A trip to Australia could be the adventure of a lifetime. It’s home to rainforests, savannas, snow-covered mountains, and spectacular beaches.
But it also has some pretty terrible weather. Summer (December to February) is especially hot and humid. It’s the worst time to visit Australia for visitors who aren’t accustomed to high temperatures.
Summer
If you enjoy a beach holiday and want to avoid crowds, winter is the best time to visit Australia. The northern parts of the country are chilly but have clear, crisp days and calm seas. The shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March – May) offer warm weather and comfortable activities without the hefty peak-season prices.
Australia is a continent of extremes with a tropical north, an arid center, and a temperate south. Consequently, the best time to visit each region can vary significantly. For example, summer in the Northern Territory and Queensland can be unbearably hot and humid, while Sydney, Melbourne and Perth can experience wet weather. For wildlife enthusiasts, the drier months of fall and winter are ideal as kangaroos, wombats, and echidnas become more active in the cool temperatures. Also, many of the major attractions are less crowded at this time. It’s also the cheapest time to travel. However, you should be aware that some attractions operate with shortened hours during these months.
Winter
Australia’s winter months from June through August are very cold and can have icy conditions in the north. The arid regions of the Red Centre and Uluru can also have very cold nights. However, this is a good time to see indigenous wildlife and experience the country’s dry season.
The shoulder seasons of spring (September – November) and autumn (March – May) are ideal times to visit Australia, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. They’re also cheaper than the peak season, but some attractions will operate with shortened hours or close for the season.
Avoid traveling to the country’s southern coasts during December – February because of high temperatures and humidity. Sydney’s New Year’s Eve and Australia Day are celebrated in style during this period, but the city can be overcrowded. Also, beware of jellyfish season at the beaches during this period. These deadly creatures swarm the waters off the coast of Queensland and northern NSW.
Spring
The best time to visit Australia is in spring (September – November) or autumn (March – May). These seasons offer mild weather, fewer crowds and lower prices. It is also a great time to explore the Great Barrier Reef, as the water temperatures are warm and calm.
However, if you prefer to avoid the heat, the winter months (June – August) are a good option as they are cooler and less humid. The weather is also perfect for hiking and exploring the wilderness.
Visiting Australia in the winter can be tricky as it’s the low season for tourism, so some attractions may be closed or operate on reduced schedules. It is also possible to experience a lot of rain during this time, so make sure to pack an umbrella or waterproof jacket. Nonetheless, it is still a good time to see wildlife and enjoy the beautiful scenery. This is especially true in southern Australia. The city of Adelaide can be extremely hot in the first week of February, but temperatures begin to cool down to a comfortable level by March.
Autumn
As the name suggests, autumn in Australia is the transition season between summer and winter. This is when temperatures are generally cool and dry across the country. This is also the best time to visit Australia if you want to experience the Coral Coast and other coastal regions without the intense heat of the summer months.
This is also when Sydney’s famous Vivid festival occurs, a mind-blowing series of projections and light shows on the city’s landmarks that attracts millions of visitors each year.
Australia is home to some of the most incredible landscapes and experiences in the world. However, it’s important to know when the worst time to visit Australia is so that you don’t get caught off guard by the extreme temperatures and humidity that can occur during the summer months.