Weather in Australia in October

Is October a good time to visit Australia?

October is a very pleasant season across Australia, with the tropical heat beckoning in the north and the local populace tentatively daring to swop their skis for surfboards in the south. It’s a great time for enjoying the great outdoors, from diving off of Queensland to sailing in Darwin and enjoying wine tasting daytrips in the south-east. Walking, adrenalin sports and even a touch of sun-bathing are on the menu throughout the land.

 

Climate in Australia in October

Spring has sprung, the sky is blue and there is little precipitation across Australia’s major cities and tourist areas during October. From the top down, the weather in Australia in October is clement. Up north tropical Darwin offers a daily average high of 33°C (91°F), while in the south Sydney is warm with a maximum of 22°C (72°F). Inbetween the temperature descends from highs of above 30°C (86°F) in the Northern Territory hotspot of Alice Springs down to a top temperature of around 18°C (64°F) in Hobart, Tasmania.

It is warm to hot along the Gold Coast of Queensland (average temperatures of between 25°C or 77°F and 15°C, which equates to 59°F. In the tropical north thundershowers in the late afternoon become a little more frequent as the monsoon season approaches, but these are short and sharp. If you are out camping or day-tripping take care with your barbecues – the warm, dry conditions escalate the risk of bushfires across the country.
 

What to do in Australia in October

October is a good time to take road trips in Australia, with the pleasant spring weather – visit the vineyards in the south-east. Australia is in motoring mode in Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast which hosts the annual “Indy Go” races through the streets of the town in October. In Melbourne it is horses that race for the trophies in the lead-up to the world-famous Melbourne cup, which takes place on the first Tuesday in November, with many equestrian racing events taking place in the lead-up to the big day. With spring flowers much in bloom there are also flower festivals across the country, the main one being Canberra’s Floriade, which starts in September and runs through to the middle of October.

 

What to pack for a holiday in Australia in October

Bring along the beachwear and sunblock if visiting anywhere around the coast of Australia in October, but pop a pullover in your suitcase if you are going to be in the south of the continent, where the spring weather is warm but can be cool at night and on odd days. In the north the weather demands the coolest gear you can find, and perhaps an umbrella for evening thundershowers. Shove in the shorts and swimsuits for Darwin and north Queensland, but if heading into the interior a warm jacket and some cosy trousers will be needed at night.