Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, connects you to some of the state’s most treasured tourist attractions. From the bustle of Howard Smith Wharves and inner-city beach of South Bank to the cultural wonders at Queensland Cultural Centre, and the scenic river waterfront, you’ll find plenty to explore – regardless of if you're visiting for the weekend or an entire week. But when is the best time to visit Brisbane?
Before you book your flight to Brisbane, it’s essential to understand the best, the worst, and most popular times to visit the River City to suit your priorities and preferences.
Overall, the best time to visit Brisbane is in October when the temperature is warm, the humidity and rainfall are low, the crowds are manageable, and there’s a better chance to get a good deal on flights and accommodation outside of the peak tourist seasons. March to May (autumn) is also a great time to visit, as Brisbane’s shoulder season offers comfortable weather, the storm season has passed, and you can enjoy Brisbane’s attractions without long queues and big crowds. As the peak summer season has passed, you’re also more likely to get good deals on airfares and accommodation.
But we know everyone has different travel priorities – some may want to know the best time to visit for snorkelling trips to Moreton Island, while others might want comfortable weather for hiking in the hinterland or a quiet, crowd-free experience at Brisbane’s top attractions.
This guide will cover the best and worst times to visit Brisbane based on your preferences and priorities. For those eager to stick to a budget, don’t worry—we’ll give you the best months to visit to keep your trip affordable and fun.
If you want to skip the details, here’s a summary of the best times to visit Brisbane based on these top considerations:
- For weather: March to May and October
- For cheap prices: November to early December, February
- For fewer crowds: November to early December, February
- For island-hopping and snorkelling: September to November
- For a family holiday: June to August, December to January
- For a beach holiday: December to February
- For hiking: June to August
For more detailed info, read on!
Best time to visit Brisbane for weather
The weather in Brisbane is famously pleasant all year-round. Brisbane has a subtropical climate, which means it has hot and humid summers, and cool to mild winters, making it a pleasant place to visit all year round. However, for the most comfortable weather during your trip, plan your visit during the city’s shoulder seasons: March to May (autumn) and October as these months offer warm temperatures, manageable humidity, and a lower chance of rain. These months also offer some reprieve from the expected heat and thunderstorms that summer is known for in Brisbane.
Those looking to travel between March and May can expect weather that is pleasant and warm, with average temperatures between 15°C and 29°C. Not to mention, with less rainfall, you’ll have a better time planning a multitude of activities—both indoor and outdoor — without the crowds of peak season.
Much like autumn, October is another fantastic time to visit because of the great spring weather and less hustle and bustle. It is the best time to visit Brisbane because it offers comfortably warm weather that’s not as hot or humid as the summer season, with averaging temperatures ranging between 16°C and 26°C, minimal rain and less humidity. Unlike autumn, October is also safely outside of Queensland’s official cyclone season. Many consider October to be the ideal time for practically any itinerary you may have planned for your trip to Brisbane.
For those who love the heat and want to explore the coastline or spend time on the beach, consider visiting during the summer months (December to February). It’s hot, wet, and quite humid, with average daily temperatures ranging between 21°C and 30°C. This is the perfect time to indulge in some of Brisbane’s best rooftop bars, and ideal for beachgoers and families looking for a beach holiday during the school holidays. However, be prepared for high humidity, increased chances of rain, and possible thunderstorms.
Best time to visit Brisbane for crowds and prices
If you want to avoid crowds and get the best prices, it’s important to know more about the peak, shoulder, and low tourist seasons. You’ll find Brisbane’s low and high seasons differ from those of other cities like Sydney and Melbourne, where summer tends to be peak season and winter is the low season. The peak tourist seasons occur from June to August (winter) when visitors flock to Queensland due to the mild weather, during December and January when it’s the school holiday break, and from September to November (spring) when the weather is pleasant with the least chance of rain. As these are the busiest times to visit Brisbane, flights and accommodation tend to be more expensive.
On the other hand, the quietest times to visit Brisbane with the fewest crowds and cheapest prices is from November to early December and February. The shoulder season of March to May (autumn) also offers fewer crowds and more affordable pricing for your flights, hotels, and more—plus pleasant, sunny weather.
Best time to visit Brisbane for activities
Known for its beautiful natural landscapes, iconic architecture, and gorgeous parks and gardens, there are so many things to do in Brisbane. Whether you enjoy being out in the sun or exploring cultural sites, there is plenty to do for every kind of traveller. However, there are certain times of the year that are best for specific activities, such as exploring the hinterland, snorkelling, or enjoying the sports-mad culture. Here’s what you need to know to plan your trip, depending on the activities or excursions you have in mind for your trip.
Best time for a beach holiday
Visiting the beach in Brisbane is best done between December and February (summer) when the temperatures are high, and the water is warm. You can also go swimming in the shoulder seasons, between March and May, or September to November, but expect cooler water temperatures. However, if you come during the summer, expect the beaches to be packed because of the beautiful weather, so be sure to arrive early
Best time for snorkelling, diving and water sports
Brisbane is an easy gateway to so many beautiful islands, like North Stradbroke Island and Morton Island, where visitors can snorkel, dive, swim, kayak, paddleboard and more. The best time for these activities is between March and May (autumn), as the water temperature is still comfortable, there’s less chance of storms, and water visibility is clear to see the amazing marine life. September to November is another great time for water sports, though the water may be a bit chillier.
Best time for outdoor activities
For those who love the outdoors, alfresco dining and sightseeing, the best time to visit Brisbane is between June and August (winter), when the temperature is mild, humidity is low, and there’s minimal chance of rain. This is the perfect weather for exploring the city’s parks, hiking trails in the hinterland, or visiting other outdoor attractions, like Mount Coot-tha or Brisbane Botanic Gardens.
