At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
With an area of almost 7,700,000 square kilometres, it is no wonder that Australia’s climate is as diverse as the country. During your journey, you could experience a variety of climates and seasons. From a cosy winter in the Snowy Mountains to the beach vibes in the Tropical North, bright and sunny Brisbane, or the maritime climate of Sydney. The travel opportunities are boundless.
Travel Australia, any time of the year
Would you like a tropical holiday? Or would you like to conquer the Outback? Perhaps, you would like to experience the untouched wilderness of Tasmania? By listing your wishes, we can advise you on which regions are the most suitable and when is the best travel time for your journey to Australia.


Queensland
Known by locals as the sunshine state, Queensland boasts a tropical and subtropical climate. The warm weather makes it an ideal holiday destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, it is no wonder that Queensland is a tropical paradise.


Far North Queensland
Between May and October, this place is a tropical paradise. With average temperatures of 25 - 30 degrees Celsius. While Melbourne is cold during this period, Far North Queensland is oozing with warmth and sunshine. This means that you can fully indulge in all the outdoor activities on offer.
Immerse yourself in the beach lifestyle, surrounded by ancient rainforests and unique wildlife. Fish for barramundi, dive into the Great Barrier Reef, snorkel, go on a cruise, and spot saltwater crocodiles. Immerse yourself in the oldest culture in the world.


Cairns
When is the best time to visit Cairns? The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the wonders of the Daintree Rainforest. This colourful coastal town is a place where you can wear flip flops, year-round. However, between April and September is the best time to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. Skip the humidity and rain of the summer and soak up the sunshine.


Great Barrier Reef
One of Australia’s most iconic destinations, the Great Barrier Reef is beautiful year-round. However, the warm winter months between May and October are the best time to enjoy this natural phenomenon. Offering less rain than the summer months, and better visibility of the reef, it is the perfect time to visit this part of Australia. It also means you don’t have to worry about Box jellyfish!

Whitsundays
The natural beauty of the Whitsundays is best explored in September. In early spring, you can enjoy less rain and plenty of sunshine with an average temperature of 26 degrees Celcius. However, the winter season from May to November is also a lovely time to visit. In the months from December to April, the weather can be hot and humid.


Brisbane and surroundings
This region is great to visit all year round. Brisbane is a modern and relaxed city and is a place where you can find trendy outdoor cafes, shopping, and leafy green parks. Nearby, you can also visit the Glasshouse Mountains, Tamborine Mountain, Sunshine Coast, and Noosa. All bursting with great things to do and see.
June and July are the coldest months, with an average temperature of approximately 21 - 12 degrees Celsius. The warmest month is January with an average maximum temperature of 29 degrees Celcius. With plenty of sunshine, it is an ideal destination for a holiday.


Would you like to go whale watching?
Marvel at the humpback whales during their 10,000 kilometre trek to the warm water of Tropical North Queensland. You can admire these majestic creatures on the Gold Coast and Hervey Bay. Or if you are in Brisbane, visit Moreton Island or North Stradbroke Island. The best time is between June and October and there are also other places in Australia where you can spot whales.


New South Wales
Even though New South Wales has a lot to offer year-round, our favourite time to visit is during the shoulder season, between spring and autumn. Skip the crowds during the summer school holidays and enjoy the milder weather. This period is also better value for money and there is more availability of our most unique accommodation.


Byron Bay and surroundings
The North Coast of New South Wales is beautiful throughout the year but is at its finest between September and November. During this period, you can experience pleasant weather and a low amount of rainfall. April is also a fantastic month to visit Byron Bay and its surroundings.

Sydney
Oozing with multiculturalism, Sydney is a refined destination rich with charisma and historical value, with an array of things to do and see! But when is the best time to visit?
The new year is a popular time to visit Sydney due to the famous fireworks.
Between September through November and March to May is a great period to explore this grand and glamorous city. These are the shoulder seasons and offer great temperatures with fewer tourists than the high season. September is the driest month and October is usually warm enough to enjoy the beach with an average temperature of 22 - 14 degrees Celcius.


South Australia
Discover the wonders of South Australia between autumn (March and May), and spring (September to November). This is the shoulder season and a perfect time to enjoy the Mediterranean climate. June is the wettest month, January is the hottest month, and July is the coldest month.

