Australia in September: Weather & Travel Tips
Wave goodbye to winter and say hello to spring with a trip to Australia in September. This is a month of bright skies, cool nights under the stars, and a stirring of new plant and animal life. A continuation of the dry season in the far north, September also marks an end to heavy rains in southern cities like Sydney and Melbourne, thereby ensuring that there is nowhere in Australia that cannot be visited in October.
- Jamie
Australia Weather in September
The large population centers of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Canberra – arguably Australia’s top cities – see pleasant temperatures made for exploring, be it browsing through the museums at their heart or discovering scenic areas such as the Blue Mountains that surround these cities. It is unlikely that you will come across daily highs peaking above 20°C during this month. However, we suggest that you carry a sweater or a light jacket for evenings. Tasmania can be a little too cool at this time of year, with temperatures of around 15°C. Spring temperatures allow for discovering the outback and gazing at Uluru without it being a chore, while the tropical north is also open for business!
For a seasonal overview, read our travel article on the best time to visit Australia.
Weather in Australia in September - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 26 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 14 | 16 | 18 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 19 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 22 | 24 | 26 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 79 | 79 | 77 | 74 | 68 | 65 | 63 | 65 | 68 | 58 | 61 | 65 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 67 | 67 | 65 | 59 | 54 | 50 | 47 | 49 | 54 | 72 | 76 | 79 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 131 | 126 | 164 | 133 | 101 | 140 | 56 | 99 | 65 | 88 | 116 | 85 |
| Aug | Sep | Oct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 18 | 20 | 14 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 9 | 12 | 22 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 65 | 68 | 58 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 49 | 54 | 72 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 99 | 65 | 88 |
Why Visit Australia in September
September is a good all-round choice for visiting Australia, with the weather across the country making it a good month to discover highlights across the country – from rock formations to art galleries. Below are some of the reasons to pack your bags for a trip to Australia in September.
- Less chances of rainfall: September in Australia is one of the rare periods when both the north and the south of the country are mostly free of rain. Instead, expect sunny skies and building humidity in areas around Darwin.
- Fewer visitors: Destinations such as Sydney are not as busy as they are at other times of the year, and you will not have to book some of the most popular tours in these areas months in advance. Watch out for the Whitsunday Islands though, which have become extremely popular in recent years.
- Better rates: A shoulder season in the north combined with a quieter period in the south of the country means that you can find some great accommodation and flight deals with a bit of luck if you are heading for Australia in September.
- Flower season: Although Australia has a reputation for being a dry continent, flowers appear all over in September and are celebrated in garden festivals up and down the country.
Where to go and what to do
Take advantage of September’s lower temperatures to discover the otherwise scorching outback. Alice Springs is the traditional launch point for tours to the Red Center, an area that is home to world-renowned attractions that include Uluru, Kings Canyon, and thousands of years of Aboriginal history and culture. Plus, spring means a good chance to cuddle a baby kangaroo or a koala! Those with a taste for the tropics should also consider making a stop in Cairns or Darwin, whose surrounding national parks are stunning in September.
Several important flower shows bring color to Australia’s southern cities in September. The Tesselaar Tulip Festival sees around a million individual bulbs being planted for the occasion, while Canberra’s Floriade garden festival is considered the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Daytime temperatures during this month are such that it is a hiking season in much of the country. Walks great and small will link you to Australia’s natural landscapes, with the coast of Kangaroo Island a particular favorite at this time of year.
If you are looking for a month that allows you to take in Australia’s big cities as well as it's outback and the tropical north, it is September. Plus, you can enjoy some great deals on hotels and transport at this time of year. So get in touch with our local travel experts today to start planning your customized Australia trip, or take a look at our Australia tours in September!
Other Related Articles:
Australia in August
Australia in October
Winter in Australia
