It’s always sunny in Australia! Not…
If you’re like me, you might assume when you go to Australia that it will always be sunshine and beach days, but it’s important to remember that Australia has a wide variety of seasons depending on where in the country you go. When deciding to do a road trip, being aware of this weather is one of the most important things so that you can make the most of your adventure. Here are my tips onto how on how to avoid the rainy days and maximize the quality of your trip!
Firstly, it’s very important to know which region of Australia you’re planning to visit as it is a VERY large country and summer in one spot can mean cyclones in another! As a general rule of thumb, the north of Australia will be experiencing rainy season while the south/east of Australia is in the height of summer. That being said, when it’s cold in the south it is a perfect opportunity to explore the hidden gems of the north.
I would also advise trying to stick to warmer months when traveling places like Tasmania and the south/east of Australia. Many camper vans do not have hot shower facilities which means you’ll often be using outdoor showers which can be quite miserable in the cold, not to mention nobody wants their van trip to be ruined with getting sick!
[caption id="attachment_13654" align="alignnone" width="800"]
Ningaloo Reef swimming with whale sharks! https://peterpans.com/tours/full-day-whale-shark-and-humpback-interaction-sea-life-tour-kings-ningaloo-reef-tours/[/caption]
Proceed with Caution:
If you’re planning to travel around the Northern Territory or Western Australia (which I highly recommend!), make sure to stick to the dry season between May and October, due to many of the roads being shut during cyclone season. The odds of having an issue with your vehicle on the roads are much higher at this time so proceed with caution! I would also highly advise trying to book campsites for dry season in advance as the remote areas do not have an abundance of options, and they tend to fill up quick!
Keep in mind, many tours will not operate during the wet season due to cyclone risks. Make sure to check in advance if you have any bucket list experiences, such as visiting the Great Barrier Reef, to confirm if they are running during the rainy season (November-April)!
Also be aware that certain experiences like swimming with whale sharks in Western Australia or going for a whale watching tours in Sydney will both be dependent on the time of year due to migration patterns. Have a look at some of these tours from Peterpan‘s website and figure out what experiences will be available during your planned time!
Where to go at each time of year:
If you’re all about beach days and looking to visit the east coast of Australia, I would highly recommend planning your trip for the summer months between November and February. During this time you will have beautiful hot weather all the way up to Bundaberg. However, once you pass into Tropical North Queensland during these months, expect tropical storms and hot humid weather.
Tasmania is also a great option during these summer months as the weather will be ideal for hiking, camping, and a successful van trip!
For WA and NT, give them a visit during April-October for dry, manageable weather. Believe me when I say, a cyclone warning would definitely put a damper on the road trip!
Packing necessities:
When traveling remember to pack according to the weather so you’re not stuck scrambling to get gear last minute! Some of these in essentials I wouldn’t go without include: waterproof gear, proper footwear, and a portable fan/hot water bottle.
Bugs can also be an issue when camping, so ensure you have lots of mosquito repellent, a fly hat, and mosquito net as campsites will often have mozzies and flies around!
[caption id="attachment_13645" align="alignnone" width="1024"] https://peterpans.com/car-and-campervan-hire/[/caption]
General Recap:
When planning your trip, keep this information handy so your van trip can reach its full potential! Map out the areas you’re looking to explore and line them up with the best weather for that time of year. I used Peterpans camper vans site to get a quote and they were super helpful with information and suggestions so that I could have the best trip ever! They even have 4wd campers for those looking to go off the beaten track! Check out their site here: https://peterpans.com/car-and-campervan-hire/
Ningaloo Reef swimming with whale sharks! https://peterpans.com/tours/full-day-whale-shark-and-humpback-interaction-sea-life-tour-kings-ningaloo-reef-tours/[/caption]
Proceed with Caution:
If you’re planning to travel around the Northern Territory or Western Australia (which I highly recommend!), make sure to stick to the dry season between May and October, due to many of the roads being shut during cyclone season. The odds of having an issue with your vehicle on the roads are much higher at this time so proceed with caution! I would also highly advise trying to book campsites for dry season in advance as the remote areas do not have an abundance of options, and they tend to fill up quick!
Keep in mind, many tours will not operate during the wet season due to cyclone risks. Make sure to check in advance if you have any bucket list experiences, such as visiting the Great Barrier Reef, to confirm if they are running during the rainy season (November-April)!
Also be aware that certain experiences like swimming with whale sharks in Western Australia or going for a whale watching tours in Sydney will both be dependent on the time of year due to migration patterns. Have a look at some of these tours from Peterpan‘s website and figure out what experiences will be available during your planned time!
Where to go at each time of year:
If you’re all about beach days and looking to visit the east coast of Australia, I would highly recommend planning your trip for the summer months between November and February. During this time you will have beautiful hot weather all the way up to Bundaberg. However, once you pass into Tropical North Queensland during these months, expect tropical storms and hot humid weather.
Tasmania is also a great option during these summer months as the weather will be ideal for hiking, camping, and a successful van trip!
For WA and NT, give them a visit during April-October for dry, manageable weather. Believe me when I say, a cyclone warning would definitely put a damper on the road trip!
Packing necessities:
When traveling remember to pack according to the weather so you’re not stuck scrambling to get gear last minute! Some of these in essentials I wouldn’t go without include: waterproof gear, proper footwear, and a portable fan/hot water bottle.
Bugs can also be an issue when camping, so ensure you have lots of mosquito repellent, a fly hat, and mosquito net as campsites will often have mozzies and flies around!
[caption id="attachment_13645" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
https://peterpans.com/car-and-campervan-hire/[/caption]
General Recap:
When planning your trip, keep this information handy so your van trip can reach its full potential! Map out the areas you’re looking to explore and line them up with the best weather for that time of year. I used Peterpans camper vans site to get a quote and they were super helpful with information and suggestions so that I could have the best trip ever! They even have 4wd campers for those looking to go off the beaten track! Check out their site here: https://peterpans.com/car-and-campervan-hire/
| Season | Months | Recommended Regions to Visit | Weather Conditions |
| Summer | Dec - Feb | Southern Australia (Tasmania, Victoria, Southern WA) | Hot to extreme heat in many areas; wet/humid in the tropical north. |
| Autumn | Mar - May | Southern & central regions (Melbourne, Adelaide, NSW, WA) | Milder, comfortable temperatures, good transition season for travelling inland. |
| Winter | June - Aug | Tropical North (Cairns, Darwin, Broome, Kimberley) | Warm, dry, and less humid (the "dry season"). Cold in the south (Melbourne, Tasmania). |
| Spring | Sep - Nov | Southern Queensland, Perth (wildflower season), Sydney | Warming temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and nature; the "build-up" to the wet season begins up north. |
