Best time to travel to Australia from the UK

From tropical beaches to scenic mountain ranges, Australia offers year-round opportunities for memorable holidays. Since conditions differ so much between regions, choosing the right season can help you enjoy your trip more and avoid weather that might interrupt your plans.

If you want to know the best time to travel to Australia from the UK, this guide explains the seasons, flight prices and activities you can enjoy. We’ll help you make the most out of your holiday, whether you spend it on a beach, enjoying wildlife or a scenic road trip.

We’ll also mention the Wise card, a cost-effective option for spending in Australia. It allows you to spend in 160+ countries, with low, transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rate.

When is the best time to travel to Australia from UK

Australia stretches across several climate zones, so the ideal time to visit depends on where you intend to travel. Southern states such as Victoria and Tasmania are wonderful during spring and autumn, while northern regions, including northern Queensland and the Northern Territory, are at their best between May and October.

If you want beach weather, the summer months are the best time to visit, although prices will rise during this period. During the Australian winter, the weather is mild, making it perfect for exploring cities such as Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.

Below you will find more detailed descriptions of each season with suggestions on what you can see and do.

Spring: September to November

Spring is one of the most rewarding times to visit Australia, since the weather is pleasant and the flights are cheaper than in the summer months.

In the south, temperatures are rising, but it’s still comfortable enough for long walks and sightseeing, especially in national parks. If you’d like to visit urban areas, the Adelaide Guitar Festival and Adelaide Latin Festival are a good way to enjoy the city’s cultural scene.

Western Australia and regions like the Coral Coast and the Margaret River region are in full bloom during this period. In Perth, the weather is ideal for cycling along the Swan River or exploring Rottnest Island, where quokkas can often be spotted. If you visit Tasmania in spring, you can hike in Freycinet National Park or see Cradle Mountain.

Summer: December to February

Summer is the liveliest time of year in much of Australia. The days are long and warm, so the atmosphere in cities and coastal towns becomes more energetic. If you’re looking to escape the gloomy, cold weather in the UK, the summer months are the best time to travel to Australia.

Beaches are crowded during summer, so it can be difficult to find a free spot in places such as Bondi Beach or Byron Bay. This is also the holiday season, so if you’re dreaming of spending Christmas on a beach, you can do so in Australia.

However, summer is the wet season in the northern tropics. Places like Darwin and Cairns experience heavy showers and heat, so the weather can be quite unpredictable. This also makes the landscapes incredibly lush, but it might disrupt your plans if you encounter a storm.

If your priority is avoiding crowds and finding cheaper accommodation, you might want to consider skipping summer in Australia. Hotel prices reach their annual peak between December and February, so you’ll need to book your trip well in advance to save some money.

Autumn: March to May

Along with spring, autumn might also be the best time to travel to Australia. Temperatures soften after a hot summer and the crowds reduce, but the days remain warm. This is also harvest time in many Australian wine regions, making it a great season for visiting wineries and harvest festivals.

Autumn brings golden colours to regions such as the Adelaide Hills, the Yarra Valley and Bright. The Great Ocean Road is especially enjoyable during this season, because the roads are less busy and the viewpoints are easier to access. You can still enjoy water sports on the east coast, since the ocean will likely still be warm.

If you’d like to visit the Red Centre, autumn is the time when it’s cool enough for hikes around Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Many tourists book sunset and stargazing tours during this period.

Compared with summer, the cost of visiting Australia in the autumn months is much more reasonable. Still, you should book flights and accommodation in advance.

Winter: June to August

The Aussie winter is the least popular tourist season, making it the best choice for travellers on a budget. Although the south can get cold, you can enjoy some sunshine in the northern territories. During the same season, it’s possible to go skiing in the Snowy Mountains and experience warm weather in Kakadu National Park.

Winter is also a fantastic time for marine wildlife. Humpback whales migrate along the east coast during this period and can be seen from places such as Hervey Bay, Byron Bay and Sydney.

What to do in Australia

Australia offers an incredible range of activities and attractions, many of which can be enjoyed year round. Here are some highlights you can add to your itinerary.

Enjoy the wildlife on Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is one of the best places to spot wildlife in Australia. You can see kangaroos, wallabies and koalas, as well as sea lions and penguins. Make sure you also visit the Flinders Chase National Park for a truly stunning experience of Australian nature.

Enjoy the beaches

Australia is famous for its beaches and every region has something different to offer. For a peaceful family holiday, you can head to Glenelg or Cottesloe beach, while surfers often flock to the beaches around Sydney or the Sunshine Coast.

There’s a beach for every type of visitor, so try to find one you’ll truly enjoy.

Discover Aboriginal art

While Aboriginal art is displayed in many museums and galleries, you can also visit ancient rock sites such as the Quinkan rock galleries. Booking a guided tour is a great way to learn about Australia’s indigenous history and help keep these stories alive.

Watch live sports

If you’re a sports fan, your holiday in Australia is a perfect opportunity to watch a live event, whether it’s Australian Open, cricket or an AFL game.

For a combination of sport and scenery, consider attending a surfing competition.

Planning a trip to Australia from the UK

Once you decide on the best time to visit Australia, you can organise a few practical details to ensure your holiday runs smoothly.

Australia visa requirements

British travellers need a visa to enter Australia. The electronic eVisitor visa is the most common option, since there’s no service fee or application charge. An alternative to this is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which might come with a service fee.¹

For any other type of visa, consult the Australian Department of Home Affairs.¹

Flights to Australia from the UK

You can fly to Australia from a few major UK cities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh and the average flight time is around 17 hours. The only airline offering a direct flight is Qantas, while other airlines flying to Australia include British Airways and Emirates.²

Ticket prices can vary greatly throughout the year, depending on how far in advance you book and the departure airport. At the moment, the cheapest month to fly to Australia from the UK is March, with fares starting at around £470.²

Visiting Australia soon? Get the Wise Card for low-cost international spending

Open a Wise account online and you can order the Wise debit card for a one-time fee of £7. You can use this clever card in 160+ countries.

It automatically converts your pounds to local currency whenever you spend using the mid-market exchange rate, only adding a tiny, transparent conversion fee* – or it’s free if you already have the local currency in your Wise account.

You also get two free ATM withdrawals for up to 200 GBP (or currency equivalent) each month. Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.

Sign up with Wise for free

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Sources last checked on date: 02-Dec-2025