gowhereandwhen.comFor Sydney and the south, go in spring, September to November, or autumn, March to May. The tropical north is best in its dry season, May to October. Remember the seasons are reversed: summer is December to February.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Sydney. Higher is better. Some booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Sep.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
Rainy season.
The year at a glance
Australia is a continent, so the answer changes with where you go. The month ratings track Sydney, where the gentlest weather comes in spring and autumn, summer is warm and humid, and winter stays mild.
The far north works the other way around. Cairns, Darwin and the tropics have a dry season from May to October that is the time to go, and a hot, stormy wet season from November to April that brings cyclone risk to the coast.
Australia month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Sydney.
JanuaryWarm with a little rain.Ideal 78
- Daytime high
- 26°C / 79°F
- Overnight low
- 19°C / 66°F
- Rainfall
- 100 mm
Warm with a little rain.
FebruaryWarm and wet.Great 70
- Daytime high
- 26°C / 79°F
- Overnight low
- 19°C / 66°F
- Rainfall
- 120 mm
Warm and wet.
MarchWarm and wet.Great 66
- Daytime high
- 25°C / 77°F
- Overnight low
- 18°C / 64°F
- Rainfall
- 130 mm
Warm and wet.
AprilWarm and wet.Great 68
- Daytime high
- 23°C / 73°F
- Overnight low
- 15°C / 59°F
- Rainfall
- 125 mm
Warm and wet.
MayMild and wet.Great 70
- Daytime high
- 20°C / 68°F
- Overnight low
- 12°C / 54°F
- Rainfall
- 120 mm
Mild and wet.
JuneMild and wet.Great 64
- Daytime high
- 18°C / 64°F
- Overnight low
- 9°C / 48°F
- Rainfall
- 130 mm
Mild and wet.
JulyMild with a little rain.Ideal 75
- Daytime high
- 17°C / 63°F
- Overnight low
- 8°C / 46°F
- Rainfall
- 100 mm
Mild with a little rain.
AugustMild with a little rain.Ideal 85
- Daytime high
- 19°C / 66°F
- Overnight low
- 9°C / 48°F
- Rainfall
- 80 mm
Mild with a little rain.
SeptemberMild with a little rainIdeal 90
- Daytime high
- 21°C / 70°F
- Overnight low
- 12°C / 54°F
- Rainfall
- 70 mm
Mild with a little rain.
OctoberWarm with a little rainIdeal 88
- Daytime high
- 23°C / 73°F
- Overnight low
- 14°C / 57°F
- Rainfall
- 75 mm
Warm with a little rain.
NovemberWarm with a little rain.Ideal 84
- Daytime high
- 24°C / 75°F
- Overnight low
- 16°C / 61°F
- Rainfall
- 85 mm
Warm with a little rain.
DecemberWarm with a little rainIdeal 86
- Daytime high
- 26°C / 79°F
- Overnight low
- 18°C / 64°F
- Rainfall
- 80 mm
Warm with a little rain.
Where you go changes when you go
Sydney and the southeast
Temperate and at its best in spring and autumn. Summer is warm for the beaches, winter is cool but rarely cold.
The tropical north
Cairns and Darwin are made for the dry season, May to October. The wet season from November brings heat, storms and cyclone risk.
The Outback and Red Centre
Uluru and the desert are best from April to September, when the days are warm rather than scorching and the nights are cold.
Best time to visit Australia for
The Great Barrier Reef
June to October, the dry season, with clear water, calm seas and lower humidity. It also sits outside the worst of the stinger season.
Sydney and the beaches
December to February for warm summer days, or March to May for swimming with thinner crowds.
Uluru and the Outback
April to September, when the desert heat eases to comfortable days and crisp, cold nights.
Wine and the cities
March to May, when Melbourne, Adelaide and the wine regions glow in the autumn harvest.
What is on, and when
Whale watching, May to November
Humpbacks migrate along the east and west coasts, easily spotted from headlands and boats.
Summer and festivals, Dec to Feb
Beach season peaks and the cities fill with open-air festivals and cricket.
Watch out
Rainy season
Mar, Jun.
Where to stay in Australia
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Good to know
What is the best time to visit Australia?
Are the seasons reversed in Australia?
When is the best time for the Great Barrier Reef?
Where else, and when
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