Best Time of Year to Visit Australia

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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• Airfare by month
• Travel specials
• See all resorts in Australia
• Temperature by month
• Precipitation by month
• Best time to go by region
• High season/low season prices
• Map of all resorts

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: Peppers Beach Club & Spa

Peppers Beach Club & Spa 5 nights from 895 per person

Overlooking a stunning palm-fringed beach, the award winning and inviting Peppers Beach Club & Spa is set in the heart of charming Palm Cove village in Tropical North Queensland offering the perfect place to indulge in tropical relaxation.

From the moment you arrive into the private world of Peppers Beach Club & Spa, you will be welcomed by fragrant gardenia scented air cooled by gentle ocean breezes sure to help you unwind and immerse in the luxurious and relaxing surrounds.

This idyllic intimate beachfront destination is situated at the start of the beautiful coastal drive to Port Douglas and majestic Daintree Rainforest and only 20 minutes from Cairns airport. Peppers Beach Club & Spa comprises of 140 elegant suites and spa rooms, with styles ranging from private one bedroom accommodation to luxurious two bedroom penthouses with private rooftop terraces featuring a lounge, BBQ and private pool or heated Jacuzzi. Suites also feature stunning beachfront or pool views and fully equipped kitchens.

From delectable tropical breakfast to a delicious seafood dinner accompanied by some of Australia's best wines, our signature restaurant, Lime & Pepper, serves a delectable culinary experience. For a more casual open air meal our Lobby is the perfect place to meet for a few drinks or for the ultimate tropical experience our swim-up pool bar is awaiting your arrival.

Spend your days immersed in our calming swimming pools, enjoying a leisurely game or competitive hit on our tennis court, work out in the gym or indulge in a spot of shopping in our boutique shops. If pampering is what you had in mind ensure you take advantage of our Sanctum Spa offering signature massages, revitalising facial treatments and soothing body wraps.

Within easy reach of the World Heritage wonders of the Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef and other breathtaking natural attractions, Peppers Beach Club & Spa offers numerous day-trip possibilities. Embark on a scuba diving adventure, deep-sea fishing, white water rafting, evening dinner cruises and rainforest walks.

Learn more about Peppers Beach Club & Spa

Daily housekeeping
On the beach
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Full-service spa
3 outdoor pools
Outdoor tennis court
Fitness center
Valet parking
Children's pool
Spa tub
Pool bar
Swim-up bar

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: Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne 5 nights from 455 per person

Situated on Lonsdale Street in the heart of the city centre, the Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne provides guests with gracious hospitality and incomparable service at great value. The hotel is rated four star and is perfectly located within the vibrant theatre district where you will enjoy all the delights Melbourne has to offer - live theatre, cinemas, Chinatown, and of course the exceptional shopping facilities; are all within easy walking distance.

Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne has recently earned Green Star accreditation for its focus on:
-Energy efficiency
-Waste minimisation and management
-Water minimisation
-Guest education

Learn more about Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

Daily housekeeping
2 restaurants and bar/lounge
Outdoor pool
Rooftop terrace
Breakfast available
Fitness center
Valet parking
24-hour room service
Babysitting
Conference center
Business center
6 meeting rooms

Best time of year to go to different parts of Australia

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.

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.

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: InterContinental Hotel Sydney

InterContinental Hotel Sydney 5 nights from 1,750 per person

InterContinental Sydney is a true expression in luxury. Positioned on the edge of the world's most stunning harbour, just moments walk from the famous Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, the ferries from Circular Quay and exclusive shops. Built around the restored Treasury Building of 1851, the hotel's 509 contemporary designed guest rooms each with a picture frame view, include a collection of 28 suites that have been home to world leaders and celebrities from across the globe for more than two decades. For the ultimate Sydney experience, upgrade to a Club InterContinental guest room and receive access to our exclusive Club InterContinental lounge with wrap around outdoor terrace that captures panoramic views across sparkling Sydney Harbour. Inside, luxurious furnishings and latest technology ensure a private retreat perfect for conducting business or simply relaxing.

<b>DINING SUMMARY</b>

Set within breathtaking 19th Century architecture, Cafe Opera undoubtedly forms the perfect venue for any occasion. Enjoy a truly unique, seasonally inspired, interactive buffet with live cooking stations and theatrical dessert display or sample the delights from our creative French-inspired à la carte selection.
<ul><li>Number of restaurants : 2
<li>Room Service Available 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM</ul>

<b>SPA FACILITIES</b>

Relax and unwind with a massage on level 9 at Odyssey Massage. Choose from a selection of treatments including relaxation, remedial, deep tissue, sports, reflexology & shiatsu. Sebastian Salon also on level 9 offers an array of hair and beauty treatments.

<b>HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTER (ON-SITE)</b>
<ul><li>Odyssey Health Club is a boutique privately managed facility offering a complete range of health and fitness services complimentary to InterContinental Sydney guests. Facilities include, equipped gymnasium, heated indoor pool, sauna and Personal Trainers.
<li>Health/Fitness Center On-Site
<li>Year Last Renovation Of Equipment: 2010
<li>Fitness Centre Type: EXTENSIVE</ul>

<b>BUSINESS SERVICES</b>
<ul><li>Business Center
<li>Business Centre Staffed Between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM
<li>Copying
<li>Courier Service
<li>E-mail & Internet
<li>Facsimile
<li>PC available
<li>Service Provider:
<li>Printer
<li>Wireless Data Connection
<li>Alternative for business services

<li>Please note the Business Centre is open from 8am - 6pm Monday to Friday excluding Public Holidays. Internet available 24 hours for in-house guests at applicable charges.</ul>

Learn more about InterContinental Hotel Sydney

Nestled in the renowned dress circle of Circular Quay with unparalleled views across the Harbour City, InterContinental Sydney has been an icon of choice for more than 30 years. Set within the restored Treasury Building of 1851, 509 guest rooms, including 28 suites, showcase picture frame view of the city skyline, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House or the Royal Botanic Gardens

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: Coral Sea Resort

Coral Sea Resort 5 nights from 870 per person

Positioned on the absolute ocean front and just a short stroll via seaside boardwalk to the enchanting Airlie Beach resort village; with its relaxed atmosphere and collection of eclectic shops and cafes; lies the Coral Sea Resort, your Airlie Beach Accommodation. A stroll in the opposite direction crossing a separate boardwalk with the sea below is Abel Point Marina, your direct access to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

Whitsundays accommodation at Coral Sea Resort is comprised of a range of hotel suites, superior apartments and luxury penthouses. All our Whitsundays accommodation is serviced daily with the full range of facilities and inclusions expected of a boutique hotel of this quality and standard.

There is a uniquely nautical feeling in each of the spacious suites and penthouses, which reflect on the wonderful yachting heritage of the Whitsundays. Soft nautical colours, historic boating prints, polished timber and yachting memorabilia adorn many of the Resort's rooms and dining areas complete our superior Whitsundays accommodation. The adjoining marina, linked by a boardwalk to the Resort, offers those with salt in their veins a chance to wander through the amazing array of charter yachts and luxury vessels to work off breakfast, lunch or dinner, indulged in at our award-winning restaurant.

Learn more about Coral Sea Resort

Daily housekeeping
Marina
Near the beach
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Full-service spa
Outdoor pool
Breakfast available
Beach towels
Room service
Coffee shop/cafe
In-room childcare
Conference center

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.

Map of all resorts in Australia