March to May (autumn) and September to November (spring) also offer great weather conditions, however it’s worth noting that April and November fall within Queensland’s cyclone season, so there’s always a chance of intense rain.
Best time for sports
AFL and NRL fans will find the best time to visit Brisbane is between March and October. For AFL travel, plan your visit from late March to late September to see the Brisbane Lions in action at the Gabba, and NRL fans should plan their trip from early March to late October to catch the Brisbane Broncos at their home ground at Suncorp Stadium.
Cricket fans should plan their trip between November and February, which coincides with the busy summer period, so make sure to plan ahead and book your flights and accommodation well in advance.
Tennis enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Brisbane International, held in early January as part of the lead-up to the Australian Open – expect thrilling matches from top players from around the world!
Best time to visit Brisbane for festivals and events
Brisbane is a city full of fun and exciting activities, as well as plenty of festivals and events throughout the year. However, if you want to plan your visit for specific events, attend certain sports matches, or even attend any of Brisbane’s annual festivals, it’s handy to know what’s happening each month. Here’s a look at what popular festivals and events in Brisbane during the year:
- January: Brisbane International, Woodford Folk Festival (ends early January)
- February: Brisbane Chinese Lunar New Year Festival
- March: Curiocity Brisbane, AFL and NRL seasons start
- April: Brisbane Comedy Festival
- May: Paniyiri Greek Festival, Brisbane Street Art Festival
- June: Brisbane City Half Marathon
- July: NAIDOC Week celebrations, State of Origin Finals
- August: Ekka (Royal Queensland Show), Brisbane Fashion Festival, Royal Queensland Food & Wine Show
- September: Brisbane Festival, AFL Finals
- October: Brisbane International Film Festival and NRL Finals
- November: Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival (BAPFF)
- December: Christmas at South Bank, New Year’s Eve Fireworks
With a range of events and festivals to choose from, Brisbane offers visitors plenty to explore while they’re in town. Even if you’re not planning to see a specific event or festival, you can still plan your trip appropriately to ensure you get the best prices and book your tickets and hotels ahead of time, especially during the busiest times of the year.
Worst time to visit Brisbane
We’ve discussed some of the best times to visit Brisbane, but is there a worst time to visit Brisbane?
Many consider an expensive or busy period to be the worst time to visit, so if you’re looking to book a trip with more affordable prices and fewer crowds, the worst time for you to visit Brisbane would be during the summer, specifically in December and January during the peak school holiday period when prices on flights and accommodation tend to soar.
For those looking for pleasant and comfortable weather when visiting Brisbane, the worst time to visit would be between December and February (summer). In addition to the heavy crowds, and expensive flights and accommodation, the weather is hot and humid, with the added chance of heavy rain, high winds or afternoon thunderstorms. Some days can easily reach the upper 30s, and with high humidity, it can feel even hotter and more uncomfortable.
Unless you’re looking to experience the buzz and energetic atmosphere that comes with the end of year holiday period, the worst time to visit Brisbane is between December and January, especially if you’re not a fan of intense heat and humidity, a high chance of rain, crowds and expensive prices.
Visiting Brisbane FAQs
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What is the rainy season in Brisbane?
Brisbane’s rainy season typically spans from late October to April, with the wettest months falling in summer (December to February). During this time, expect frequent rain and occasional storms. In February alone, you can see up to 147.1mm of rain. The summer season averages 427mm of rain, and though tropical cyclones don’t often occur in Brisbane, they can bring heavy rains and stormy conditions. So, if you want to avoid Brisbane’s rainy season, the best time to visit is during the dry season, which usually runs from late May to October.
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What are the hottest months in Brisbane?
Those who love the heat of the summer will be pleased to know that January and February are the hottest months in Brisbane. This is the best time to visit if you want to indulge in water sports, too. It’s not uncommon in Brisbane for some days in January or February to reach the upper 30s, even 40°C. When you add the high humidity and amount of rainfall, expect Brisbane to be hot, humid, and a little uncomfortable during these months. As long as you plan your trip accordingly, you’ll enjoy the sunshine and surf—and a rainy day here and there—during your holiday.
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What is high season in Brisbane?
The busiest time of the year in Brisbane occurs from December to January, with an increase in visitors as early as November. Not only is this when the weather is the hottest and the ocean’s temperatures at nearby beaches and islands are ideal for swimming and water sports, but it’s the school holiday break, and most offices are closed for the Christmas and New Year period.
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Which is the best month to visit Brisbane?
October is the best month to visit Brisbane, not only because it offers warm, sunny days, low humidity, and minimal rainfall, but also because of the lack of crowds and the chance to get better deals on flights and accommodation. October is also a great time to explore the beaches near Brisbane or taking a trip to Moreton Island or North Stradbroke for snorkelling and other water activities. With beautiful spring weather, manageable crowds, and shorter queues at popular attractions, October is truly the perfect month to experience the vibrant city of Brisbane.
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What is Brisbane’s coldest month?
The coldest month in Brisbane is July, which is in the heart of the winter. July in Brisbane typically has daytime averages between 11°C and 21°C most days, with night lows dropping to around 9°C - so be sure to pack extra layers and a light jacket. Fortunately, even in the depths of winter, Brisbane remains mild, with low humidity and little chance of rain, so plenty of sunny days to enjoy the city and beyond. This is an ideal time for you to venture out to the hinterlands, visit the Australia Zoo, or even take a hike to see the sunrise from a unique vantage point.
Flights to Brisbane
Virgin Australia offers direct flights to Brisbane from major Australian cities, including:
