Australia – the country that gave us Vegemite, Steve Irwin, and koala keychains. The country has a unique landscape, wildlife, and its list of attractions is longer than a carpet python (which is really long).
Now that you have decided to point your compass down under, it is time to consider when the best time is to visit Australia. Avoid being a wet wallaby and check out this seasonal breakdown to see what you can expect from Oz year-round and take a special look at Australia’s top attractions in the winter.
Summer
Summer in Australia generally runs from December to February. This is also a school holiday in Australia and the peak season for both inbound visitors and locals alike. The beaches are sparkling, the beer is cold, and travel is exorbitant.
Northern Australia also experiences its wet season and it can be a little more difficult to get to. Hot and humid conditions reign supreme but the palpable summer spirit is infectious. There are numerous festivals and summer experiences during this time but be prepared for the price tag that comes along with it.
Autumn
Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit Australia. Temperatures start to become more comfortable and the summer tourism rush is over. If you want to visit the Red Center, this is your time as March, April, and May have warm days and temperate evenings.
You will still enjoy tons of sunshine and the northern regions start to dry up, making more remote locations accessible once more. It is the perfect time to go on a road trip in Australia.
Winter
June to September is winter in Australia and this is one of the most diverse times of the year. You can experience everything from snow to sunny days by the beach. Places like Darwin, Exmouth, and Broome are all still in the high 20s (even low 30s) making them perfect for a sunny break.
Spring
This is another splendid season for travelling around Australia and October to December marks a time for nature rebirth. Thundershowers lead the Outback into stunning wildflower blooms while cities are decorated with vivid Jacaranda blossoms taking over the skyline.
It is also a fantastic time to go hiking in the Grampians, beating both the heat and the crowds.
What to do in Australia In Winter
Take advantage of the excellent flight costs and attractive accommodation deals during Australia’s winter. While Europe is overrun by tourists from June to September, Australia enjoys its low season, leaning into the laid-back atmosphere the country is best known for.
Go stargazing in the outback
Days in the red centre are cool and nights can dip below freezing but these cold temperatures ensure cloud-free nights around Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Take a stargazing tour to listen to Aboriginal stories, taking a journey through the Milky Way just like people have done for millennia. For an extra treat, visit Tasmania to see the Aurora Australis, the southern answer to the Aurora Borealis. This mesmerizing light show is vivid shades of blue, red, and purple, unlike its green northern cousin.
Explore underwater worlds
Winter is the best season to visit the Great Barrier reef. It is the dry season and visibility is exceptional. This is also the time that whale sharks migrate past Ningaloo Reef or you can head out to see from Port Douglas or Cairns to swim with mink whales. If you are south in Melbourne, you can even swim with giant cuttlefish for a truly unique experience as these curious creatures start breeding in June.
Sip on some wine
If you are heading to the southern regions of Australia this winter, you will want to cosy up to a fireplace and sip on a glass of full-bodied red wine. The wine regions of New South Wales and Victoria are particularly popular in the winter and the abundance of cellars offering premium experiences will give you plenty to do this winter.
Hit the slopes
Melbourne has some icy winters where you can enjoy a plethora of winter activities this far down south. Mount Buller and Mount Baw are only a couple of hours outside of the city, where you can enjoy hours of skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and even dog sledding to make the most of the cold. After a long day of action on the slopes you can unwind at a thermal hot spring on the Mornington Peninsula.
Have a whale of a time
If you don’t particularly enjoy seeking adventure below the waves, this is a time for you to do some animal spotting above deck. Whales migrate past Australia from May onwards and you can spot them from shore or from a whale-watching cruise. Around Sydney, you can watch gigantic humpback whales breaching playfully whilst around Adelaide and Victor Harbour you can spot gentle Southern Right whales making their way past Australian shores.
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Your detailed breakdown of each season and the activities and events happening during those times is super helpful for planning a trip. I personally never knew Australia had such diverse climates and that the weather could vary so much across different regions. The idea of snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef during the summer or exploring the stunning landscapes of the Blue Mountains in the autumn sounds absolutely amazing! Will definitely keep these in mind when I plan to visit the land down under. 🙂
I’ve been to Australia twice. The first one was in June and I remembered I had to wear a coat because it was cold in Sydney. Then I went back in December and wore a pair of shorts. After reading this article, I think winter is still my best choice to go. I want to do stargazing in the outback and catch the gigantic humpback whales in Sydney.
Australia is such a vast country with its own weather patterns from North to South. I started off in torrential rain in the Northern Territories in January, and three days later, it was scorching sunshine in Adelaide in Southern Australia. When planning a trip to Australia, it’s imperative to research where you are going and which pattern you will be in!
Love that Australia has so many amazing sights and appears to be a good place to visit year-round. But I would love to experience the Aurora Australis, the whale-watching, and go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef! Thanks for a great travel guide that outlines activities and seasons and what to expect!
Australia is so amazing. I would love to see the whales and hug the koalas there. I am also training myself for going below the waves to see the Great Barrier Reef. I just love the colours on the ocean bed. I think spring would be my season, as I would like to see the jacaranda trees and gaze at the stars.
On the travel wish list! Would love to visit Australia for a long stay. We would have been tempted to visit for the heat in summer. But the weather might actually be better in Autumn or Spring. As scuba divers we might even consider a winter visit to explore the great underwater visibility. We would pass on the ski slopes but not on whale watching. It would be amazing to even see them from the shore. Looks like all seasons offer a lot to consider.
Australia is an amazing country and with so many exciting places and a diverse landscape and unique biodiversity. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the unique places I would love to visit, and Aurora Australia is one of the natural phenomena which evokes a lot of curiosity like its Northern mate Aurora Stargazing at the Uluru mountains and listening to exciting aboriginal stories would be so much fun. It’s awesome to enjoy winter summer and spring at a different time unlike the northern hemisphere. Seeing the jacarandas bloom in October spring and autumn colors in April and May would be a once in a lifetime experience.