Best time to visit Australia

Australia is reputed to offer a favourable climate all year round, but understanding the rhythm of the seasons will allow you to choose the best period to travel to and around Australia. Indeed, travelling with the weather in mind will allow you to avoid some unpleasant surprises (heat waves, rain…). Here are some suggestions and tips for when and where is best to arrive in the land of kangaroos…

Understanding the seasons in Australia

Did you know the seasons are reversed in Australia?

Firstly, and most importantly, the seasons in Australia are reversed compared to the seasons you might be used to in Europe. As Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, the summer begins in December and the winter begins in June.

The different climates of the country

Australia has three main climates: temperate, tropical and arid.
Like Europe, the temperate climate is present in the south which means that Southern Australia experiences all 4 seasons.
Northern Australia is a tropical climate with distinctive wet and dry seasons.
Finally, the Outback, the centre of the country, is a dry climate. It is warm all year round, with cold nights and little to no rain.

When and where to travel in Australia?

Australia’s climate remains relatively mild throughout the year for travellers. Nevertheless, Australia is a huge country and some weather variations are to be expected depending on the states. To avoid some of Mother Nature’s surprises and to optimise your trip, here is a little help.

The following breakdown of the seasons is a quick guide on the best time to visit Australia and where you should go when:

🌸 Spring – September to November

Average temperature is between 20 and 37 degrees.
The period between September and October is favourable for the whole country, with a mild climate – except for the north where October brings the rainy season.

☀️ Summer – December to February

Average temperature is between 20 and 37 degrees.
Summer is the best time to visit the south and Tasmania – but it is also the busiest tourist period! Remember to book your excursions, your hotel and your vehicle in advance. In the centre and the north, the weather is not as good. The Outback experiences very high, even unbearable temperatures, while the North can experience impressive rainfall.

🍂 Autumn – March to May

Average temperature is between 17 and 35 degrees.
Autumn offers reasonable temperatures throughout the country. The rainy season in the North gradually ends. This is generally a good time to visit both the Outback and the outer reaches of the country.

❄️ Winter – June to August

Average temperatures range from 11 degrees (south) to 30 degrees (north).
Because of its mild temperatures, winter is the best time to visit the North of the country. It is also the best time to see the Great Barrier Reef. The weather is sunny, the water is clear and the risk of jellyfish is very low (more likely to occur from December to March). In the South, however, the weather is rather rainy with low temperatures.

Climate in the big Cities of Australia

Sydney

Best period: September to February
Climate: Mild climate throughout the year with no dry season and high rainfall
Average yearly temperature: 19.5 degrees

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec

For more information: Weather in Sydney

Melbourne

Best period: October to April
Climate: Temperate coastal climate with no dry season and average rainfall
Average yearly temperature: 14 degrees

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec

For more information: Weather in Melbourne

Brisbane

Best period: April to June / September to November
Climate: Subtropical climate which can be very humid and hot during the summer. No dry season.
Average yearly temperature: 20.5 degrees

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec

Cairns

Best time: May to October
Climate: Dry winter with mild-warm climate and a wet summer with hot and humid conditions
Average yearly temperature: 24 degrees

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec

Perth

Best period: October to May
Climate: Warm Mediterranean climate with a dry summer
Average yearly temperature: 18.3 degrees

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec

Adelaide

Best time: Mid seasons – March to May / October, November
Climate: Warm Mediterranean climate with a dry summer and cool winter months.
Average yearly temperature: 17 degrees

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec

Darwin

Best time: May to October
Climate: Two distinct seasons; a wet (Nov-April) and a dry season (May-Oct) however, the temperature remains warm all year round.
Average yearly temperature: 27.2 degrees

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec

Alice Springs (Northern Territory)

Best time: January to April and October to December
Climate: Humid and warm subtropical.
Average yearly temperature: 21.3 degrees

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec

When is the best season to find a job in Australia?

Generally speaking, it is possible to find work all year round and everywhere in Australia. This is especially true since the pandemic. Australia, which closed its borders during the health crisis, is now severely lacking in manpower in all sectors.

Of course some jobs will be subject to the seasons such as fruit picking, packing and agricultural jobs. Fruit and vegetables are not all harvested in the same season or even in the same regions. If this is the field you want to work in, then check our harvest calendar for guidance. But this is also true for areas such as tourism and hospitality. In all cases, it is important to be flexible and even willing to travel.

If there was a preferred season to move to Australia to work, spring (September to November) seems to be a good option. This is also the time of year when there is a peak in the number of people arriving in the country.

In the spring, employers in the tourism, catering and other sectors start hiring staff in preparation for the peak summer season. NSW, Victoria and Queensland will be hiring heavily in all sectors during this period.

Apart from the employability aspect, arriving before the summer is a great way to make sure you really enjoy the country because even if you work during the peak season, you can still enjoy the beaches, hiking and various activities the country has to offer!

So, When are you leaving?