Australia in December: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

December is an excellent time to visit Australia for summer excitement and holiday spirit.

• Cultural Zenith: The season brings numerous festivals and events, from the Sydney Festival to the Adelaide Fringe, showcasing the country's rich cultural landscape.
• Outdoor Exploration: It's the best time for open-air adventures, with national parks highly accessible and marine life abundant for private snorkeling and diving excursions.
• Gourmet Focus: Summer coincides with harvest seasons in many wine regions, providing superb opportunities for gourmet and viticultural experiences, often featuring seafood dining on the water.

Australia's December weather brings warm to hot temperatures across most of the continent.

• Northern Tropical Region (Darwin, Cairns): December is part of the green season, bringing hot and muggy conditions. Expect high temperatures, averaging between 88°F and 91°F. The rains bring indigenous wet-season stories to life as the landscape transforms.
• Southern Coastal Region (Melbourne, Adelaide): Cities like Melbourne and Adelaide enjoy milder weather. This is an excellent time for private, cool-climate wine tours in the Mornington Peninsula or a Tasmania luxury road trip. Perth is the warmest on the coast, averaging 82°F to 88°F.
• Eastern Coastal Region (Sydney, Brisbane): Brisbane and Sydney see average daytime highs of between 79°F and 82°F. Low humidity is typically found in Sydney during December, making it pleasant for sightseeing.
• Central Australia: The Outback can be extremely hot, reaching up to 104°F. Coastal areas, however, benefit from cool sea breezes, providing relief from the heat.

Sydney: Best Place for Sightseeing

Sydney stands out as the best place for sightseeing in Australia during December, its landmarks bathed in summer light.

• Harbor Life: The city comes alive with festive decorations and outdoor events like Carols in the Domain. We recommend a VIP viewing of the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race as the fleet departs the harbor on Boxing Day.
• Cultural Scene: Enjoy the large-scale Christmas tree at Martin Place and light displays. Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks spectacle over the harbor offers a notable sightseeing experience on our sample best Sydney vacations and tours.
• Coastal Views: The warm weather is perfect for exploring the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, or taking a coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee.

Cairns: Best Place for the Green Season

Cairns is an excellent destination for experiencing the green season in December.

• Tropical Ecology: While the tropical north does see increased rainfall and storms, this is when the rainforest erupts with life.
• Marine Access: The warm, sunny days between showers are ideal for enjoying the city's beaches and proximity to natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef.
• Lush Landscapes: Experience this beauty firsthand on our sample Discovering Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef itinerary.

Melbourne: Best Place for Families with Children

Melbourne is a wonderful destination for families, offering a balance of educational and entertaining experiences.

• Educational Focus: Enjoy spots like the Melbourne Zoo, Scienceworks Museum, and the engaging Melbourne Museum on any of our sample Australia family vacations and tours.
• Quiet Retreats: For a retreat from the city, visit the Mornington Peninsula with private beach access for a secure and quiet day by the water.
• Festive Mood: December brings special holiday events like Carols by Candlelight, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

Tasmania: Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

Tasmania is a good place to avoid larger groups, offering a more peaceful summer getaway.

• Space and Solitude: While mainland destinations experience peak tourist season, a Tasmania luxury road trip allows you to explore national parks like Freycinet or Cradle Mountain with ample space to yourself.
• Outdoor Comfort: The island's cool climate compared to mainland Australia makes it an attractive option if you are seeking to escape the heat.
• Itinerary Depth: For more details, see our sample 2-Week Australia itineraries.

Whitsunday Islands: Best Place for Couples and Honeymooners

The Whitsunday Islands in Queensland are a premier retreat for couples and honeymooners visiting in December.

• Marine Season Solutions: While December marks the peak of the jellyfish season, this is easily managed by staying at exclusive resorts like Lizard Island or utilizing private boats equipped with stinger suits for snorkeling, ensuring your safety and comfort in the water.
• Elevated Experiences: Indulge in intimate moments such as private beach picnics or snorkeling adventures in the Great Barrier Reef on our sample Whitsunday Islands to the Great Barrier Reef tour.
• Private Marine Tours: For a truly personal experience, consider a Great Barrier Reef private pontoon in December for a secluded day on the water.

Witness the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

• A National Institution: The race starts on Boxing Day, December 26. On our sample Best of Australia’s Biggest City Tour, watch the start in Sydney Harbour as yachts set sail for Tasmania.
• The Best View: For a unique experience, book a spot on a spectator boat to get close to the action and feel the excitement firsthand, away from the shoreline crowds.

Explore the Daintree Rainforest

• Summer Renewal: The wet season brings the forest to life with lush vegetation and flowing waterfalls. Take a private guided night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife or cruise along the Daintree River to see crocodiles.
• Natural Adventure: The combination of tropical climate and diverse ecosystem creates an exceptional adventure. For more information, see our Best National Parks in Australia.

Hike in the Blue Mountains

• Cooler Altitudes: Just a short drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer a welcome escape from the city heat. If you seek even cooler air, consider alpine summer hiking in Thredbo, where trails are clear of snow and full of wildflowers.
• Wildlife Sightings: In the Blue Mountains, you can spot unique Australian wildlife like kangaroos and wallabies while exploring sandstone cliffs and eucalyptus forests.

Is Cairns Too Wet to Visit in December?

December falls within the green season, a time when the tropical north is at its most productive. While there is increased rainfall, it often arrives in afternoon downpours that clear the air and lower the temperature, leaving plenty of bright intervals for exploration. The rainforest is arguably at its most beautiful during this period, as the rivers are full and the canopy is a deep, rich emerald.

Which is the Best Place for a Quiet Christmas in Australia?

If you wish to escape the high-energy celebrations of the mainland cities, Lord Howe Island is a premier choice. With a strictly limited number of guests allowed on the island, it offers a level of seclusion impossible to find elsewhere during peak season. Alternatively, the Tasmanian Highlands offer a cool-climate retreat. Staying in a luxury lodge near Cradle Mountain allows you to enjoy the holiday by a log fire, reminiscent of a northern Christmas, but with unique Australian flora and fauna just outside.

How Can I See Sydney New Year’s Eve Fireworks Without Crowds?

The most effective way to witness the fireworks display in total comfort is to secure a private harbor charter or a ticket to an exclusive harbor-side event. Arrange access to private terraces and balconies at elite venues that offer panoramic views of the Bridge and Opera House, ensuring you have a dedicated space away from the public spectators.

December in Australia offers summer excitement, festive cheer, and diverse experiences across the continent. From city celebrations to beach getaways and rugged Outback adventures, you can engage with the culture and natural beauty that Australia has to offer during this special time of year. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, December provides endless possibilities for an Australian journey.

For more inspiration and detailed information on planning your Australian vacation, be sure to explore our Australia travel guide or our Australia tours, trips, and packages.