When is the best time to visit Australia?
The best time to visit Australia depends on where you are going. Spring and autumn suit the southern cities, while the dry season from May to October is best for the tropical north and the outback.
Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, so its seasons are the reverse of Europe and North America. Spring runs from September to November, summer from December to February, autumn from March to May and winter from June to August.
Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth are pleasant in spring and autumn, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds than in the summer holidays. Summer is ideal for beaches but can bring heatwaves and bushfire risk.
The north and the Red Centre
In tropical areas such as Darwin, Kakadu and Cairns, the dry season from about May to October brings sunny days and low humidity. The wet season brings heavy rain, storms and the risk of cyclones, and some roads and parks close.
Uluru and Alice Springs are best visited from April to September, when days are warm and nights are cool. Summer temperatures in the desert can exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
Winter is the season for skiing in the Australian Alps and for whale watching along the east and west coasts.