydney Business Awards 2011 - we won the Lord Mayor's Sustainability Award!

Park Regis City Centre is surrounded by Sydney's best shopping, restaurants, sightseeing and entertainment, cannot be beaten for location, service and value for money.

"You can't get closer to the action for this price and quality"

Park Regis City Centre is designed to cater for both corporate and leisure travellers and is located in the heart of Sydney city, just a short walk to Hyde Park, Darling Harbour, Pitt Street Mall, Queen Victoria Building and Town Hall. Alternatively take a walk to Circular Quay for the weekend Rocks Markets or catch a ferry to Taronga Zoo.

After a busy day, unwind in your modern hotel room incorporating contemporary décor, air-conditioning, ensuite bathroom with hairdryer, opening windows, tea and coffee making facilities, refrigerator, work desk, broadband cable connection, WiFi access, direct dial telephone and LCD television.

For something a little more sophisticated, we highly recommend a room upgrade to one of the hotel's Park Suites. Relax in your modern living space with a 32" LCD TV, mini stereo with iPod docking station and subtle lighting finished off with lush colours and fabrics. In your separate bedroom awaits a king bed, 27" LCD TV and a work desk. Park Suites are design-infused and offer original and striking interior elements – making for an enhanced stay at Park Regis City Centre.

The 122 room hotel also provides 24 hour reception, security lifts and undercover car parking (charge applies).

Our guests are invited to experience our rooftop outdoor pool and sundeck that affords magnificent 360 degree views over Sydney Harbour, Darling Harbour and the city.

Visit our small-clawed otters!

Park Regis City Centre is the ultimate base for your next visit to Sydney.
Learn more about Park Regis City Center

Daily housekeeping
Outdoor pool
Rooftop terrace
Self parking
Airport shuttle
Terrace
24-hour front desk
Air conditioning
Front-desk safe
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Multilingual staff





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: Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley


Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley 5 nights from 715 per person
Crowne Plaza Hunter ValleyWelcome to the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley hotel, your private space for successful business and soothing retreats in wine country.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley is in the heart of Australia's oldest wine region, and our bright Lobby seems to have been carved from its hills and vineyards. After your check-in, you can explore our landscaped grounds or celebrate your arrival with a Hunter vintage in the Vista Lounge.

You'll find Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley on Wine Country Drive in Lovedale, 8km north of Cessnock. We're 2 hours from Sydney and 1 hour from Newcastle Airport. Leave your car in our complimentary car park and let our Concierge arrange transport to the Tyrrell's, Waverly, Brokenwood, Pepper Tree or Petersons wineries, all within 8km of your hotel.

Our event packages make it easy to stage celebrations and conferences. The complimentary kids' club will entertain the children while you sharpen your swing with the PGA pro at Hunter Valley Golf Club or head to Tea Tree Spa for luxurious treatments.

We'll help to combine your stay with Hunter Valley activities, so you can toast business success at a cellar door or savour the view from a hot air balloon. Saddle up to explore the Brokenback Mountains or discover our signature dishes on Redsalt's tasting menu. With so much to do at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, you'll look forward to your return before you even arrive.

Ideal for romantic getaways, family accommodation and everything in between

With 316 spacious and stylish guestrooms to choose from, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley offers a wide range of accommodation options to meet the needs of every guest.
Each room boasts modern furnishing, spacious bathroom with full sized bath and separate shower, high speed Wi-fi access and plasma TV. Step out onto your private balcony or courtyard and enjoy views of the vineyards, scenic golf course or sparkling resort pool.

Romantic Getaway
Planning a romantic weekend getaway for two? The Hunter Valley is the premier romantic destination in NSW. Make the most of your stay with wine tasting, a luxury treatment at the Tea Tree Day Spa, or a round of golf. Cuddle up to your loved one in a romantic Deluxe Room or luxurious Suite with our dedicated 'Special Moments' couples package. With our fine Villa dining options or healthy Body and Soul in-room dining menu you won't have to go anywhere, except perhaps to Tea Tree Spa if you both need a little extra spoiling.

Family Accommodation
If you're looking for family friendly accommodation in the Hunter Valley, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley offers self-contained, serviced apartments with 2 and 3 bedroom villas that can offer separate bedrooms for parents and children.

Being close to all the attractions and events of the Hunter Valley makes it easy for your family to get around. Our Hunter Valley hotel has great child-friendly facilities in the dedicated kidzone and our staff specialised in making the kids happy and entertained with The Water Dragons Kids Club, a fully supervised activity centre for the little ones. For parents requiring child minding outside of our Kids Club opening hours, our resort can organise a babysitter for you for a 3 hour minimum booking. Treat the family to a getaway they will always remember with our 'Family Focus' package, including accommodation, full buffet breakfast and entry to the Hunter Valley Gardens for 2 adults and 2 children.

Small Groups Accommodation
For groups, colleagues or friends travelling together, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley offers the perfect mix of Hunter Valley accommodation and activities for small groups. Our resort is located right in the centre of all the major Hunter Valley attractions with a range of accommodation options from Deluxe Rooms, Suites to contained apartments with 2 or 3 bedrooms.

Whether you are arranging a pampering hen's spa experience, a lad's golf weekend, or a group of friends taking advantage of one of the great concerts in the vines, take the hard work out of your weekend and let the concierge team manage activities like group tours of the vineyards, tasting our hand-brewed beers at the Lovedale Brewery, Tea Tree Spa specials and golf bookings.
Learn more about Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

Winery
Golf course
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Full-service spa
2 outdoor pools
Free water park
Breakfast available
3 outdoor tennis courts
Health club
Sauna
Steam room
Spa tub





 



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: Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore


Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore 5 nights from 2,270 per person
Alamanda Palm Cove by LancemoreNever go on trips with anyone you do not love.
– Earnest Hemingway

Whether it is for a romantic escape or a family holiday, you will love Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore. Capture the essence of Tropical North Queensland; underneath swaying coconut palms against a backdrop of endless turquoise waters.

Located 25 minutes north of Cairns and ranked among the top 5 hotels in all of Australia, you will relish direct beach access from our luxury 1, 2 and 3 bedroom self contained apartments. Everything you need is catered for; from award winning cuisine and soothing spa treatments, to a host of thoughtful trimmings to welcome and entertain the whole family.
Learn more about Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore

69 apartments
Weekly housekeeping
On the beach
Restaurant
Full-service spa
3 outdoor pools
Beach towels
Room service
In-room childcare
Airport shuttle
Air conditioning
Garden





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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