Best Time to Visit Australasia
We are often asked when the best time is to visit Australia and New Zealand the honest answer is that there is no bad time to go, as both lend themselves to travel for much of the year, it just depends on what you want to do.
In Australia, the climate in the north tends to be drier from April to September, whilst in the south, the summer months of December to February bring the hot, sunny weather. Our favourite times to visit the south are in the autumn and spring when it tends to be less busy and slightly cooler. Similarly, in New Zealand, November to April are warmer and ideal of outdoor exploration and the ski season gets under way from June to August. In both the North and the South Island, it’s drier on the east coast rather than the west and it’s worth noting that it’s marginally warmers in the North Island than the South.
Talk through your plans with our specialists who can guide you through the different options ensuring you visit at a time that coincides with what’s on your holiday wish list.
Winter (December - February)
Australia sees hot and humid weather through the northern territory, although this can be spectacular in terms of wildlife the build up to the rains can be uncomfortably humid. As a result, Bamurru Plains closes from November through January due to access issues and humidity. In the southern half of Australia, the seasons are the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere. In the south the days are warm and sunny, with beaches becoming busier through the Australian holiday season and Australia Day celebrated in January, with firework displays at Sydney Harbour. The climate in New Zealand is incredibly pleasant, with warm and balmy summers, perfect for outdoor exploration.
Spring (March - May)
Still with warm temperatures but less crowds, April is an excellent time to visit the south of Australia. Melbourne and Coastal Victoria in Southern Australia see balmy and mild autumn temperatures, making it the perfect time for a ‘Great Ocean Road’ road-trip, taking in the breath-taking scenery, world-class surf and deserted coves as you go. Perth enjoys a Mediterranean style climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it a lovely choice in both spring and autumn. In New Zealand the warmer high-season months of November to April are perfect for outdoor exploration with the vast number or activities it is famous for.
Summer (June - August)
The winter months in Australia bring the dry season to the Northern Territory, a far more comfortable climate to explore the jewels of Darwin, Cairns and the Whitsundays. The winter climes also make it a better time to visit the Great Barrier Reef, making for far better diving and snorkelling conditions. June to August is the high season Queensland, a wonderful time to visit Brisbane, Fraser Island and the exclusive Port Douglas. Whilst in New Zealand it is time to hit the slopes. The mountains of Queenstown, on the South Island of New Zealand, see epic snowfall and exclusive ski resorts. The North Island will experience much higher rain fall during these months.
Autumn (September - November)
This is the start of Spring in Southern Australia, bringing with it fantastic walking, wildlife and bird spotting. Trekking through the Blue Mountains is recommended during October to November before the summer crowds. Margaret River near Perth is especially pretty during their Spring, with carpets of flowers and lovely blossoms, with a lovely all year-round Mediterranean like climate. In New Zealand temperatures rise and white-water rafting comes into its element with the snow melt gushing from the mountains. Rotorua and the Bay of Islands are a stunning attraction as the weather begins to warm, making for spectacular boat trips and whale watching excursions.
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