Is December a Good Time to Visit Australia?
Thinking about travelling Australia in December? If sunshine, beaches, long days and the start of the Australian summer sound good to you, December could be the perfect time to visit.
December marks the beginning of summer in Australia, bringing warmer temperatures and a huge amount of energy to destinations across the country.
Whether you’re planning to backpack Australia’s East Coast, spend Christmas in Sydney, sail the Whitsundays or start a Working Holiday, here’s what you need to know about travelling Australia in December.
December is the first month of Australian summer, which runs from December through to February.
In southern and eastern destinations such as Sydney and Melbourne, you can expect warmer summer temperatures and plenty of opportunities to get outside.
Head further north towards Queensland and you’ll find much more tropical conditions. Destinations such as Cairns are in their wet season during summer, meaning the weather can be hot, humid and wetter than during the winter months.
Australia is huge, so always check the weather for the specific destinations on your itinerary rather than expecting the same conditions everywhere.
Is December a good time to travel Australia’s East Coast?
Yes! December is an exciting time to travel Australia’s East Coast.
A classic East Coast route might take you through:
Sydney → Byron Bay → Gold Coast → Brisbane → K’gari → Whitsundays → Cairns → Great Barrier Reef
With summer officially underway, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for beach days, surfing, swimming, sailing and exploring the coast.
December is also a very social time to travel, making it great for backpackers and solo travellers looking to meet people along the way.
What is Christmas like in Australia?
If you’re used to cold weather, Christmas jumpers and dark winter evenings, Christmas in Australia might feel slightly different!
Think BBQs, beaches, sunshine and Christmas celebrations outdoors.
Sydney is particularly exciting during December as the city builds towards both Christmas and its world-famous New Year’s Eve celebrations.
For anyone spending a gap year or Working Holiday away from home, celebrating Christmas with new travel mates can end up being one of the most memorable parts of the experience.
Can you visit the Great Barrier Reef in December?
Yes, the Great Barrier Reef can be visited year-round, including December.
However, December falls within the wet season in Tropical North Queensland, so expect warmer temperatures, higher humidity and an increased chance of tropical rain.
Weather conditions can vary from day to day, but you’ll still find plenty of opportunities to experience one of Australia’s most famous natural attractions.
Is December a good time for the Whitsundays?
The Whitsundays are another incredible stop on an East Coast Australia itinerary.
December brings hot, tropical conditions, making swimming and getting out on the water particularly appealing.
Sail between tropical islands, visit Whitehaven Beach and spend a few days experiencing one of Australia’s most iconic destinations.
Is Australia busy in December?
This is one of the biggest things to consider.
December can be a busy time to travel Australia, particularly once Australian school holidays begin and the Christmas and New Year period approaches.
Popular destinations, accommodation, tours and domestic flights can book up faster than at quieter times of year.
If you’re planning to travel Australia over Christmas or New Year, we’d recommend booking your major accommodation and must-do experiences in advance.
Is December a good time for a Working Holiday in Australia?
December can be an amazing time to begin a Working Holiday in Australia.
You’ll arrive right at the beginning of summer, when cities and coastal destinations are full of travellers enjoying the warmer weather.
You could start your adventure by travelling Australia’s East Coast, meet other backpackers along the way and then decide where you’d like to settle and work.
Just remember that Christmas and New Year can be a busy period, so organising your first accommodation before arriving is a good idea.
Is December a good time for a gap year in Australia?
Absolutely.
If you’re planning an Australia gap year, arriving in December means jumping straight into the Australian summer.
For travellers coming from the UK or Europe, swapping winter back home for beaches and sunshine in Australia isn’t a bad way to start your gap year!
Travel the East Coast, meet new people, experience an Australian Christmas and then start thinking about where you’d like to live and work.
So, is December a good time to travel Australia?
Yes — December is a great time to travel Australia, particularly if you love summer weather, beaches and a lively travel atmosphere.
It’s a brilliant month for travelling Australia’s East Coast, visiting Sydney, exploring K’gari, sailing the Whitsundays, seeing the Great Barrier Reef or starting a Working Holiday or gap year in Australia.
Just remember that Christmas and New Year make December a popular travel period, so planning ahead is important.
Ready to travel Australia?
Whether you’re planning an Australia gap year, Working Holiday, East Coast adventure or group tour, Ultimate Travel can help you experience some of Australia’s best destinations alongside travellers from around the world.
You bring the backpack. We’ll help with the adventure.
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