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As one of the world’s largest countries, with weather varying greatly from region to region, the best time to visit Australia will largely depend on what it is you want to see and do. With fantastic beaches, vineyards, cosmopolitan cities and fascinating wildlife to discover, there’s something to entice every traveller.

The first thing to note is that seasons in Australia are opposite to what we experience in the Northern Hemisphere. Summers are from December to February, whilst the winter months run from June to August. As well as this, the north and south of the country experience different weather patterns to each other.

Summers in the north are hot and humid, with tropical rain and the occasional thunderstorm. This is the wet season in northern Australia, and although travel can be more challenging the landscapes are fresh and vibrant and wildlife is active. At the same time in the south the days are warm and sunny, and although there is the chance of heavy downpours they don’t usually last for very long. This is a holiday period for Australians, so you should expect attractions and beaches to be busier.

Northern Australia is at its best in the winter months, the ‘dry season’, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. It’s a great time for both land and underwater activities, with gentle currents around the Great Barrier Reef allowing for fantastic snorkelling. You can expect a milder climate in the south at this time as well as fewer crowds, the perfect opportunity for hiking as well as venturing into inland regions.

Spring and autumn in the south (October to December and April to May) are both wonderful times to travel, with sunshine, little rain and great walking and wildlife-viewing opportunities in national parks and along the coast. Springtime in the north sees wildflowers carpeting the outback landscapes, whilst the autumn sees pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.