Best time to visit Australia

Travelling to Australia can be a once in a lifetime opportunity for some. Especially for UK residents as it means traveling 9,461 miles to the other side of the world, so it’s not necessarily a trip you can book last minute.

For most visitors, they’re doing as much research as they possibly can before they go. And, of course that has to include – when is the best time of year to travel there?

Ideal for UK residents wanting to escape the winter chill, Australia’s seasons are reversed from countries located in the Northern Hemisphere. It means that their spring and summer season falls during our winter and autumn from November to April.

But when is the best time to visit Australia?

Bondi Beach Australia
Koala Bear in Australia

Australia has 3 different time zones, it is the smallest continent in the world and the 6th largest country. It boasts a huge array of wildlife and plants that can only be found in that part of the world.

The most popular time for tourists to visit Australia is during the UK’s Autumn/Winter Season (November to April). It gives chance to escape the winter chill and see some of the most amazing wildlife (including Koalas, Kangaroos and Drop Bears), and visit wonders of the world such as the Great Barrier Reef.

Springtime in Australia lasts from September to November. The average temperature during that time is anywhere between 11°C and 22°C.

Spring in Australia is the perfect time to try your hand at sea kayaking (fingers crossed for calmer seas) or immerse yourself in some of the fantastic cultural delights like Canberra’s Floriade Festival. Each year the capital city hosts Australia’s biggest celebration of spring which includes stunning artwork, culture and floral displays that bring the city to life.

Australian summertime is between December and February. It makes it the ideal time to travel to the country if you’re wanting to escape the UK’s colder weather.

Average temperatures for Australian summertime range from 18.6 - 25.8°C (65.5 - 78.4°F). This means it’s the perfect temperature to spend your time walking along the coast, surfing at Bondi Beach, discovering Byron Bay or visiting the Great Barrier Reef off the coast in Cairns.

Whilst you’re there, take a trip to some of the fantastic vineyards in the South to enjoy some amazing wines.

Remember – with the Ozone layering being much thinner in Australia than some of the other parts of the world, it is essential that you wear sunscreen every day and protect yourself as best as possible from too much UV exposure.

beach in australia
sydney opera house

Less popular with the tourists, Autumn in Australia falls between March and May. It can be quite a wet season with average temperatures rarely surpassing 15°C.

This is the best time of year to immerse yourself in wine and food festivals that happen across the country. As the weather tends to be cooler it means people are much happier to sit and enjoy a meal outdoors rather than having to stay out of the sun. Melbourne’s Grand Prix also takes place in Autumn in Australia and it’s the ideal chance to see the city come to life.

As for the winter time, this is from June to August when the rest of us tend to be enjoying some summer sun back at home. July is the coldest month in Australia’s calendar with rainy showers and cold spells common throughout the whole month.

It’s also a great time to try your hand at some skiing or snowboarding.

Australia might not seem like the best place for snow but there are mountain ranges mainly found in New South Wales which are vast and offer everything you’ll need to enjoy some winter sports. The Kosciuszko National Park is a 6 hour drive from Sydney and includes areas such as Thredbo and Charlotte Pass. These resorts have amazing runs, bars and villages to explore once you’re off the slopes.

The East coast which is home to Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney is a paradise for people travelling Australia. It offers beautiful beaches, surfing spots, incredible wildlife and some of the worlds natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef.

If you’re visiting this coast then start your journey in Sydney which has something to offer all year round. You can explore the Blue Mountains which are technically in Sydney but are still a 3 hour journey outside of the city by train.

And then after Sydney, travel up to Noosa to visit the Beverley Hills of Australia before heading up to Brisbane and paying a visit to Australia Zoo. Located an hour north of Brisbane on the Sunshine coast, the zoo is home to incredible species from across the world and some of the most experienced conservationists.

brisbane australia
turtle in the sea near Great Barrier Reef

If you’re making the journey across to Australia then making sure to tick off visiting Perth on the West Coast is a must.

The best time to visit Perth is September, October or November if you’re looking to enjoy the spring/summer sun but not get burnt. We’d suggest taking the 400 mile journey from Albany to Perth along the coastline. Here you can visit the Margaret River wine region and it’s also a great place for dolphin watching.

Perth itself is an amazing city to explore. There are quirky bars and amazing eateries or you can sit back and relax on the gorgeous beaches including those on Rottnest Island.

Once you’ve enjoyed your stay in Perth you can head north to Kalbarri National Park which is 6 hours north of Perth. Once you arrive in the national park you can hike Nature's Window trail . It’s a breathtaking rock arch that is seen to perfectly frame the valley below.

Albany Australia
Perth Australia
Whatever time of year you decide to visit Australia, make sure you’ve got the Travel Insurance to cover you whilst you’re there.
Travel advice expert
An avid skier with a love of all things christmas, Emma enjoys a week in the snowy mountains with family and friends whenever she gets chance. From the Canadian Rockies to Lake Bohinj in Slovenia, if its got a chairlift, snow and a glass of Gluhwein, Emma is there.
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