Need expert help?

Piper Fenton   Meet Piper, one of our travel experts for Australia.


Piper is the founder of honeymoon specialty travel company Remarkable Honeymoons, and an award-winning agent with almost 30 years experience. She's a Virtuoso agent, and winner of WeddingWire's Couples Choice awards every year from 2014-2022. She is well versed in international travel after having visited dozens of countries in her career, and also through her studies abroad living in both Mexico and France. From the Orient Express, to tenting in Nepal, to flying the Concord, she's had many wonderful travel experiences.


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.

Skip to:

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: Orpheus Island Resort


Orpheus Island Resort 5 nights from 6,875 per person
Orpheus Island ResortOrpheus is a Queensland Island Resort
Located amidst the magical waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus is a secluded island hideaway accommodating just 28 indulged guests. Located just 80km north of Townsville, amidst the magical waters of the Great Barrier Reef, the island stretches across 11km of immaculate turquoise coastline, and comprises of a pristine National Park and surrounding World Heritage-listed Marine Park. Access is either via a 30 minute helicopter journey from Townsville, or a 1.5 journey from Cairns.

Orpheus showcases a plethora of once in a lifetime experiences! Its principal dive sites boast 1,100 of the 1,500 species of fish on the reef; the local waters are a fisherman's playground and home to the most sought after reef fish species in the world; and guests can take the helm of a motorised dingy complete with gourmet picnic hamper and discover the many pristine coves and reefs that fringe Orpheus. Alternatively, Orpheus provides the perfect backdrop for a more private interlude if guests wish to simply relax and succumb to a unique indigenous-inspired treatment at the Gwandalan Day Spa.

Perfect as a holiday destination, a picturesque wedding setting, or booked in its entirety for exclusive use, Orpheus is very much a secret to the outside world and offers guests the ultimate in tropical escapism.
Learn more about Orpheus Island Resort

Free breakfast
Pool
Free WiFi
Airport transfer
Non-smoking
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: COMO The Treasury, Perth


COMO The Treasury, Perth 5 nights from 4,830 per person
COMO The Treasury, PerthCOMO The Treasury is housed in Perth’s 140-year-old State Buildings, which form part of the Cathedral Square development located on the corner of St Georges Terrace and Barrack Street. This is one of the most significant heritage precincts in Western Australia, recently revitalised by leading architect, Kerry Hill.

There are 48 elegant guest rooms and suites featuring original high ceilings, cornicing, balconies and cupolas. Facilities open to Perth residents include two restaurants, a bar, lounge and library, which together provide a social hub for the city. Holistic therapies are available at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, as well as a gym and 20m indoor pool.

<b> Accommodation</b>

Conceived by designer Kerry Hill, all 48 contemporary rooms and suites project a sense of COMO serenity. Grand Posture king-size beds, handcrafted European furnishings and oversized windows deliver comfort, personality and light. Bathrooms include showers, German deep-form Kaldewei Duo bathtubs, twin vanities, travertine stone tiles, heated floors and towel rails, and aromatherapy-based COMO Shambhala at Home amenities.

Room Facilities:

<li>Custom-made king or twin beds with Grand Posture natural firm mattresses featuring dual posture pocket-spring technology
<li>Egyptian cotton bed linen
<li>Individually controlled air conditioning
<li>Complimentary in-room private bar replenished daily
<li>Samsung LED television / IPTV
<li>Multi-line VoIP phone with voicemail
<li>Laptop-size private safe
<li>Multimedia hub
<li>In-room technology with dual built in USB ports
<li>Complimentary Wi-Fi
<li>Tea/coffee making facilities on request
<li>Illy coffee machine on request
<li>Oversized opening windows
<li>Motorised translucent Roman blinds and blackout blinds or curtains
<li>Built-in wardrobe and luggage rack

Bathroom Facilities:

<li>Natural light and opening windows
<li>German deep-form Kaldewei Duo free-standing oval bathtubs
<li>Walk-in showers
<li>Twin travertine stone vanity basins
<li>Heated travertine stone floors
<li>Heated towel rails
<li>COMO Shambhala at Home amenities
<li>Bathrobes and slippers
<li>Hairdryer

Guest Services:

<li>Manager on duty 24 hours
<li>Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
<li>Valet parking
<li>Airport transfers
<li>Airline reservation service
<li>Babysitting services
<li>Laundry service, dry cleaning and pressing service
<li>Daily housekeeping and turndown service
<li>Complimentary fruit and water each day
<li>24-hour in-room dining
<li>Foreign exchange
<li>Multilingual hotel staff
<li>Travel and tour assistance

<b>Dining</b>
In addition to Wildflower and Post, for ultimate intimacy when dining with friends, family or colleagues, COMO The Treasury offers a number of private dining rooms for your events, seating eight to 20 guests and with catering provided by either Wildflower or Post.
Learn more about COMO The Treasury, Perth

Free breakfast
Parking available
Pool
Free WiFi
Gym
Non-smoking





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: Oaks Festival Towers


Oaks Festival Towers 5 nights from 695 per person
Oaks Festival TowersLocated in a prime position and providing spacious modern design, first class technology and facilities, is Oaks Festival Towers. Guests can sample top restaurants and late-night bars, irresistible shopping, galleries, theatres, movies and museums which are all nearby.

Oaks Festival Towers comprises of one and two bedroom contemporary, self-contained apartments each with a private balcony and city views.

The hotel facilities include a 25m heated lap pool & plunge pool, gymnasium, sauna, heated spa and a sundeck & barbecue podium.

The cream of café society is at the door, and it's an easy stroll to the Queen Street Mall, Treasury Casino, the beautiful Botanic Gardens and the Sunday Riverside markets.

Business travellers will savour the proximity to the city's financial and commercial heart, while excellent access to public transport will get you everywhere with ease.
Learn more about Oaks Festival Towers

139 smoke-free apartments
Daily housekeeping
Near the beach
Outdoor pool
Internet in the lobby
Fitness center
Sauna
Self parking
Spa tub
24-hour front desk
Air conditioning
Laundry service





 



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: The Dudley Boutique Hotel


The Dudley Boutique Hotel 5 nights from 1,095 per person
The Dudley Boutique HotelWelcome to The Dudley – where you can experience the ultimate in luxury, combined with our own unique blend of Australian hospitality.

The Dudley, built in 1908 has been fully renovated to become an elegant luxury boutique hotel with exemplary service and host to an impressive permanent collection of contemporary art. The Dudley Cottage on the same property provides absolute privacy and luxury.

From 2013 – 2016 The Dudley has been refurbished to a luxury standard with all rooms fully renovated to a 5-star standard.

The Dudley is a Small Luxury Hotel of the World: one of only 7 in Australia and the only SLH in Victoria. Luxury, redefined.

In 2015 and again in 2016 The Dudley won Luxury Boutique Hotel of the Year in Victoria and has been named as one of the 10 Most Luxurious Getaways in Australia.

Our talented team harness a united vision and passion and their continuing dedication brings the indulgence of The Dudley to our guests each and every day. I hope you enjoy your experience.
Learn more about The Dudley Boutique Hotel

Daily housekeeping
Limo/town car service
Terrace
Coffee/tea in a common area
Air conditioning
Garden
Library
Snack bar/deli
Multilingual staff
Concierge services
Gift shops/newsstands
Picnic area





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



X

abc

xyz

X

abc

xyz