• 1.47K views
  • ~ mins read

The official start of the fall season, the month of March sees cooler temperatures across Australia, although that does not mean you should be preparing your winter wardrobe! You will still find plenty of people taking to the beaches of Western Australia and New South Wales during this time of year, and this month is also a great time for sightseeing around Sydney Harbor and exploring Melbourne’s alleyways. Plus, although it is still a peak season in Australia in March, you will not find quite so much competition for flights and accommodation as during December, January, and February either.

Excellent
  • Elizabeth
5 - Excellent
“It was our honeymoon trip! One in a lifetime adventure! Absolutely perfect! We upgrad...” Read More
View Incredible Tours in Australia

Australia Weather in March

Picnics on Riverside Green in South Bank, a recreational area in Brisbane,
Plan a picnic in the parks throughout Brisbane, Australia

The transition between summer and fall is not an instant one, and travelers will encounter warm weather conditions during their trip to Australia in March. In southern cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, the average highs still hit around 24°C during this time of year. This rises to around 29°C in Alice Springs and 32°C in Darwin. However, before you contemplate a trip to Australia’s tropical regions, beware that rains can be heavy in these areas during this month, extending down as far as Brisbane in Queensland. In contrast, places like Sydney experience little more than an occasional shower.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Australia.

Weather in Australia in March - Rainfall and Temperatures

FebMarApr
Avg Daily (°C)262523
Avg Nightly (°C)191815
Avg Daily (°F)797774
Avg Nightly (°F)676559
Avg Rainfall (mm)126164133

Why Visit Australia in March

View of Melbourne cityscape on a bright sunny day in Australia
Enjoy a lovely city tour in Melbourne, Australia
Top of Mt.Wellington in Hobart city, Tasmania island, Australia
Explore the vibrant wildlife and terrain of Mt. Wellington located back in Hobart city, Australia

Sunny skies and pleasant weather are the main reasons why most people flock to Australia in March. However, in addition to these, there are a few more factors that make Australia such an irresistible destination during this time of year. We have listed them below.

  • Beach escapes: The beaches of New South Wales are still ideal for a few days of soaking up the sun, playing volleyball, or trying your luck on top of a surfboard.
  • Falling crowds: With summer ticking over into fall, crowd numbers in the country’s highlights start to thin down, which translates into a more laid-back experience and fewer queues.
  • Ideal weather for hiking: Cooler temperatures make hiking and other outdoor physical activities that were impossible in summer possible once more. Be it exploring the Blue Mountains on foot or birdwatching in Tasmania, there are tons of activities to be enjoyed during this month.
  • Celebrations galore: Cities across Australia do their best to attract visitors with a range of festivals and special events during this month. The biggest of them is probably South Australia’s Adelaide Festival.

Where to go and what to do

Port Douglas beach and ocean on a sunny day, Queensland, Australia
Port Douglas in Queensland is known for its World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and the serene Daintree Rainforest

If you are prepared to dodge rains in the tropical north, destinations such as Darwin and Cairns evolve into incredible vistas during March with new growth turning them into verdant wonderlands. Head to Western Australia, where Exmouth and the nearby Ningaloo Marine Park provide an alternative to the Great Barrier Reef, with the added advantage that this is the start of the whale shark season when these gentle giants of the deep enjoy Australia’s warm waters as much as its human residents do.

One of Australia’s biggest celebrations of art and culture, the Adelaide Festival, also takes place in March and incorporates literature, world music, and dance. For fall color, there are various destinations that you might want to consider. Among them is Orange in New South Wales, where Mount Lindsay provides spectacular views, and Hahndorf in South Australia, whose German influences go far beyond its name. If you are tired of towns and city centers, do not forget that the beaches around Sydney and Melbourne are still excellent at this time of year.

Banish any thoughts you might have regarding a trip to Australia in March. The start of the fall would not mean disappointment for anyone visiting the country. In contrast, March offers an innumerable array of destinations and activities in Australia. To start planning your own customized trip to Australia in March, just contact one of our local travel experts.

Or, if you prefer, we have also got a great selection of fixed-itinerary tours in Australia in March.

Other Related Articles:
Australia in February
Australia in April
Summer in Australia

Published by David Lee, updated on May 19, 2023

Related Articles

Plan a trip to AustraliaWe offer different tour types. You can also chat with a local travel specialist if you want a customized tour to Australia.
  • Cameron Kangaroo
    Cameron KangarooTravel Expert in Australia
  • Kevin Mattaboni
    Kevin MattaboniTravel Expert in Australia
  • Steve Arnerich
    Steve ArnerichTravel Expert in Australia
Our travel experts are recommended by:
  • BBC
  • Independent
  • Lonely Planet
0 COMMENTSWe welcome your questions or comments to this article. Our travel experts will respond within 48 hours.