Australia travel guide
April to May and September to October are the most comfortable months for most of Australia. May to October is the ideal window for the Great Barrier Reef and the drier north. December to February brings summer heat, holiday crowds and higher prices, so book early if you travel then.
Facts checked 3 Nov 2026
| Month | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20° to 30°C | 90 mm |
| Feb | 20° to 29°C | 100 mm |
| Mar | 18° to 27°C | 80 mm |
| Apr | 15° to 24°C | 55 mm |
| May | 12° to 21°C | 45 mm |
| Jun | 10° to 18°C | 45 mm |
| Jul | 9° to 18°C | 40 mm |
| Aug | 10° to 20°C | 40 mm |
| Sep | 12° to 22°C | 45 mm |
| Oct | 15° to 25°C | 55 mm |
| Nov | 17° to 27°C | 65 mm |
| Dec | 19° to 29°C | 80 mm |
Australia's weather depends on the region, because the country spans a tropical north, a temperate south and a dry desert centre. The seasons are opposite to those in India. December to February is summer, March to May is autumn, June to August is winter and September to November is spring. This guide explains which months suit each region, so you can pick the window that matches your route.
April to May and September to October are the broadly comfortable months for the southeast, including Sydney and Melbourne. In April, Sydney and Melbourne average highs around 24°C and lows around 15°C, with about 55 millimetres of rain. In September, highs are around 22°C and lows around 12°C, with about 45 millimetres. Days are mild for walking, and the crowds are lighter than in summer. These are the months most travellers find easy for city touring and coastal walks.
May to October is the ideal window for the Great Barrier Reef, because the tropical north has its dry season then. In May, conditions are drier across the north, and average highs in the south are around 21°C. June to August is cooler in the south but often dry and mild in the north. Reef departures can still be delayed by sea conditions, so keep a buffer day in your itinerary.
Winter brings the coolest weather in the south. July is the coolest month, with average highs around 18°C and lows around 9°C in the south, and rainfall around 40 millimetres. August is dry and clear, which suits reef, wildlife and city travel. Pack warm layers for Sydney and Melbourne, since evenings can be cold. The north stays mild, which makes Cairns and the Gold Coast popular in these months.
Spring is usually warm and comfortable across the country. September has average highs around 22°C, and October reaches about 25°C with lows around 15°C. October is a good nationwide compromise before the tropical wet season intensifies. November is warmer, with highs around 27°C and about 65 millimetres of rain, and the tropical north begins to see more storms. Spring is also the season for wildflowers in some regions.
Summer is the hottest season, and December to February is the peak holiday period. In January, average highs are around 30°C, and in December they reach about 29°C, with lows near 19°C to 20°C. Rainfall is higher, at 80 to 100 millimetres a month, and the tropical north is in its wet season. Summer is the ideal period for beaches and surfing on the east coast, but it brings higher prices and crowded attractions. Travellers often underestimate this season, so book hotels and reef trips early.
March is still warm, with highs around 27°C in the south and humid conditions in the tropical regions. April and May are cooler and more comfortable. These months suit a mixed Sydney, Melbourne and northern itinerary, because they combine mild city weather with a good reef window in May.
Travellers most often regret December to February. The weather is hot, the attractions are crowded and prices rise sharply over Christmas and New Year. For a mixed Sydney and Melbourne trip with the north, the shoulder months of March to April or September to October are commonly recommended. June to August is milder in Sydney and Melbourne and works well for Cairns and the Gold Coast.
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and traveller reports. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Temperatures and rainfall are typical monthly figures, and actual weather varies by year and region, so check the forecast for your dates before you travel.
Start with the Australia travel guide for an overview. Then read places to visit in Australia to match regions to the season, things to do in Australia for activities and trip cost to budget for your dates. Our Australia tour packages list the ready-made trips, and the visa guide for Indians explains what to arrange before you travel.
Ready-made trips
Sydney 3N · Melbourne 3N · Cairns 3N
Sydney 5N · Gold Coast 5N
Sydney 3N · Cairns 6N · Melbourne 3N
*Approximate price per person, excl. GST. Contact us for exact pricing.
Packages cover stays, transfers, sightseeing and meals as listed. Flights are not included. Prices are per person, excl. GST.
FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Australia.
April to May and September to October suit most of the country, with mild weather for sightseeing. May to October is the ideal window for the Great Barrier Reef. December to February is hot, busy and more expensive, so it suits travellers who enjoy beaches and can book early.
May to October is the ideal period, because the tropical north has its dry season then, with calmer water and clearer conditions. Reef departures can still be delayed by sea conditions, so keep a buffer day in your trip.
The south can be cool. Sydney and Melbourne have highs around 18 degrees Celsius in July, with lows near 9 degrees, so pack warm layers. The north stays mild and dry, which suits Cairns and the Gold Coast in June to August.
December is the start of the summer holiday peak. It is warm, with highs around 29 degrees Celsius and about 80 millimetres of rain, but prices are higher and attractions are busy. Book flights, hotels and reef trips early if you travel in December.
The tropical north is wettest from about December to March, with 80 to 100 millimetres of rain a month. The south is drier. Rain can still fall in any month, so check forecasts for your region before you travel.
Uluru is very hot in summer, so it suits the cooler months from May to September better. Walking distances are long and park tours begin early, so plan your day around sunrise and avoid the midday heat.
Spring is the wildflower season in some regions, and September to November brings warm, comfortable weather across much of the country. Check the regional flowering period with your planner, because timing varies by area and year.
Shoulder seasons such as April to May and September to October usually cost less than the summer holiday period. Prices change by route and season, so ask your planner for a written quote for your dates.
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