Australia in July: Winter Vacations Down Under
Australia in July is a mixed bag of hot and cold weather conditions depending on where you are. The spotlight is on the tropical north with its warm and dry season, while the south is smack in the middle of winter. July is ideal for a wide range of activities like skiing on the slopes of Tasmania, swimming on the stunning beaches of northern Queensland, or sightseeing in southern cities.
Australia Weather in July
The average temperature of Australia in July varies from place to place. In a nutshell, it is warm and dry across the country’s north and cold in the south. It can get particularly cold in Canberra with temperatures between 0°C and around 12°C. Coastal Sydney and Perth see warmer temperatures along with more precipitation. The mercury in these areas can exceed 18°C.
The outback sees afternoon temperatures of around 19°C with the mercury plummeting at night, while it is hot and dry in the north. The average highs and lows in Darwin stand at 20°C and 30°C. Take this opportunity to laze on the beaches of northern Queensland and explore the nature reserves of the Northern Territory.
Weather in Australia in July - 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) | 78.8 | 78.8 | 77 | 73.4 | 68 | 64.4 | 62.6 | 64.4 | 68 | 57.2 | 60.8 | 64.4 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 66.2 | 66.2 | 64.4 | 59 | 53.6 | 50 | 46.4 | 48.2 | 53.6 | 71.6 | 75.2 | 78.8 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 131 | 126 | 164 | 133 | 101 | 140 | 56 | 99 | 65 | 88 | 116 | 85 |
Why Visit Australia in July
Traveling to Australia in July means that you will have to contend with crowds in the country’s north, while it is relatively quiet in other locations. If you are well prepared for price hikes in popular areas and have your domestic flights booked in advance, this is a splendid month to explore Queensland and the Northern Territory. But you do not need to venture far for a great vacation as less-crowded southern cities offer winter charm. Here is why you should travel to Australia in July.
- The north shines: The spotlight is on northern destinations during this month as the dry season allows outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and swimming without the hazards of flooding. Now is a great time to discover the national parks of Kimberly.
- Lower rates down south: While the tropical north is in its peak season, enjoy the lower rates in hotels and resorts across the southern parts of the country. Spy on whales off the coast of Victoria, dive deep into Adelaide’s food culture, and visit Sydney’s top attractions.
- Winter activities: Yes, there is snow in Australia! While skiing on Australian slopes is not exactly on par with Europe, the country’s peaks hold their own. Hit the slopes of the Victoria Alps or the Snowy Mountains.
- Christmas in July: Did you know that Australia celebrates a second Christmas in July? Enjoy Christmas-themed activities, seasonal music, and shopping deals nationwide, or head to the Blue Mountains and enjoy the annual Yulefest event!
Where to go and what to do
You will find plenty of things to do in Australia in July. Head north to explore the rainforests of Port Douglas or sail through the Great Barrier Reef. National park-hopping is popular during this time of year in Darwin, so add Kakadu and Litchfield to your itinerary. If you do not mind thick crowds, the beaches of the Whitsundays are especially gorgeous in July.
The dry season offers excellent road conditions, so take this time to go on an outback road trip from Brisbane to Uluru or cruise along the coast of Queensland.
While it is at its coldest, there is no reason to shrug off the south, as some of the best places to visit in Australia in July are there. Enjoy the indoor attractions of Sydney and Adelaide while taking advantage of this month’s lower rates on accommodations. Planning your itinerary? Find out how many days to spend in Australia here.
What to bring
Pack light summer clothes before flying to Australia in July if your itinerary includes the tropical north. Hot days in Central Australia's desert are frequently followed by chilly evenings, so carry warm layers along with you. Given southern Australia’s cold weather, it is better to carry a winter coat or a light jacket.
With a diverse climate, Australia in July offers something for every type of traveler. The Northern Territory and the Red Center are this month’s main draws, as low precipitation and pleasant weather conditions create the perfect setting for a host of outdoor activities.
While locals try to escape the cold in the south, now is also a great time to take advantage of thinner crowds and lower accommodation prices. With fewer crowds to contend with in popular indoor attractions, sightseeing becomes so much easier!
The Australian winter also offers its fair share of snowy adventures, so winter lovers can hit the slopes on any of Australia’s peaks. If you do not think July offers what you are looking for, find out the best time to visit Australia here. Feel free to get in touch with our travel experts in the country if you want a customized trip to Australia. For instant inspiration, browse through our list of Australia tours in July.
