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Best time to visit Brisbane: month by month
Short answer
May to October is the best time: dry, sunny days of 20–25°C, fewer rainy days (about 6–7 a month) and whale-watching from June. Summer (December–February) is hot and humid at about 29°C with storms and 14–16 rainy days a month. Prices and crowds rise in school holidays and during the Brisbane Festival in September.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29°C | 20°C | 16 | high |
| Feb | 29°C | 20°C | 15 | low |
| Mar | 28°C | 19°C | 16 | low |
| Apr | 25°C | 16°C | 10 | medium |
| May | 23°C | 13°C | 10 | low |
| Jun | 21°C | 10°C | 6 | medium |
| Jul | 20°C | 10°C | 6 | high |
| Aug | 23°C | 11°C | 6 | medium |
| Sep | 24°C | 13°C | 7 | high |
| Oct | 27°C | 16°C | 11 | medium |
| Nov | 27°C | 17°C | 15 | low |
| Dec | 29°C | 19°C | 14 | high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Autumn (Mar–May)
Highs ease from 28°C in March to 23°C in May as the humidity drops; a pleasant, less crowded time.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Sunny and dry with highs of 20–23°C and cool nights around 10°C; the best time for outdoor sightseeing and whale watching from the bay islands.
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Warming from 24°C to 27°C, with jacarandas flowering purple in October–November; storms begin in November.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
Hot and humid at about 29°C with frequent afternoon storms and the most rain; school holidays fill the coast.
Events worth planning around
- Brisbane Festival with Riverfire fireworks (September)
- Ekka, the Royal Queensland Show (August)
- Jacaranda season across the city (October–November)
- New Year's Eve fireworks at South Bank (31 December)
When to avoid
January and February bring the most heat, humidity and storm rain, with occasional flooding. If crowds and prices bother you, avoid school holidays and Brisbane Festival weeks.
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Common questions
When is the best time to visit Brisbane?
May to October, with dry sunny days of 20–25°C and fewer rainy days.
Is Brisbane too hot in summer?
It is hot and humid at about 29°C with storms, but bearable with shade, water and indoor galleries. Mornings and evenings are best for walking.
When can I see whales near Brisbane?
Humpback whales pass offshore from about June to October, best seen from North Stradbroke Island or on whale-watching cruises.