If we had to take a guess, we’d bet that most people have put Australia on their travel bucket list. Why do we love it so much? It’s not just the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife, but also the gorgeous cities, vibrant cultures, delicious food, and fantastic weather. So when is the best month to visit Australia and experience the Land Down Under in all its glory? Our experts say December is the ultimate month, thanks to the summer sun and the packed roster of amazing holiday events.
We talked to Travel Director Tony De Quintal, to find out exactly why December is his favourite month in Australia. Tony has been a Travel Director for over 23 incredible years. He’s also a proud Aussie and loves to show off his sunburnt country to our guests. So when he says that December is the best month to visit Australia, we take note! Here’s what he had to say…
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December is the summer season in Australia
While the Northern Hemisphere shivers its way through winter, December is the start of summer in Australia.
Tony says: “I think it’s the anticipation before the summer holiday season. There’s excitement in the air. With it being the first month of summer Down Under, the lead-up to the holidays is busy and fun. People are outdoors, active and catching up with family and friends. The beaches, with their golden hot sand and surf, are the highlight of this month. It’s what Australia is known for. It might sound cliché but it’s the truth… Our beaches are some of the best in the world and December is the month when fun in the sun begins.
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December weather in Australia
The weather is just one of the many reasons why December is the best month to visit Australia. The weather is generally warm, sunny and hovering around 25°C in most cities, but we take a zip around the capitals to find out what you can expect weather-wise for your December trip to Australia.
Sydney, New South Wales
Highs: 25°C / Lows: 18°C
Melbourne, Victoria
Highs: 24°C / Lows: 14°C
Brisbane, Queensland
Highs: 29°C / Lows: 21°C
Adelaide, South Australia
Highs: 26°C / Lows: 16°C
Perth, Western Australia
Highs: 28°C / Lows: 17°C
Darwin, Northern Territory
Highs: 33°C / Lows: 25°C
Hobart, Tasmania
Highs: 21°C / Lows: 11°C
Canberra, Australia Capital Territory
Highs: 26°C / Lows: 12°C
While you can count on the southern parts of Australia to be pleasantly warm, if you’re travelling to the northern parts of the country, like Darwin, Alice Springs, Uluru and Cairns, you should prepare for hotter temperatures over 30°C. You should also expect a higher chance of rainfall since this is a tropical region and the monsoon season starts in northern Australia in mid-December. Rain is less likely in other parts of the country, but always check the forecast before you go!
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December events in Australia
As Tony says, December is the best month to visit Australia because it’s the start lead of the fun silly season, with a bunch of Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and other events to enjoy.
If you’ve never celebrated Christmas in the summer, we can tell you it’s a unique experience we think you’ll love! Instead of snow, scarves, and hot cocoa, it’s all about BBQs in the sun and carols on the beach. Here are some of our favourite December events in Australia that you can’t miss.
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Christmas Day at Bondi Beach
Every year on Christmas Day, thousands of people flock to the famous Bondi Beach to sing carols, have a picnic and a swim, and enjoy the festivities. Just don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat and always swim between the flags.
Penguin Parade on Phillip Island
If you’re in Melbourne in December, you can’t miss watching the penguins marching along Phillip Island. It’s an adorable experience and the perfect way to enjoy summer in Australia.
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Boxing Day Yacht Race
If you’re a sailing enthusiast, you’ll love watching the annual Sydney Harbour Yacht Race on Boxing Day (26 December). It starts in Sydney Harbour and ends in Hobart Tasmania, and it’s incredible to see the harbour filled with stunning ships.
New Year’s Eve in Sydney
If you love a good firework display, be sure to head to Sydney Harbour on New Year’s Eve. The city is known for throwing one of the world’s biggest NYE parties. You’ll join thousands of revellers on the harbour foreshore and be mesmerised as the beautiful fireworks show lights up the sky over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Taste of Tasmania food festival
If you’re a foodie, the best month to visit Australia is definitely December. Taste of Tasmania, Australia’s biggest and longest-running food and wine festival, happens over New Year’s showcasing the best of Tasmania’s home-grown, gourmet delights. You’ll also get to see the purple lavender blooming in the northeast of this gorgeous island state.
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This is just the tip of the iceberg – there are plenty of other fantastic events and things to do in December. Check out our Australia trips to get inspired and start planning your holiday Down Under.
What do you think is the best month to visit Australia? Let us know in the comments below!