September is the first month of spring in most of Australia and still the dry season in the tropical north. Temperatures increase throughout the country but are only slightly higher than in August, and rainfall is still low in the north. Conditions are good for traveling to the various climatic zones around the vast country.

Weather

Spring brings warmer weather to southern parts of Australia, but temperatures are only a few degrees Fahrenheit warmer than in August, on average. On roughly the same latitude but opposite coasts, Sydney and Perth experience average highs of 68°F (20°C), which is pleasant for city sightseeing activities. Melbourne and Adelaide are a little cooler, with average highs of around 63°F (17°C). Canberra (inland) and Hobart (on the southern island of Tasmania) stay rather cool, with highs around 59°F (15°C).

The most noticeable shift in temperature from August to September occurs in the desert: visitors should expect hotter days but still relatively cool nights. For example, Alice Springs has an average high of 80°F (27°C) but an average low of 50°F (10°C). So, bring layers, and expect to shed them as the day warms up.

Rainfall is low throughout the country, even in cities like Sydney and Perth, which see heavier rain throughout the winter. However, although September is still the dry season in the tropical north, this month is not as dry as June through to August, so visitors might experience building humidity. 

Crowds & Costs

September is shoulder season in the tropical north, as rainfall is low and conditions are generally good for swimming in the sea (i.e., there's less risk from deadly jellyfish). Still, southern Australians are less likely to be escaping the cold as they do in winter. In popular places like the Whitsundays, accommodation may still book up fast, so make reservations well ahead of time if you have any particular preferences. 

Big cities like Sydney and Melbourne get visitors year-round, but September is not especially busy. You'll likely find plenty of accommodation options throughout the south at non-peak prices. 

Where to Go

Where you decide to go will largely depend on the activities you want to accomplish and the kind of weather you like. But, there's hardly a "bad" place to be in Australia in September.

If you don't mind cooler, sometimes wintry temperatures, Tasmania and the southeast of the mainland are good options. Just don't expect to lounge on a beach and get a tan. If you want to chill on a beach or do some water sports, then northern Queensland and northern Western Australia are great options (northern Western Australia is much more remote, thus less busy, than Queensland).

If you're keen on big-city sightseeing, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, and Brisbane conditions are good for inside-outside city activities. If you want to experience the Australian outback, conditions are suitable for visiting Uluru, Alice Springs, and the national parks (Kakadu, Litchfield) of the Northern Territory in September.

Plan your trip to Australia
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get Started

What to Do

As well as those mentioned above, Australia's ski season runs until early October if you're into skiing. Although not necessarily famous as a ski destination, the mountains of Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory have ski fields of around 5,000 feet (1,500 m) in altitude that offer good conditions.

September is also an excellent time for a long-distance road trip; conditions are great for long periods in the car (i.e., not too hot). Depending on your time, you can drive the Great Ocean Road south of Melbourne or along the northern New South Wales coast between Sydney and Brisbane. If you have a lot longer, Adelaide to Perth, Adelaide to Uluru/Darwin, Brisbane to Cairns, or Brisbane to Uluru are fantastic options.

Events in September 

Floriade, Canberra. Keen gardeners and flower lovers are in luck if traveling around Australia in September, as there are many flower shows and festivals to enjoy. Canberra's Floriade lasts for a whole month, usually from mid-September, and shouldn't be missed if you're visiting the capital.

King's Park Festival, Perth. Travelers to Western Australia can check out Perth's month-long King's Park Festival, with various walks, art, talks, and plant-related attractions.

Tulip Time, Bowral. Bowral, in New South Wales Southern Highlands, puts on the Tulip Time festival, with 90,000 tulips in bloom. You're likely to find other spring festivals throughout the country.

Traveling to Australia in September? Check out these great itineraries

Ultimate Australia Self-Drive Tour - 20 Days. Explore the East Coast of Australia at your own pace on this 20-day self-drive tour. Do a circuit of the country that takes in the southeast, the east coast, and central Australia.

Exploring Northern Australia - 9 Days. Explore the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the northern half of Australia, making your way from tropical Cairns to lively Perth on this 9-day trip.

More Helpful Information

Australia in August
Australia in October
Best Time of Year to Visit Australia
How Many Days to Spend in Australia