Best Time to Travel to Australia: Expert Tips

Key takeaways

• Australia is big and diverse. The best time to visit depends on where exactly you’re going, the activities you’re looking forward to, and your budget. 
• The Australian winter, from June–August, is the most affordable time to visit Australia. To save on a trip to Sydney or Melbourne, you could also consider traveling during a shoulder season, when prices are low but the weather is still warm.   
• Look for flights to Australia during the Goldilocks Window (about 2–8 months before an international flight) for the best deals. If you’re traveling during the high season, book hotels and tours ahead of time if possible to save. 
• Signing up for a Going Premium or Elite membership and downloading the Going app will get you real-time alerts when prices drop on flights to Australia. 

Why timing matters when traveling to Australia

Australia is a big, diverse country. Although there are four seasons, not every state will have the same weather during each season. Therefore, when you should visit depends on where you want to go and what you want to do. Here are the basics of Australia’s travel seasons.

As Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, it experiences the austral summer, meaning summer falls from December–February. This can be both a positive and a negative for travelers. 

Summer travel (June–August) is popular among Americans. This aligns with winter and the slow season in Australia. If you have time to travel during that period, you can find some great deals on trips to Australia.

Alternatively, if you want to flee the cold in the US and hit the beach in Australia, you should visit during Australia’s summer (December–February). Weather-wise, it’s a great time to visit, but it’s also the busiest and most expensive time to visit Australia. 

So when is the best time to travel to Australia (and New Zealand for that matter)? Let’s dig in. 

Overview of Australia’s diverse seasons

Australia’s weather can be drastically different depending on where you are. Northern Australia has a more tropical climate, while Southern Australia has a more temperate climate. 

From January–March, places like Tasmania are extremely cold, with temperatures below freezing. Yet in Sydney, temperatures are in the high 70s and 80s (Fahrenheit). Therefore, Australian summer, from December–February, is the prime beach vacation season.

Although Australian winter (June–August) is the coldest time of year in Sydney and Melbourne, it’s never really that cold. Temperatures are typically in the 40s at night and 50s by day. Winter, or Australian summer, is also the dry season, making it a good time to snorkel around the Great Barrier Reef. In July and August, you can go whale watching near the reef. 

The best time to visit wineries in the Adelaide Hills and Barossa Valley is from September–November, when there are harvest festivals. In autumn, from March–May, most of Australia has mild temperatures and few crowds, making it a good time to visit if you want to save money and have a little more room to explore.

How the weather varies across regions

Northern Australia is tropical, with warm weather year-round, however it does have a wet season from November to April. May–October is the dry season and some of the best months to go to Australia, though it can be more expensive during that time. 

Southern Australia, home to some of the most popular areas, such as Sydney, Byron Bay, Melbourne, and Adelaide, has four distinct seasons. It’s cold in the winter (June–August) and hot in the summer (December–February), with milder temperatures in between. That said, it’s rarely below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Western Australia has hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Most tourists don’t venture to that side of the country. Tasmania, off the southeastern coast, has the most severe temperature shifts, with freezing-cold winters, hot summers, and beautiful fall colors. 

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Best time to visit Australia by season

Australia is a year-round destination, but some seasons can be more enticing depending on your planned activities. 

Summer in Australia (December to February)

Summer in Australia runs from December to February. You can expect warm, sunny days with temperatures from the 70s to 90s (Fahrenheit). In northern areas, like Cairns and Darwin, it can get even hotter and more humid. The weather in Australia in January is the complete opposite from much of the US, making it a nice, warm getaway. 

Top activities and destinations in summer

Summer is the busy season in most of Australia, as many people come for the beaches and snorkeling. While you can snorkel year-round, summertime, when the weather is dry, is the best time to visit Australia for underwater visibility. 

The Great Barrier Reef, Bondi Beach, and Whitsunday Islands are very popular during the summer. The Three Capes Track in Tasmania is also popular during this time. Also, Tasmania has a number of winter festivals, such as the Taste of Tasmania food festival, which typically happens around New Year’s Eve. The Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race also takes place around the New Year. 

Autumn in Australia (March to May)

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Australia. The season runs from March to May, and you’ll typically see temperatures in the 60s to 80s (Fahrenheit). Weather around most of the country is mild and comfortable during this time with days warm enough to hit the beach, but the humidity is lower and heat less oppressive. It’s also cheaper and slightly less busy to visit.

Best cities and outdoor adventures in autumn

Melbourne and Sydney have lots of outdoor markets and local food festivals during the fall. It’s also a great time to visit both cities if you plan to walk a lot while sightseeing, as it’s not too hot. Tasmania is gorgeous in the fall, full of fall colors that you can see on tons of hiking trails. 

Winter in Australia (June to August)

Winter in Australia is from June to August, during summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Temperatures range from about 40–60 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a nice time to get away from extreme heat in much of the world without being too cold. That said, there are some snowy areas in New South Wales, and it can get pretty chilly in Tasmania. 

Popular winter activities and snowy destinations

Winter is a fun time to visit the bushland, where you can hike or ride horseback through the Thredbo Valley. New South Wales also has several snow resorts for sledding. In Alpine National Park, you can take a husky sled ride through the snow and into the forest. 

Away from the snow, winter is a great time to visit museums in Sydney and Melbourne when there are fewer crowds. In Queensland, the Jumpers and Jazz festival takes place during the last ten days of July. While it’s likely too cold to swim, winter is a nice time to walk along Australia’s beaches—and a much cheaper time to visit than December–February. 

Spring in Australia (September to November)

Spring in Australia, from September to November, sees temperatures in the 60s and mid-70s (Fahrenheit). Weather-wise, this is a lovely time to visit. It’s also shoulder season, meaning flights and lodging are cheaper and there are fewer crowds. 

