The gigantic continent’s diversity and scale mean there isn’t just one best time to visit Australia. From the wine country out west to the backpacker trails in the east, there is something for everyone in Oz. The variation in landscapes will leave you in awe regardless of the time of year you go.
I spent nearly two years in the land down under and was fortunate enough to travel to almost every state. I think the best time to visit Australia will depend mainly on your ability to handle the heat. Temperatures can soar in the summer, reaching up to 50.7°C degrees, and only those with a real love for the sun venture onto the beaches.
I have put together some useful information on the best time to go to Australia and the prime times for visiting the top tourist spots.
When is the best time to visit Australia?
- Weather and climate in Australia
- Best time to travel to Australia – East Coast
- Best time to visit Australia – Great Barrier Reef
- Best time of year to visit Australia – Gold Coast
- Best time to go to Australia – South
- Best time to visit Australia – West
The weather and climate in Australia
The climate across Australia is incredibly varied. However, if you are visiting from a northern hemisphere country in Europe or America, remember that the seasons are reversed. Our winter is their summer and vice versa. It makes Australia a great getaway destination to escape the winter blues in your own country.
In a nutshell, Australia is hot. Northern Territory, northern Western Australia, and Queensland have a tropical climate. The Australian summer is incredibly humid in these parts of the country, and temperatures run high.
Typically, these areas won’t get the full four seasons, so they are a great bet for a beach holiday at any time of the year. However, Queensland and Northern Territory have an official cyclone season that runs from November to April, so be aware of this before booking anything. It may not be the best time of year to visit Australia.
The southern states which are home to the country’s two biggest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, have more seasonal weather. Temperatures can climb over 40 degrees in the summer, so it’s perfect if you are looking to top up your tan. However, Victoria can be pretty miserable in the winter and is a remnant of the dark winter days in Europe. If you are seeking some snow, there are even some slopes a few hours away from Melbourne.
The best time to visit Australia depends on where you intend to visit, so I have provided a breakdown of the most popular regions below and the best time to visit them.
Best time to travel to Australia – East Coast
The East Coast is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Australia. It’s incredibly popular among backpackers who hire vans and stop along the way. The main route runs from Melbourne in the South to Cairns in the north. It’s nearly 3,000km long, so the weather and scenery vary a great deal.
Most people make the trip between December and February to maximize the amount of sun. However, it is peak season, so it can be hectic. I did it in April/May, which is a shoulder season, and the lack of people meant it was easy to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Best time to visit Australia – Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is located in Queensland, which is tropical and hot all year around. However, the summer and spring bring a lot of rain and storms with them, so your best bet for viewing the Great Barrier Reef is in the Aussie winter.
You’ll most likely be fine going in the summer and it means you avoid the crowds, but it would be heartbreaking to have your flight canceled due to bad weather.
Best time of year to visit Australia’s Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and gets good weather all year round. Surfers Paradise is a popular spot for holidaymakers looking to top up their tan and take some surfing lessons. You can also journey down to Sydney and check out Coogee, Bondi, and Manly beaches too.
A lot of people don’t get off the beaches and explore the best Oz has to offer. The best time to visit Australia for the most active among you would be Autumn and Spring. It means the Gold Coast is cool enough to hike to your heart’s desire and check out Kondalilla National Park and Daves Creek Circuit.
READ MORE: Australia beaches – Top 10 best beaches in Australia to visit in 2021
The best time to go to Australia – South
South Australia’s capital city is Adelaide. Melbourne and Sydney often overshadow it, but it’s worth checking out. It has an incredible wine region called the Barossa Valley, which is perfect for visiting from March to May and September to November.
There is little rain during these months, and wine tours run daily. While there, try the Barossa Berocca, it’s a locally made sparkling red wine which is supposed to help a hangover and tastes delicious.
Make sure to drive along the Nullarbor; it’s the longest straight road in Australia and gives you an idea of Oz’s scale. Avoid exploring the Outback in summer as the heat can get dangerous.
The best time to visit Australia – West
Western Australia doesn’t get as much press as the east coast routes or major cities, but it has a lot to offer.
Summer is the best time to visit the buzzing wine region of Margaret River. It is perfect for exploring with the sun beaming at your back.
The best time to visit Australia for whale watching is also in the summer. Make sure to book a tour as they know the best spots and seeing the whale breach the surface is something you’ll never forget. If you venture to Rottnest Island, you can even see them with the naked eye.
When is the best time to visit Australia?
If you are going down purely for the sun, the best time of year to visit Australia is in their summer, from December to March. Just remember that this is peak tourist season, and if you stick around the beaches close to major cities, it may get cramped.
For places like Queensland or anywhere north, go in the Aussie winter from May to October because you avoid the thunderstorms and oppressive heat of the summer.
Australia is the perfect place to hire a car and explore, so regardless of the time of year you choose, doing that is a must. I traveled much of Australia in the shoulder seasons and found the lack of tourists to be relaxing. If you love hiking, I’d recommend avoiding the hottest summer months because 40+°C heat makes it impossible.
What are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure and decide when the best time to go to Australia for you is!
Check out our Australia Travel Guide for tips on everything you need
to know when planning your trip to Australia so you can make the
most of your time Down Under!
