Best Time to Visit Australia and New Zealand
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The best time to visit Australia & New Zealand is during the autumn and spring season when the crowds are fewer and you can take advantage of the unique contours of the most secluded landscapes.
Australia & New Zealand experience all four seasons with some corners of the different islands receiving more extreme weather than others during summer and winter. You can embrace the enticing colors of the Great Barrier Reef or the glassy waters of Lake Taupo year-round, but variations on the best time to explore certain areas of the respective countries.
The following guide has information to help you plan your travels to Australia & New Zealand according to your goals and preferences. By understanding the diverse climates, you can experience your perfect Australia & New Zealand trip.
Best Time for Great Weather
Hobbiton™ in Matama, New Zealand
The best time to visit Australia & New Zealand for great weather is from September to November and again from March to May. When visiting both Australia and New Zealand, it’s important to keep your goals and preferences in mind. September to November takes place during the Southern Hemisphere’s spring while March to May covers autumn. These months collectively offer comfortable weather conditions across both countries to give you the best opportunities to visit the Great Barrier Reef or discover Uluru in Australia as well as visit the shire in Hobbiton or sail Milford Sound when in New Zealand.
Best Time for Families with Children
Victoria, Australia
The best time to visit Australia and New Zealand as a family with children of all ages is in the Southern Hemisphere’s spring and fall, specifically from September to November or March to May, respectively. When visiting in the heart of summer, you may encounter the rainy season, jellyfish season, or the harsh heat of the Red Centre in Australia, while winter in New Zealand may not give you access to the remote corners of the country. Your family trip in spring and fall will provide much more accessible weather for the entire family to feel comfortable while discovering as much of the depths of the countries as you like.
Best Time to Avoid the Crowds
Queensland, Australia
March to May are the best months to visit Australia and New Zealand to avoid the crowds. The summer tourists of the Southern Hemisphere have already gone and the winter season has not yet set in across both countries. The heat in Australia becomes manageable and New Zealand remains comfortably warm. These months represent fall and provide the perfect weather conditions for all types of travelers and preferences, whether you prefer wine tasting or surfing, visiting the big cities or fjords, exploring desert landscapes or the Great Barrier Reef. A good season to get the best from both regions.
Best Time for Couples or Honeymooners
New Zealand
The best time to visit Australia and New Zealand for a couples getaway is from October and November or March and April. These months represent the Southern Hemisphere’s spring and fall to provide you with the best weather conditions, as well as smaller crowds, whether in Australia’s desert landscape or the islands of New Zealand. For a romantic escape, you can embrace remote seaside towns, explore dramatic fjords, or sip wine in famous vineyards found across both countries as you discover the benefits of traveling during shoulder season.
Learn more: Australia Travel Guide | New Zealand Travel Guide
Explore Your Best Time for Australia & New Zealand
Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Australia & New Zealand are awe-inspiring destinations that highlight the world’s natural wonder no matter the season. Whether eager to trek a remote desert or enjoy the active beauty of winter, the landscape and contemporary culture represent the sensational scenery. Depending on the experience you want, both countries are best enjoyed during the autumn and spring seasons when the weather is more predictable and the deepest reaches are more accessible. Find inspiration for your trip with our handcrafted Australia & New Zealand Tours. Learn more about how to plan your trip by completing a Trip Request or by calling us at 1-888-265-9707.
