Best time to visit · Brisbane · Australia
The best time to visit Brisbane
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Cassandra Black, Public domain
Quick answer
The best time to visit Brisbane is April to June and August to October, when days are warm, sunny and dry and nights are comfortable. Winter (June to August) is mild enough for outdoor sightseeing. Summer (December to March) is hot and humid with heavy storms, though still fine for galleries and the lagoon.
Key facts
- Best months
- April–June and August–October
- Shoulder season
- March, July and November
- Warmest month
- January (avg high 30°C (86°F))
- Coldest month
- June (avg high 22°C (72°F))
- Rainiest month
- February (~11 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- February–June, August and October–November
Seasons
Brisbane has a humid subtropical climate: hot, humid summers with afternoon thunderstorms and most of the year's rain, and mild, dry, sunny winters. Severe storms and occasional floods are possible in summer.
December–February
Summer
Hot and humid with afternoon storms and the year's heaviest rain; busy school holidays in January.
March–May
Autumn
Humidity eases into warm, sunny, drier days — May is one of the most pleasant months.
June–August
Winter
Mild, dry and sunny with cool nights; peak season for visitors escaping southern winters.
September–November
Spring
Warm days, Brisbane Festival and Riverfire in September, and jacarandas from late October.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 21°C | 10 | 13.7 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 30°C | 21°C | 11 | 13.1 h | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| March | 29°C | 19°C | 11 | 12.3 h | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 27°C | 17°C | 8 | 11.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 24°C | 13°C | 7 | 10.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 22°C | 11°C | 6 | 10.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 22°C | 10°C | 4 | 10.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 23°C | 10°C | 4 | 11.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 26°C | 13°C | 5 | 12 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 27°C | 16°C | 7 | 12.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 28°C | 18°C | 8 | 13.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 29°C | 20°C | 9 | 13.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Brisbane International tennis (usually early January); Australia Day (26 January) |
| February | Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown, Fortitude Valley (late January or February) |
| April | ANZAC Day dawn services (25 April) |
| May | Paniyiri Greek festival at Musgrave Park (usually May) |
| June | State of Origin rugby league at Suncorp Stadium (some games, usually June or July) |
| August | The Ekka — Royal Queensland Show (usually August) |
| September | Brisbane Festival (usually September); Riverfire fireworks over the river (during Brisbane Festival) |
| October | Jacaranda season in New Farm Park (usually late October to November) |
| December | Christmas lights and events at King George Square (December); New Year's Eve fireworks at South Bank (31 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in February–June, August and October–November, and the sights are quietest in February–March.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Brisbane?
The best time to visit Brisbane is April to June and August to October, when days are warm, sunny and dry and nights are comfortable. Winter (June to August) is mild enough for outdoor sightseeing. Summer (December to March) is hot and humid with heavy storms, though still fine for galleries and the lagoon.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Brisbane?
Usually in February–June, August and October–November. Often the wettest and most humid month, with heavy downpours; quieter once school returns.
+What is the rainiest month in Brisbane?
February, with about 11 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Brisbane get?
The warmest month, January, averages highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 21°C (70°F).