Best Time to Visit Australia by Region (A Month-by-Month Guide for First Time Visitors)

Australia is a BIG country, and the number one question I get asked is: “When should I visit?”

The tricky part is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Australia’s seasons can look completely different depending on where you are. You could be enjoying blue skies and perfect beach weather in one part of the country, while another region is dealing with heavy rain, humidity, or cyclone season.

If you’re planning your first trip, the easiest way to think about it is this:

The top half of Australia is best seen during the cooler months (May to September), while the southern half is best during the warmer months (September to May).

In this guide, I’ll break down the best time to visit each region of Australia (plus a few peak travel periods to keep in mind), so you can plan your trip with confidence.

If you’re also looking for road trip ideas, I’ve written a full guide to the best road trips in Australia for first time visitors.

Jump to a section

Northern Australia
Southern Australia
Western Australia
Eastern Australia
Outback and desert regions
Peak travel periods and school holidays
FAQs

A Quick Overview of Australia’s Seasons

Before we break it down by region, here’s the most helpful thing to remember:

Northern Australia is best in the dry season (May to September)
Southern Australia is best in the warmer months (September to May)

The main reason comes down to weather extremes. The north can be extremely humid in summer with heavy rainfall and flooding, while the outback can become dangerously hot.

Timing your trip properly means you’ll have better road conditions, more enjoyable days outdoors, and fewer cancellations.

Best Time to Visit Northern Australia

(Northern Territory Top End, Broome, Cape York)

Best time to go: May to September (dry season)
Avoid: October to April (wet season)

Northern Australia is one of the most incredible parts of the country, but it’s also the most seasonal.

During the dry season, you’ll get sunny days, lower humidity, and much better conditions for road trips, swimming holes, national parks, and waterfalls.

In the wet season, heavy rain can lead to flooding and road closures, and cyclone activity is more common in places like Cape York and far north Queensland.

If you’re planning a trip to the Top End, this is also when Kakadu and Litchfield are at their best.

Best Time to Visit Southern States

(Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia)

Best time to go: November to March
Great shoulder months: September to October and April

Southern Australia shines in the warmer months, especially if your trip includes coastal drives, hiking, national parks, wineries, or festivals.

Summer is peak season for beach weather and road trips, while winter (June to August) can feel cold and wet, particularly in Tasmania.

If you want fewer crowds but still great weather, September to October and April are amazing shoulder season options.

Best Time to Visit Western Australia

(North WA vs South WA)

Western Australia is huge, and the best time to visit depends entirely on whether you’re travelling north or south.

North WA

(Broome, Kimberley, Exmouth area)

Best time to go: May to September

This is when the weather is dry, sunny, and far more comfortable for swimming, gorges, and long drives.

If you’re doing the WA coast, this is the best season for northern spots like Ningaloo Reef, Broome and the Kimberley.

If you’re planning this route, you might find my Perth to Exmouth road trip itinerary helpful.

South WA

(Perth, Margaret River, Esperance)

Best time to go: September to April

Spring and summer are ideal for the South West, with wildflowers, warm days, and perfect beach weather.

This is also the best time for coastal stops like Margaret River, Albany, and Esperance.

If you’re travelling through this region, here’s my full Perth to Esperance road trip.

Best Time to Visit East Coast Australia

(Queensland, New South Wales)

Eastern Australia is a little more flexible, but the north and south still have different conditions depending on the time of year.

North Queensland

(Whitsundays, Cairns, Port Douglas)

Best time to go: May to October

This is the sweet spot for warm weather without the intense humidity.

It’s also one of the best times to visit if you want clear water visibility for reef trips.

New South Wales

Best time to go: September to April

Spring through autumn is perfect for coastal road trips, beach days, and national parks.

If you’re planning an east coast trip, you might also like my Sydney to Byron Bay road trip.

If you’re after a shorter itinerary with beaches and easy driving, here’s my Gold Coast itinerary.

Best Time to Visit the Outback and Desert Regions

(Red Centre and inland Australia)

Best time to go: April to September
Avoid: October to March

The outback is one of the most unforgettable parts of Australia, but timing matters for comfort and safety.

The warmer months can bring extreme heat, and some areas become uncomfortable or even dangerous for long days outdoors.

If visiting Uluru and the Red Centre is on your list, the cooler months are the best time to go.

For a full itinerary, here’s my Alice Springs to Uluru road trip guide.

Peak Travel Periods and Australian School Holidays

Another thing to consider when planning your trip is peak periods. These are the times when schools in Australia are on holiday.

During peak travel periods, popular destinations can get much busier, especially around the coast. If you’re travelling during school holidays, it definitely won’t ruin your trip, but you’ll notice more crowds around.

The main way this affects road trippers is that accommodation and campsites can book out quickly, especially in popular regions. If you can’t avoid school holidays, just make sure you book earlier than you normally would.

School holiday dates vary slightly from state to state, but they’re generally around these times of year:

• Summer holidays: Mid December to late January
• Autumn and Easter holidays: Mid April to late April
• Winter holidays: Early July to mid July
• Spring holidays: Late September to early October

FAQs

When is the best month to visit Australia?

It depends on which regions you’re visiting, but September to November and April to May are great all round options for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Can you visit Australia in winter?

Yes. Winter is a great time to visit northern Australia and the outback. Southern states can be colder and wetter, particularly Tasmania.

What is cyclone season in Australia?

Cyclone season mainly affects northern Australia and generally falls within the wet season, usually between November and April.

Plan Your Australia Trip With Confidence

Once you understand when to visit each region, planning your route becomes so much easier.

If you’re road tripping Australia and want everything mapped out in one place, I’ve put together my full Australia Travel Guide, including exact road trip routes, must see stops, travel tips, and ready to follow itineraries you can customise.

It’s designed to save you hours of research and help you plan with confidence.

👉 View the Australia Travel Guide here: https://www.rexby.com/lolahubner/australia