When to go
If you plan to visit
all of Australia, not just the south but also the vast arid Outback and the tropical north, you may prefer
winter, from June to August, which allows you to avoid the heat, which can be intense in the other seasons, especially in the north-central, and in summer in the south. Going in winter would also permit you to avoid the rains (and sometimes the cyclones) that can affect the north in summer. Of course, winter in the south is quite cold, it can be very rainy in Perth and in western Tasmania, but if you don't like the heat this is the best solution.
If you intend to visit mainly the
southern areas, where the major cities are located, and maybe you want to make a quick tour to the central and northern regions, trying to avoid the heat as much as possible, you can choose
spring and autumn, and in particular April-May or September-October.
You can visit the southern areas also in late spring and summer, especially in November-December in Sydney, and from November to February in Melbourne, taking into account that sometimes there may be some scorching days.
What to pack
Winter (June to August).
In the tropical north and Darwin, bring lightweight clothing of natural fibers, a hat for the sun, a scarf for the breeze, and a light sweatshirt for the evening and air-conditioned places.
In the desert, bring spring/autumn clothes (light for the day), a sweater, a wind jacket, a warm jacket for the night, and a scarf for the sand.
In the north-east (see Cairns, Innisfail), pack light clothes for the day, a sweatshirt for the evening, and possibly a raincoat for the rain showers. When going to the reef, you can bring snorkeling equipment, including water shoes or rubber-soled shoes.
In the center-south and the major cities, pack spring/autumn clothes, a sweater, a warm jacket for the evening and for windy days, and a raincoat or umbrella. In the southern mountains, bring warm clothes, such as a fleece, a down jacket, and gloves.
In Canberra and Tasmania, warm clothes, such as a sweater, a down jacket, and a hat.
Summer (December to February).
In the tropical north and Darwin, and in the north-east down to Brisbane, bring lightweight clothing of natural fibers, a scarf for the breeze, a light sweatshirt for the evening and for air-conditioned places, and a light raincoat for thunderstorms. When going to the reef, you can bring snorkeling equipment, including water shoes or rubber-soled shoes.
For the desert, bring lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of natural fabric (cotton or linen), a desert turban, sunglasses, a light sweatshirt for the evening, a sweatshirt for the night, a sleeping bag for outdoor overnight stays, and desert boots.
In the center-south and the major cities, pack light clothing, a sweatshirt for the breeze and for cool days, a scarf for the wind-borne sand and dust, possibly a light jacket and an umbrella, especially in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.
For Tasmania, spring/autumn clothes, a sweater, and a jacket.
Back to the climate of
Australia