Best Time to Visit Australia in 2023

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Best time to visit Australia – By season

Summer – Australia’s summer runs from December to February, opposite to when the Northern Hemisphere experiences the season. It is the best time to visit Australia from the UK. You can escape the cold, and celebrate a warm Christmas and New Year. It is a great time to explore the southern parts of the country, including Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania. The tropical north experiences rain during this season, and the Outback sees soaring daytime temperatures. 

Autumn – This season is from March to May. While not as busy as the summer months, this season is the best time to visit Australia for a quieter experience. In the north, the rains subside by the latter half of the season, and it is a great time for road trips and to go hiking. 

Winter – The country’s winter extends from June to August. With dry weather conditions and balmy temperatures, it is the best time to visit Australia’s northern region, including Darwin, Uluru and Alice Springs. Further south, the Australian Alps receive snow, and temperatures in Tasmania are in the low double digits. 

Spring – Australia’s spring season from September to November sees cities such as Canberra, Sydney, and Perth clad in a riot of colours. It is shoulder season, yet one of the best times to visit Australia’s Outback and northern cities.

Best time to visit Australia – By activity

Hiking – The best time to hike in Tasmania is during the warmer summer months, from December to April. If you plan to explore Australia’s Red Center, the cooler months, from April to September, are ideal. Australia’s rainforests, such as the Daintree and Gondwana Rainforests, are best visited during the cooler, drier period from May to September. The best time to head to Australia’s famous Cape to Cape Track in Western Australia is from March to May, as well as in September and October. 

Snorkelling – The Great Barrier Reef is open year-round for water adventures. However, the best time to go snorkelling is between May and October when weather conditions are dry, water temperatures are warm, and visibility is excellent.

Wildlife watching – The best time to spot humpback whales in Australia is from June to November in towns such as Eden, Byron Bay and Hervey Bay on the East Coast. You can also see the giant mammals in Bremer Bay, Broome and the Ningaloo Reef on the West Coast, and Victoria and Tasmania on the South Coast during this period.  

Best time to visit Australia – By city or attraction

Sydney and Melbourne – Sydney and Melbourne’s peak tourist season is between December and February, the warmest months for the cities. The shoulder seasons from March to May and September to November see excellent weather conditions and low crowds in these cities and are great times to visit as well. 

Gold Coast – With around 300 days of sunshine, the Gold Coast is a year-round destination. While there is no real wrong time to visit this region, the shoulder months of April to June provide pleasant temperatures and relatively leaner crowds, making it a great time to visit the Gold Coast. The months of November and December are also very popular amongst the school and college crowd. 

Great Ocean Road – There is something different to experience during every season on the Great Ocean Road. The most popular time to drive along the Great Ocean Road is summer. However, the spring and autumn months are a fantastic time to experience the beauty of this region’s land and seascapes without crowds. 

Darwin and Uluru- The cooler months from May to October are the best time to visit Darwin, Uluru and cities in the northern territory. During these months, daytime temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C, which makes hiking and outdoor activities an enjoyable affair. 

Blue Mountains – The warmer months from September to May will allow you to enjoy everything the Blue Mountains offer. 

Tasmania – With warm temperatures in the low to mid-20s and plenty of dry days, the summer months from December to February are the best time to visit Tasmania.

What to pack for Australia?

Your packing list for Australia depends on when and where you are travelling to. The sun can get quite intense, so pack sunglasses, a sun hat and sunscreen, no matter when you are visiting the country. Keep a water bottle handy to prevent dehydration. Even during summers, evenings can get chilly, so pack a light jacket or sweater and keep a raincoat on hand incase of a sudden downpour. 

Winters in Tasmania can be cold, with nighttime temperatures dropping below freezing and daytime readings in the low double digits. Pack layers to keep yourself warm. If you are planning hiking trips during this time, take a woollen cap, gloves, socks, and thermals. Do not forget to carry a good pair of hiking shoes.

For beach holidays in Australia, pack your favourite swimsuits, a cover-up, comfortable sandals or flip-flops, and other beach essentials. If snorkelling is part of your itinerary, swim shoes are a good addition. 

The dress code in cities is casual so bring clothes you are comfortable in. Pack a set or two of dressier clothes for when you dine at an upscale restaurant or visit a nightclub. There is plenty to see in Australia’s cities, so bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes.

Amazing Australia awaits you. Contact us today, so that our destination experts can help you plan an unforgettable journey Down Under.

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