Best Time to Visit Australia
Australia is at its sunniest and driest in April–November.
The best time to visit Australia for sunny, dry weather is April–May and September–November — 5 months of the year match our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. The drier half of the year covers April–October, while the wetter half runs through November–March. Country-wide monthly temperatures range from 11.1°C / 52°F in July to 24.5°C / 76.1°F in January, and monthly rainfall from 24 mm / 0.9 in (August) to 74 mm / 2.9 in (February). Australia's climate is broadly seasonal. These are national area-weighted averages from long-term climate normals — regional variation within Australia can be substantial, especially for large or geographically diverse countries. Below, every month is classified against our five weather profiles so you can match your travel window to your preferred weather.
Recommended months
| Month | Temp | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 18.6°C65.5°F | 38 mm1.5″ | Sunny & Mild |
| May | 14.8°C58.6°F | 35 mm1.4″ | Sunny & Mild |
| September | 15.8°C60.4°F | 24 mm0.9″ | Sunny & Mild |
| October | 19.3°C66.7°F | 32 mm1.3″ | Sunny & Mild |
| November | 21.6°C70.9°F | 43 mm1.7″ | Sunny & Mild |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Australia?
The best time to visit Australia for sunny, dry weather is April, May, September, October, November. The warmest month is January (24.5°C / 76.1°F country-wide average) and the driest is August (about 24 mm / 0.9 in). These months combine warmth with low rainfall based on long-term climate normals.
When is the rainy season in Australia?
The rainy season in Australia runs through November–March, when monthly rainfall exceeds the national annual median of about 38 mm / 1.5 in. The wettest single month is February, averaging 74 mm / 2.9 in.
What is the dry season in Australia?
The drier half of the year in Australia covers April–October, when monthly rainfall stays at or below the annual median of about 38 mm / 1.5 in. The driest single month is August with about 24 mm / 0.9 in.
What months should I avoid visiting Australia?
The least comfortable months for travel in Australia — based on our climate data — are January, February, March, May, June, July, August. These are Australia's wettest or coolest months. Rainfall peaks at 74 mm / 2.9 in in February, and temperatures bottom out at 11.1°C / 52°F in July.
Is there a shoulder season in Australia?
Australia doesn't have a distinct shoulder season by our heuristics — its climate is either sunny-and-dry or clearly outside those bounds most of the year. Consider the August window (driest) or January window (warmest) as alternatives to peak season.