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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: Sea Temple Resort & Spa Palm Cove


Sea Temple Resort & Spa Palm Cove 5 nights from 725 per person
Sea Temple Resort & Spa Palm CoveSea Temple Resort & Spa Palm Cove is your temple for relaxation.

This impressive 5-star Palm Cove resort is located beachfront on the southern end of Palm Cove, and has been created to provide the utmost privacy and tranquility.

Choose from an amazing selection of 126 Asian inspired, beautifully detailed studio rooms or 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments with the option of private plunge pool or rooftop terrace upgrades at this Palm Cove resort.

Sea Temple Palm Cove resort offers a first class day spa so you can drift into bliss - restore, revive, re-invigorate - and above all, relax.

For those who simply want to sit back and soak up the Tropical North Queensland lifestyle, enjoy a cocktail overlooking the central lagoon pool before sunset walk on the beachfront. Sea Temple Resort & Spa Palm Cove is the serenity you've been looking for in a paradise you'll love.
Learn more about Sea Temple Resort & Spa Palm Cove

Daily housekeeping
On the beach
Restaurants and 2 bars/lounges
Full-service spa
3 outdoor pools
Breakfast available
Fitness centre
Children's pool
Spa tub
Pool bar
24-hour room service
Coffee shop/cafe





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 Melbourne on Collins


Novotel Melbourne on Collins 5 nights from 620 per person
Novotel Melbourne on CollinsLocated in the heart of Melbourne, the contemporary Novotel Melbourne on Collins is perfectly positioned on stylish Collins Street, right in the centre of the city. Be it the diverse range of heritage listed buildings, theatres, boutiques, large department stores or renowned parks and gardens, the best of Melbourne is easily accessible by foot or a short tram ride away. The iconic MCG, Rod Laver Arena, Tennis Centre, Telstra Dome, Princess Theatre, Her Majesty's Theatre, Regent Theatre and Federation Square are all within close proximity to the property.

The hotel offers 380 beautifully appointed rooms and suites - each peaceful space designed for natural living. Comprising nine dedicated conference and event spaces, business centre, Michel's Restaurant & Bar, fitness centre and direct access to Australia on Collins shopping centre, Novotel Melbourne on Collins is a preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers.
Learn more about Novotel Melbourne on Collins

Daily housekeeping
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Indoor pool
Breakfast available
Fitness center
24-hour room service
Coffee shop/cafe
In-room childcare
24-hour business center
Conference center
5 meeting rooms
UNESCO Sustainable Property





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: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney


Four Seasons Hotel Sydney 5 nights from 1,955 per person
Four Seasons Hotel SydneyChic and cosmopolitan, with a dynamic sense of diversity, Sydney is one of the world's great capitals. The city was founded in 1788 when a fleet of 11 ships arrived in Australia from England with a contingent of convicts and free settlers. They came ashore at Sydney Cove, now known as Circular Quay and the site of Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. Successive waves of immigrants from many countries have had a defining influence on the culture and personality of the city, now with a population of over four million people.

As a business centre, Sydney is the driving force of Australia and an important hub of the Asian-Pacific region. For recreation, the city pulses with a vibrant social scene and inspiring possibilities for outdoor adventure. Few cities of such urban sophistication can also claim 37 beautiful beaches. Legendary Bondi Beach is an easy 20-minute drive from downtown.

Four Seasons is situated in the oldest and most desirable area of Sydney – the historic district of The Rocks. Lined with cobblestoned streets, the neighbourhood offers fascinating shops, a weekend market, outdoor cafés, and galleries of Aboriginal arts and crafts. Nearby, at the Royal Botanic Gardens, tropical flowers bloom in the heart of the city. The Hotel is just a short walk from major shopping and business areas, and is equally close to great museums, theatres and the Sydney Opera House. Ferries whisk you across the water to key attractions, such as Taronga Park Zoo and the renowned Sydney Aquarium.
Learn more about Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

The hotel features the city’s most sophisticated accommodations with modernized guest rooms complete with updated, contemporary fixtures to present a contemporary luxurious residential feel. The layout of each room allows guests to make use of the stunning views which take in the city, Sydney Opera House and the unmistakable Harbour Bridge. Each room is equipped with the latest technology, including 42-inch LCD televisions, Bose speakers, WiFi, an iPod docking station and free Appellees toiletries. Slippers and Chinese tea can be provided in the rooms upon request.





 



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: Reef View Hotel


Reef View Hotel 5 nights from 1,210 per person
Reef View HotelThe Reef View Hotel has many amenities, including a 35-metre swimming pool, the Reef Lounge bar, and in-house Pool Terrace Restaurant serving buffet breakfast, light lunches and à la carte dinner menu. Reef View Hotel guests have complimentary use of non-motorised water sports and the hotel has a Tours and Activities desk, lobby shop and fully serviced Business Centre.

Choose from a range of rooms and suites at the four-star Reef View Hotel Hamilton Island. All rooms are spacious and well appointed, with a furnished balcony, internet access and bathroom with separate bath and shower. Garden View rooms have leafy views and ocean glimpses, while each Coral Sea View room has spectacular views over Catseye Bay and nearby Whitsunday Island. The Reef View Hotel on Hamilton Island is the perfect destination for your next Great Barrier Reef holiday or Whitsunday Island getaway.
Learn more about Reef View Hotel

Daily housekeeping
On the beach
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Outdoor pool
Breakfast available
Free airport shuttle
Free area shuttle
Free ferry terminal shuttle
4 outdoor tennis courts
Fitness center
Sauna
Beach towels





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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