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If you’re planning a trip to Canberra, use our guide to make the most of your trip. We’ve compiled a snapshot of the best months to visit based on weather, prices and crowds.
Best months to visit
March to May.
Why?
Spring and autumn are ideal seasons to take a break in Canberra as they both bring pleasant weather to the capital.
However, during autumn you also get the chance to celebrate Canberra Day, the Canberra Hot Air Balloon Festival, and the National Folk Festival, which takes place all over the city. With so much to do, and at a time when the city is draped in vivid hues of crimson, gold, ochre and russet, autumn in Canberra is hard to beat.
Overview
Canberra has a dry continental climate, with hot summers and chilly winters. January is the hottest month, reaching a maximum average temperature of 29°C. During winter, temperatures can drop to -1°C at night.
Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with snowfall in winter and thunderstorms in summer.
Since Canberra is situated at an altitude of 577 metres, heavy fog and occasional frost is quite common in winter, making it the quietest tourist season of the year.
Canberra’s seasons
Spring: September to November
Summer: December to February
Autumn: March to May
Winter: June to August
Weather and prices
Best time to visit for weather: Spring and autumn have comfortable temperatures with minimal rain.
Cheapest time to visit: Prices are at their lowest during winter when there are fewer tourists due to the misty and freezing weather, and the absence of long holiday breaks.
Best time to visit Canberra for:
Floriade. The largest flower festival in the Southern Hemisphere is held from mid-September until mid-October.
Wineries. Grapes develop fully during February and March, making this the ideal time to explore vineyards, watch grapes being plucked and taste delectable wines.
Museums: Visit Canberra’s impressive museums during winter to take your time and enjoy them in a quieter atmosphere. The museums are warm and comfortable at this time of year.
Sightseeing: Both spring and autumn have pleasant weather for roaming around the city, and hopping from one attraction to another.
Available on select dates for activities including skydiving, hot air balloon flights, quad biking, scuba diving, whale watching, bridge climbing, high tea and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on flights from January - September 2021 to Gold Coast, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Townsville, Darwin and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Ballina. T&Cs apply.
Available for Mastercard holders on flights from 1 November 2020 - 30 June 2021. Valid on flights departing from Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra. T&Cs apply.
Australia stays from $95/night + Extra 10% off for members
Available on stays up until 13 months from the booking date. Destinations include Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth, Uluru and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on stays until 2021 in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Melbourne and more. Sample fare is for a private room in Victoria. T&Cs apply.
Available on select flights in 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Canberra, Hobart, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Ballina, Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville and more. Sample fare is Melbourne-Adelaide with Jetstar. T&Cs apply.
Available for travel until 31 December 2021 when you book for 2 nights or more. Prepayment required. Destinations include Sydney, Adelaide, Cairns, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select stay dates in 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Cairns, Brisbane, Townsville, Adelaide, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates until December 2021, including over Christmas and New Year's Eve. Destinations include Adelaide, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Sydney, Cairns, Canberra, Hunter Valley and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to 13% off domestic getaway packages + an extra 10% off with code
Available on select travel dates for stays in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Blue Mountains, Cairns, Canberra and more. Minimum spend of $100 required. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates and activities like classes, spas, getaways, dining experiences and more. Destinations include Sydney, Perth, Melbourne Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
Change fees and cancellation fees waived on flights until 30 June 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, Broome, Cairns and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates to Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Darwin and more. Applies to bookings up to 6 persons. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates in 2021 to Canberra, Hobart, Brisbane, Perth, Sydney and more. Sample rate is for a 3-night getaway from Melbourne to Adelaide. T&Cs apply.
Valid on select dates and adventures like quad biking, sandboarding, bridge climbing, canyoning, horse riding, abseiling, soccer training and more. Destinations include Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Canberra, Cairns and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates in 2021 to Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Coffs Harbour and more. Sample fares is and Melbourne-Launceston. T&Cs apply.
Available on select 2021 flights to Gold Coast, Sydney, Ballina, Cairns, Brisbane, Canberra and more. Sample fares are Avalon-Adelaide and Melbourne-Hobart with Jetstar. T&Cs apply.
Available on select flights until August 2021. Sample fare departs from Sydney with Virgin Australia. Other airlines include Qantas Airways from $383 and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates on activities including spas, dining, classes and more. Destinations include Gold Coast, Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
Things to do in Canberra from $15 + Extra 10% off with code
Available on select travel dates. Activities include tandem skydives, dinning experiences, overnight getaways, spa treatments, wine tastings and much more. Minimum spend of $100 required. T&Cs apply.
Available on select 2020 dates. Activities include whale watching, dolphin watching, lunch cruise, sunset cruise in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select stay dates in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Darwin, Canberra and more. Sample rate is for a stay at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort in Cairns. T&Cs apply.
Stephanie Yip is the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for Travel Weekly, Escape, Showpo, The Nibbler and Hostelworld. She was also the editor of kids magazine DMAG. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney and has visited 55 countries (and counting).
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