When to go to Australia
Australia can be visited year round.
In the southern half of Australia the seasons are usually the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere: spring comes in September, summer is from December to February, autumn runs from March to May, and winter begins in June. In contrast, the tropical climate of the north coast is more clearly divided into a wet season from November to April and a dry season - possibly the best time to travel - from May to September.
The Northern Territory’s Top End has a distinct wet season between December and March, and although this can be spectacular the build up to the rains can be uncomfortably humid.
Central Australia, which has little heavy rain at any time of year, is hottest from November to February and at its best between March and May, when days are warm and evenings cool.
When to go to New Zealand
New Zealand has four seasons, broadly opposite to ours, but generally mild and temperate: the north is usually warmer than the south, and the central mountain ranges tend to cause a ‘rain shadow’, with eastern areas being drier than the western coast, an effect particularly pronounced on the South Island.
Summer, from December to March, is ideal for water activities with temperatures averaging from the mid to high 20s°C. Spring, from September to November, is good for exploring with the countryside blooming into life and temperatures from 15-20°C. Autumn, with its turning leaves and gentle sun, is in April and May and tends to be a little warmer than the spring. Winter, from June to August, is perfect for skiing in the mountains though at sea level temperatures rarely fall below 5°C. The North Island, in particular, is mild year-round while there’s always snow dusting New Zealand’s highest mountain peaks.
New Zealand attracts a huge number of visitors during the peak months of January and February, filling the best accommodation; you’ll need to book the more popular places in advance. By waiting just a little longer, you can take advantage of the lack of other visitors, enjoy the pick of the accommodation and experience New Zealand as it should be – peaceful and untouched.