Adelaide
Adelaide features 20 beaches, hip bars, and a collection of fruitful vineyards. This lively city is best explored in autumn with plenty of sunshine and pleasantly warm temperatures. Or if you visit in late February and March, you can experience the nice weather at the end of summer.
January can reach an average maximum temperature of 29 degrees Celcius. This is also considered to be the windiest month of the year. In July, Adelaide can experience an average maximum temperature of 15 degrees Celcius.

Kangaroo Island
Nearby Adelaide, you can visit Kangaroo Island. This wildlife haven is amazing year-round but is best visited during the spring. If you would like to have the feeling of the island all to yourself, visit during the winter months of June, July, and August.


Barossa Valley
The best time to visit the rolling vines of the Barossa is during the harvest celebrations in autumn. During this period the weather is sunny and mild and the nights are crisp.
Summer is perfect for enjoying an outdoor gourmet dining experience, during the evening. With a daytime average temperature of 26 - 29 degrees Celcius, it is the perfect time to see stone fruits ripening as the grape harvest begins.
In the winter, you can enjoy this part of Australia by a cosy fireplace with a delicious glass of wine. The average daytime temperature is between 16 - 12 degrees Celcius, and the night gets down to 6 - 3 degrees Celcius.
Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle with an average daytime temperature of 24 - 17 degrees Celcius. During this period, admire the fruit trees that are covered in a colourful palette of blossoms.



Take advantage of our local knowledge
Feel free to contact one of our travel specialists. They would be more than happy to discuss Australia’s climate and seasons in detail, as well as the best time to visit each region based on your specific interests. Or, feel free to attend one of our live and informative presentations for more inspiration on the best travel time.
Register for an online presentationVictoria
Victoria is bursting with natural beauty, character, and culture. The best time to visit is at the end of the summer months, between March and April. However, May and between September and November is also a great time to discover this beautiful part of Australia.


Melbourne
Melbourne is not called the world’s most livable city for no reason. While this magical city is filled with plenty of things to do and see, year-round, we would highly recommend visiting during the shoulder season.
During this period, between March-May and September - November, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. In summer, temperatures can soar past 30 degrees Celcius and in spring the average temperature is between 18 - 9 degrees Celcius.
July is the coldest month of the year and we would highly recommend avoiding the high season between December and January. This period is extremely busy and unless you have secured accommodation well in advance, you may be left disappointed.


The route between Melbourne and Adelaide
Departing from Melbourne, at a slow pace, you will discover many treasures on this magical route which is best explored between April and October. It is an ideal journey for travellers who enjoy mild temperatures. Along the way, you will find plenty of national parks, coastal roads, islands, vineyards, and wildlife. As well as the iconic Great Ocean Road.
Each place is an easy two to four-hour drive, which makes it an ideal route because there is minimal driving. There are many great places to stay too. Self-catered accommodations with the beach as your backyard. If you prefer, you can travel in the opposite direction, from Adelaide to Melbourne.


Tasmania
With 19 national parks, Tasmania is renowned for its wildlife, untouched wilderness, and outdoor activities. The best time to travel is between November and March. This is also the best time for nature lovers, hikers, and foodies to visit. The island lies south of the mainland and is, therefore, overall a lot cooler than in the rest of Australia.
Tasmania has pleasant temperatures between November and the end of March. December and January are the summer months in Tasmania, but this is also the high season with more crowds and higher prices. July and August are the heart of winter here, which can be very cold and possibly snowy.

Western Australia
With an area of 2.646 million square kilometres, it is no wonder that Western Australia features varied climates. From the warm and tropical climate in the north to the Mediterranean climate in the south, and the desert in between. It is always sunny somewhere in Western Australia.

Perth
The sunniest capital city of Australia, Perth boasts the mildest climate in all of the country with long, hot summers and mild, cool winters. Arguably, Perth has the best climate in comparison to the rest of the cities in Australia.


