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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: Green Island Resort


Green Island Resort 5 nights from 2,330 per person
Green Island ResortSituated on one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef, is another of nature's rare gifts – beautiful Green Island. This ancient coral cay is home to over 120 species of native plants, colourful bird and marine life and beautiful coral gardens to explore.

With just 46 luxurious suites nestled amid lush rainforest and secluded from the day visitor facilities, one of the hallmarks of Green Island Resort is its unique reef and rainforest setting. Green Island is the only coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest.

One of the most eco-sensitive developments in the world, Green Island Resort passionately balances the needs of our guests and the protection of our World Heritage environment.

As a national park located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Green Island has been a popular day visitor destination for generations with guests from around the world experiencing this unique World Heritage area every year. By night, experience the pure serenity of your own tropical island retreat.
Learn more about Green Island Resort

Daily housekeeping
Near the beach
Restaurant and bar/lounge
2 outdoor pools
Breakfast available
Pool bar
Room service
Terrace
24-hour front desk
Air conditioning
Garden
Computer station





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: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns


Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns 5 nights from 565 per person
Rydges Esplanade Resort CairnsOverlooking the picturesque Coral Sea on the Cairns Esplanade, unforgettable memories are created in the beautifully landscaped surrounds of Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns, with a variety of superbly appointed rooms, outstanding dining facilities and a myriad of recreational activities.

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns combines comfort and style with a range of accommodation options from hotel Rooms to fully self-contained apartments. Discover the resort facilities including three swimming pools, children's wading pool, two tennis courts, a complete Health & Fitness centre, Aerobic classes, spa, sauna.

Learn more about Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Daily housekeeping
Near the beach
Restaurant and bar/lounge
3 outdoor pools
Breakfast available
Fitness center
Self parking
Pool bar
24-hour room service
Conference center
Business center
Terrace





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: Bay Village Tropical Retreat


Bay Village Tropical Retreat 5 nights from 695 per person
Bay Village Tropical RetreatDiscover the wonders of Tropical North Queensland starting right here in Cairns!

Nestled amongst lush tropical gardens in the heart of Cairns, you will enjoy superb location and comfort of our family-owned boutique Cairns accommodation.

Bay Village Tropical Retreat & Apartments offer a perfect base to discover the Region's natural wonders of reef, rainforest and outback. Located within easy walking distance to Cairns waterfront and Central Business District, our hotel rooms and apartments boast an award-wining Restaurant & bar, free-form swimming pool, internet facility, laundry and on-site parking.

Learn more about Bay Village Tropical Retreat

Nestled amongst gardens in the heart of Cairns and renowned for its tropical hospitality, this family-owned boutique hotel offers all the facilities that guests enjoy. The Bay Village Tropical Retreat and Apartments is located a short walk from the waterfront and the Esplanade Parkland and only a 15-minute walk.





 



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: 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





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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