The best time to visit Australia
The best time to visit Australia for warm, sunny weather is August to November, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 79/100 with daytime highs around 24°C / 75°F. July and December are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) about 9 months a year, warmest in January at 27°C.
Australia by month, averaged across 25 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 70 | 30° / 86°F | 135 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| February | 72 | 29° / 84°F | 143 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| March | 76 | 27° / 81°F | 117 mm | 26° | Excellent |
| April | 82 | 25° / 77°F | 61 mm | 25° | Excellent |
| May | 81 | 22° / 72°F | 47 mm | 22° | Excellent |
| June | 70 | 20° / 68°F | 55 mm | 20° | Excellent |
| July | 71 | 19° / 66°F | 38 mm | 19° | Excellent |
| August | 76 | 21° / 70°F | 36 mm | 20° | Excellent |
| September | 82 | 23° / 73°F | 31 mm | 22° | Excellent |
| October | 80 | 26° / 79°F | 44 mm | 23° | Excellent |
| November | 77 | 27° / 81°F | 58 mm | 25° | Excellent |
| December | 73 | 29° / 84°F | 90 mm | 27° | Excellent |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: August to November — Australia's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 79/100, ~24°C / 75°F days). Shoulder season: July and December — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: January, ~30°C / 86°F. Wettest: February (143 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Karratha (3,635 h/yr), Port Hedland (3,635 h/yr), Broome (3,511 h/yr). See where it's sunniest in Australia month by month, the hottest places in Australia, or every Australia destination with a full climate card.