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Best time to visit

Best time to visit Australia

Seasons are reversed. The south (Sydney, Melbourne) is best October–April. The tropical north and Great Barrier Reef are ideal May–October (dry season).

Best monthsSeptember–November, March–May
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Month-by-month overview

Australia at a glance

GreatGoodOkayAvoid
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Verdictgoodgoodgreatgreatgoodokaygoodgoodgreatgreatgreatgood
Temp (°C)
26°
19°
26°
19°
25°
18°
22°
15°
19°
12°
16°
9°
16°
8°
17°
9°
20°
12°
22°
14°
24°
16°
25°
18°
Rain (mm)100115130125120130958065758580
Crowdshighhighmediummediumlowlowmediummediummediummediummediumhigh
Price$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
NotesAustralian Open; school holsTropical north dry season startsWinter in south; ideal for tropicsSchool holidays; ski seasonWhale watching seasonWildflowers in WAChristmas + NYE in Sydney
Month-by-month weather, crowds and prices in Australia
MonthHigh / LowRainfallCrowdsPricesVerdictNote
Jan26° / 19°C100mmHigh$$$PeakGoodAustralian Open; school hols
Feb26° / 19°C115mmHigh$$$PeakGood
Mar25° / 18°C130mmMedium$$MidGreat
Apr22° / 15°C125mmMedium$$MidGreat
May19° / 12°C120mmLow$LowGoodTropical north dry season starts
Jun16° / 9°C130mmLow$LowOkayWinter in south; ideal for tropics
Jul16° / 8°C95mmMedium$$MidGoodSchool holidays; ski season
Aug17° / 9°C80mmMedium$$MidGoodWhale watching season
Sep20° / 12°C65mmMedium$$MidGreatWildflowers in WA
Oct22° / 14°C75mmMedium$$MidGreat
Nov24° / 16°C85mmMedium$$MidGreat
Dec25° / 18°C80mmHigh$$$PeakGoodChristmas + NYE in Sydney

Month-by-month deep dives

Australia in January
good
Australia in February
good
Australia in March
great
Australia in April
great
Australia in May
good
Australia in June
okay
Australia in July
good
Australia in August
good
Australia in September
great
Australia in October
great
Australia in November
great
Australia in December
good
Featured in our research

Australia ranks #25 in The Luxury-per-Dollar Index 2026

Sydney, Australia — Oceania. Park Hyatt harbour-view from $1,020; wage structure drives cost.

Read the full ranking →
Featured in our research

Australia ranks #16 in The Shoulder Season Score 2026

Sydney, Australia — Oceania · Mid March. Water still 22°C, coastal walks empty, 71% of peak pricing.

Read the full ranking →

Festivals & events

Vivid Sydney

May–Jun

Spectacular light installations transforming the Sydney Harbour.

Melbourne Cup

Nov

Australia’s iconic horse race and cultural event.

Sydney New Year’s Eve

Dec

World-famous fireworks display over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Book your Australia trip for September–November, March–May

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