Festivals, beaches, and perfect weather in spring

Spring has amazing weather. It’s warm enough to lounge on the beach or scuba dive in a wetsuit, and it’s a great month for hiking and seeing wildflowers. Canberra has gorgeous wildflowers, and in October, you can attend Floriade, the largest flower show in the Southern Hemisphere. In fact, spring is festival season all over the country, with food, art, and music festivals in almost every region. 

Melbourne is especially lively in spring, when rooftop bars open up and locals flock to nearby thermal pools. In Tasmania, spring is a bit cooler, but it’s a good time to tackle one of the area’s longer hikes before it’s too hot. You could also catch the start of whitewater-rafting season. 

Regional breakdown: when to visit each area

Australia has six states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. There are also two mainland territories—Northern Territory and Australian Territory—and other minor territories. 

Tourist hotspots are mostly centered in the southeast. Adelaide is in South Australia, while Melbourne is in Victoria and Sydney is in New South Wales. The Great Barrier Reef is on the eastern coast, mostly along the Queensland coastline. The Outback is the one touristy area not in the south or east. It’s a large, remote area that covers much of the country. 

Best time to visit Sydney

The best time to visit Sydney if you’re planning to go to the beach is from December to February, when the weather is hot. Our favorite times to visit are during Australia’s spring (September–November) or fall (March–May). These shoulder seasons have good weather—not too hot, not too cold—plus fewer tourists and lower prices. 

A midrange hotel in January is around $200–$250 per night, while in April you can find hotels for around $100 per night. Check out our guide for ways to find the cheapest hotels every time. 

Best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef

May to October (the dry season) is the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef for warm water and optimal viewing conditions. It’s fine to visit at other times of the year—prices are lower from November–April—but you might not see as much underwater. No matter when you visit, it’s best to give yourself two or three days to snorkel in case of bad weather. 

During the dry season, a full-day snorkeling tour is around $200–$300 per person. During the rainy season, tours can be slightly discounted. 

Best time to explore the Outback

It’s best to visit the Outback during shoulder seasons, when it’s not too cold or too hot to hike. Off season in the winter can be cheaper, but it can also be cold. Avoid summer, when it can be dangerously hot for outdoor activity. 

Taking a road trip is a good way to see the Outback. You can also book a tour, which typically costs $1,000–$2,000 for three days. 

Events and festivals to plan around

Australia has some major festivals, such as the Melbourne International Film Festival, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Sydney New Year’s Eve party, and more. They don’t typically alter international tourism (with a few exceptions), but cities can get busy with Australians from other cities. Book your hotel rooms and any domestic flights ahead of time, if possible. 

Iconic Australian events by season

• Winter: Winter features lots of local harvest festivals across Australia. Tasmania Whiskey Week takes place in August, as does Darwin’s Party, a huge arts festival. 
• Spring: Spring is a great time for flower festivals, like Floriade in Canberra. 
• Summer: New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Sydney Opera House are an iconic summer activity in Australia. The Australian Open, typically in January, is an event that gets busy with international visitors. 
• Fall: During Australia’s fall, Adelaide hosts Fringe and the Adelaide Festival. Both draw huge domestic crowds. There is also the Australian Rowing Championships, as well as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (usually at the end of March). 

Tips for booking during peak seasons

• Book your lodging as early as possible during busy seasons, especially if you want to stay in city centers or on the beach. 
• You should also book any tours, such as Outback camping tours or guided Great Barrier Reef tours, as early as you can. 
• Consider traveling during shoulder seasons, the seasons just before and after peak seasons, if possible. You’ll typically find better deals on flights and accommodations. If you book on the edge of the shoulder seasons, you can often still get summer or winter weather, if that’s your goal. 
• Be flexible with your flights. Search for flights a few days before or after your ideal departure date to see if airfare is cheaper. It can also help to search from alternative airports. If you can, avoid flying on Fridays and Sundays, which are typically the most expensive days to fly. Check out our guide for the cheapest days to buy a flight.
• By signing up for a Going membership, you can get real-time alerts for the cheapest flights our Travel Experts can find—even during peak seasons. Set up a Price Alert, and we’ll let you know when fares drop. 

Tips for choosing your travel dates

There are several factors that can help determine the best time for you to visit Australia. If you’re visiting the beaches, you’ll want to go when it’s warm. If you’re more interested in saving money, a shoulder season trip could be for you. 

The type of activities you hope to do, the weather, and your budget will all impact your travel dates. There is no one best time of year to visit Australia, but there is a best time for the type of trip you envision. 

Balancing budget, weather, and activities

If budget is your main priority, visit during Australia’s off season. That’s winter in much of the country. Alternatively, shoulder seasons like spring and fall offer mild weather and cheaper prices than high season. If you want to visit the Great Barrier Reef or hang out at the beach, summer is the best time to go. And if you’re there for hiking and beautiful flora, visit during the spring. 

Avoiding crowds while maximizing experiences

If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds but you’re also hoping for good weather and good conditions for activities like snorkeling, the shoulder seasons are for you. Spring and fall are less busy, but they have mild enough weather to do most outdoor activities. If you really want to swim, try to visit as close to Australian summer (December–February) as possible without actually being in summer. 

Conclusion

Planning a trip to Australia can easily get expensive—but it doesn’t have to. You can save big on flights and accommodations by timing your bookings right, staying flexible with your travel dates, and keeping the Goldilocks Window in mind. Whether you’re looking to hit the beach, enjoy a city break, snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, or take a trip into the Outback, Australia has something for everyone. 

Let Going take the guesswork out of planning—download the app and get a membership today to unlock unbeatable deals and make your Australia getaway unforgettable.