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[title]Let’s set things straight: there’s never a bad time to visit Australia. When planning your trip, it’s important to consider two key things: what type of weather you’re craving and what experiences you’re keen on – whether that’s catching waves, hitting the slopes, trekking through the wilderness, spotting whales or soaking up the festival vibes.
As the world’s sixth-largest country, Australia is big enough to have eight different climate zones, ranging from dry savannah to tropical rainforest and everything in between. Here's a breakdown of the best times to visit, tailored to each season.
Summer: December, January and February
If you’re itching for sun, surf and sand, then summer is the perfect season for your great Australian adventure. Down south, temperatures range from the low-20s to mid-30s, creating ideal conditions for sunrise strolls, refreshing ocean dips and delightful alfresco dining. For the ultimate summer escape, head to Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. If you prefer a milder summer vibe, Tasmania is your go-to spot to escape the scorching heat. However, steer clear of northern regions of Australia (like the top parts of WA, NT, and QLD) as this aligns with their wet season, marked by hot, humid weather, tropical downpours and occasional cyclones.
Heads up: Summer is prime time for travelling Down Under, so flights and accommodation are likely at their most expensive.
Mark your calendars:
- New Year's Eve, Sydney
- Australian Open, Melbourne
- Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
- Summer of cricket, multiple cities
- Laneway Festival, multiple cities
Autumn: March, April and May
Autumn is one of the best seasons for road-tripping around Australia. It’s a shoulder season in Australia, meaning fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures, perfect for those who prefer to travel without breaking a sweat. While those exploring the southern half of Australia might run into more rain than in summer, it's no reason to miss out on refreshing hikes or the vibrant displays of wildflowers that dot the country during this time.
Autumn heralds the dry season in Australia's northern half, making it the prime time to explore destinations like Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu, Broome, the Kimberley and Cairns. In the stunning Red Centre, temperatures begin to dip below 30 degrees Celsius, drawing visitors keen on experiencing the beauty of Uluru during this popular season.
Mark your calendars:
- Adelaide Fringe Festival
- Formula One Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne
- Parrtijma a Festival of Light, Uluru
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival
- Aurora Australis (Southern Lights), multiple cities
- Canberra Balloon Spectacular
- Bluesfest Byron Bay
Winter: June, July and August
Australia’s winters bring cool, cloudy days, yet they’re relatively milder compared to the chillier Northern Hemisphere. With fewer tourists around, it’s a great time to snag deals on flights and accommodation, except in tropical or outback spots, like Uluru, Cairns, Darwin or the Kimberley, where demand remains steady. Many flock to these regions to bask in the warmth of northern Australia’s dry season, with plenty of opportunities for land and underwater adventures.
Winter also sees a surge in Aussie travellers hitting the snowfields, such as Perisher, Thredbo, and Falls Creek.
Mark your calendars:
- Vivid Sydney
- Rising, Melbourne
- AFL season, multiple cities
- Whale watching season
Spring: September, October and November
Spring, much like autumn, offers an incredible opportunity to explore the entirety of Australia. As temperatures begin to rise and humidity increases, occasional thunderstorms add a dramatic flair to the landscape. The resulting rain works wonders, transforming the outback into a canvas of colourful wildflowers, while Australia’s wildlife comes out to play, offering prime opportunities to spot them in their natural habitats.
Mark your calendar:
- Floriade, Canberra
- Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
- Sculptures by the Sea, Sydney
- Wildflower season
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