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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  

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. 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 a Rotarian for 22 years, currently on the board of the Greater Bend Rotary Club.

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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: Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour


Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour 5 nights from 720 per person
Novotel Rockford Darling HarbourWelcome to Sydney's Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour
Novotel Sydney Rockford Darling Harbour offers 4.5 star hotel accommodation in vibrant Darling Harbour, Sydney, adjacent to Qantas Credit Union Arena (formerly the Sydney Entertainment Centre) and a short stroll to Chinatown, the Darling Quarter and Cockle Bay. Enjoy easy access to shops, museums, restaurants, bars and the attractions of Darling Harbour, including SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo.

Centrally located in the CBD, Central and Town Hall Station are in walking distance and the lightrail is within easy reach to the hotel.
We know how important it is to maintain wellbeing while travelling, so we offer 24 hour room service with healthy meal options, a complimentary in-room yoga channel with yoga mats available, an indoor heated pool as well as gymnasium.

With five dedicated conference rooms for up to 120 people, each bathed in natural daylight, Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour is a perfect choice for your meeting in Sydney.

For Restaurant and Dining our Heritage listed Pumphouse Bar & Restaurant features over 100 local and international craft beers from Australia and around the world and a modern Australian menu to compliment our extensive drink list.

Glebe Island Convention and Exhibition Centre is only a 10 minute Ferry ride from Darling Harbour to the Glebe Island wharf. The Darling Harbour ferry stop is only a 10 minute walk from the hotel.

Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour is proud to be a non-smoking hotel.
Learn more about Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour

The Superior King Room includes a king size bed, en suite with rain shower option, flat-screen TV and air conditioning.





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: Byron at Byron, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort


Byron at Byron, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort 5 nights from 1,410 per person
Byron at Byron, a Crystalbrook Collection ResortNestled in 45-acres of magical subtropical rainforest, Byron at Byron, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort, is a celebration of nature, responsible luxury and the local environment. Located only five minutes south of Byron Bay, the resort allows visitors to enjoy restaurants, shopping and vibrant atmosphere of this beachside township and then retire to a setting of peace and luxury.

Stroll along the boardwalks through the sub tropical rainforest and for access to Tallow Beach, perfect for a morning walk while the sun rises over the ocean. Relax by the 25m infinity pool or poolside sauna or experience the ultimate indulgence in the luxurious day spa. If you are feeling active you can play a game of tennis or work out in the fully equipped gymnasium. The resort also offers complimentary yoga each morning – the perfect way to start the day.

The spacious luxury accommodation comprises 92 one bedroom air conditioned suites. Each suite contains a kitchen, separate lounge and dining area, plasma TV as well as two enclosed balconies. Luxurious bathrooms have deep free standing bathtubs and separate shower and the California king beds ensure dreamtime really does exist. Each suite has been designed to capture the essence of being nestled amongst the sub tropical rainforest.

All suites are designated non-smoking. We appreciate your co-operation to ensure the comfort of all our guests.
Learn more about Byron at Byron, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort

Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Terrace
Library
Fitness center
An outdoor pool
Full-service spa
Outdoor tennis court
Sauna
Massage/treatment rooms
Steam room





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: Mercure Welcome Melbourne


Mercure Welcome Melbourne 5 nights from 390 per person
Mercure Welcome MelbourneAffordable Accommodation in the heart of Melbourne City
Mercure Welcome Melbourne hotel offers you affordable budget accommodation and a base from which to explore all the attractions and events in Melbourne city and the CBD.

Melbourne is undoubtedly Australia's best destination for shopping, dining, drinking, entertainment and sport – so your hardest decision on holiday will be…"what shall I do today?" Fortunately, staying in the hotel you'll be right in the heart of all this and more - you'll have direct access to all the best things to do in Melbourne city!

You'll love our modern 3.5 star hotel accommodation, providing you with comfort, convenience, and great-value, budget rates that leave you more to spend on Melbourne city's many attractions!

Learn more about Mercure Welcome Melbourne

Housekeeping (on request)
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Breakfast available
Room service
Coffee shop/cafe
UNESCO Sustainable Property
24-hour front desk
Car rentals on site
Computer station
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Concierge services





 



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: On The Beach Holiday Apartments


On The Beach Holiday Apartments 5 nights from 650 per person
On The Beach Holiday ApartmentsNestled on the spectacular beachfront, On the Beach Holiday Apartments is your premium holiday destination at Trinity Beach in Cairns.

On the Beach Holiday Apartments are perfectly set right in front of a sparkling beach and offers direct access to the fine sandy shores of Trinity Beach. Swim or simply laze around and soak up the sun. Within just a few metres away from our Cairns beachfront accommodation, Trinity Beach will beguile you with its stunning coast and warm tropical surroundings.

Experience a pleasurable and comfortable vacation with your partner, family and friends at our beachfront holiday apartments in Trinity Beach. We provide spacious family units that are fully self-contained with modern furnishings including complete kitchen and laundry facilities. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the ocean or the lush tropical gardens from your sun-drenched balcony. Select from 1, 2 and 3 bedroom beachfront apartments and 2 bedroom ocean or garden view apartments.

Our Trinity Beach family accommodation is also a mere stone's throw away from the most amazing tourist destinations in the country. Discover the spectacular natural wonders found throughout the scenic region of Cairns and be captivated by the majestic Daintree Rainforest as you trek though its lush trails, or dive into the blue ocean and explore the marvelous Great Barrier Reef.
Learn more about On The Beach Holiday Apartments

Free WiFi
Free self parking
527 sq ft
Reserve now, pay deposit
Sleeps 3
1 Double Bed
1 bedroom
1 bathroom
Ocean view





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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