South of Perth
Be inspired by a region located in the southwest corner of Western Australia. Admire rolling vineyards, pristine surf beaches, tall-timber forests, and spectacular coastal scenery. Best visited between October and April, there are plenty of things to do.
With minimal tourists, this region boasts a Mediterranean climate. And experiences hot and dry summers and mild winters. In winter, there is an average temperature of 16 degrees Celsius. In January, the height of summer, the average maximum temperature is 25 degrees Celsius.
Get off the beaten track in a 4WD. Participate in an Indigenous or wildlife tour. Take a scenic flight. Visit wineries. Enjoy a glass of world-renowned wine together with local truffles or freshly caught crayfish. And encounter the natural treasures found in the area, such as pink lakes or a 15-metre high granite rock known as Wave Rock.
Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo is absolutely stunning all year round but the best time to visit is between March and October. Would you like to swim with whale sharks? Between mid-March to late July is a perfect time. However, these beauties can often be seen till late August.
"I love travelling to Australia in October. The temperatures are rising, there's fewer tourists and it's the perfect month to combine different regions."
Ilona, Travel specialist


Kimberley
Spread across Australia's entire north-western corner is the Kimberley. Best visited between May and July, this region is perfect for adventurous travellers. A place bursting with fresh swimming holes, outback stations, wide rivers, ancient rock formations, and gorges that have eroded over millions of years.
Hop into a 4WD and get off the beaten track. As the wet season has finished (between November and April) and the dry season (between May - October) begins, the area is flourishing green. With long roads, unpaved roads, rough nature, and wildlife, it is Australia at its rawest. May is also a great time to visit waterfalls.

Northern Territory
Northern Australia is best visited between May and October. During the dry season, you can expect blue skies and sunny days. This means the British summer is the perfect time of year to visit and explore this natural wonderland.


The Red Centre
Discover the beating heart of Australia. A timeless place that is rich with Indigenous culture and ancient landscapes. The best time to visit is between May and September. There is a maximum temperature of 20 and 30 degrees Celsius during the day. Perfect for exploring and, you will avoid the scorching hot temperatures of the summer.
We recommend joining a local tour to discover this fascinating part of the world. Together with a local guide and other travel mates, you will start in Uluru (Ayers Rock) and end in Alice Springs. It is also easy to fly here from most major cities.
Uluru
With pleasant temperatures, between May and October it's an ideal time to visit the bright and warm-coloured rock formations of the Red Centre. In July and August, daytime temperatures usually average between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. However, at night, it can drop down to freezing temperatures. Outside of these months, it can get very hot in Central Australia.

Top End of Australia
Be charmed by Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory and the gateway to exploring the Top End of Australia. This friendly small town is the perfect base to discover Litchfield and Kakadu National Park. An oasis that boasts a tropical climate with two seasons (wet and dry). The best time to visit is between May and September.
Discover termite hills that are taller than you. Visit national parks and see an abundance of wildlife. Learn about Indigenous culture, hike through nature, go canoeing, and birdwatch. Take a boat trip and marvel at gorges, swim in natural swimming holes, join a tour to Arnhemland, and camp under the stars.


Best travel time by month
September - November, and March to May
- An ideal period to visit Australia
- A better choice of accommodation
- Enjoy spring and autumn in the southern parts of Australia
- The wet season has not yet begun in Northern Australia
- An ideal time to go hiking in the national parks
- Best time to visit Sydney
- Enjoy fewer crowds
June - August
- An ideal time to visit Cairns and surrounding areas
- Enjoy the crisp temperatures in Southern Australia without the crowds
- Visit Australia's largest national park, Kakadu
- Brisbane is dry and mild with an average maximum temperature of 21 degrees
- An ideal time to visit Uluru
- Discover the Snowy Mountains
December - February
- School summer holidays
- An ideal time to soak up the beach lifestyle
- The most ideal time to visit Tasmania
- A busy period in the capital cities and surrounding areas
- Overall more expensive and fewer accommodation options

Seasons
With the exception of the north, the seasons in Australia are the exact opposite of the United Kingdom. Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, therefore summer is from December to February and winter is from June to August. Autumn is from March to May and Spring is blooming from September to November. The seasons are the same for New Zealand.

Climates

Useful facts
Discover more
States and Territories
Australia is a vast and diverse land of six states and two territories. From the sun-kissed beaches and vibrant… read more
Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?
Discover a world beyond ordinary
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.

Contact us
We would love to discuss your dream journey