The Best Times to Visit Brisbane for Great Weather, Lower Prices, and Fewer Crowds

Perched on the banks of the shimmering Brisbane River, Queensland’s subtropical capital gets around 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an ideal destination for people who love to be outdoors. Known for its festivals, laid-back vibes, and alfresco lifestyle, Brisbane (also known by its traditional Turrbal name, Meanjin) is arguably best visited in the spring, between September and November. During this time of year, festival season is in full swing, temperatures hover around the balmy 70s, and the city's purple jacaranda trees are in full bloom across the city.

Brisbane's main tourism seasons can roughly be divided into:

• High Season: Anytime between May and September as well as January

• Shoulder Season: March, April, and October

• Low Season: November, December, and February

Ready to plan a trip to Brissie? These are the best times to visit Brisbane for every kind of traveler.

Best Times to Visit for Smaller Crowds

Like most Australian cities, Brisbane never feels totally crowded. But for the most relaxed experience possible, avoid visiting during school holidays — Queensland is nicknamed the "Sunshine State," and it's a popular family destination.

There are four main Australian holiday blocks per year, including a six-week Christmas break, but exact dates vary between states and territories. If there's a school holiday crossover between Queensland and neighboring New South Wales, prepare for Brisbane to be abuzz with visitors. Wintertime (which roughly stretches from June to August) is another especially busy time, since southern Australian families like to head to Queensland to defrost.

Brisbane also tends to bustle during major events such as Ekka, the state's nine-day annual agricultural show, as well as the Ampol State of Origin rugby series, which typically takes place May through July.

If you absolutely do not want to be around large crowds and don’t mind a bit of heat and humidity, November, December, and February tend to be Brisbane's least busy.

Related: Can't-miss Places to Visit in Australia, According to Australians

Best Times to Visit for Good Weather

With an average daily high of 77 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, Brisbane is a perennial summer wardrobe kind of city. To catch the best weather, my favorite times to visit are spring and autumn, which are characterized by comfortably warm days and little rain. The city also has lingering summertime vibes during these seasons — hello, rooftop bars — without the scorching heat.

If you prefer traveling in cooler temperatures, aim for a winter (between June and August) visit — daytime temperatures around this time can range from 52 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You won't need to pack heavy winter clothes, but be sure to bring a warm layer for the cool evenings.

Humpback whales also like to visit Queensland in the cooler months. If you're interested in a whale-watching tour, plan to visit Brisbane between June and November. This is when humpback whales make the long journey from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to give birth in the state's warm coastal waters.

But no matter what time of year you plan to have your Brisbane vacation, make sure to wear a healthy layer of sunscreen with at least SPF 50. Cancer Council Australia recommends applying sunscreen on days when the ultraviolet index forecast is three or higher — and remember, high UV can occur on cool and cloudy days.

Related: This Sunny Australian City Feels Like a European Town — and It Has a Celeb-favorite Hotel

Best Times to Visit for Lower Prices

As a year-round holiday destination, Brisbane doesn’t experience significant fluctuations in room rates like Cairns in northeastern Queensland. Yet, bargain hunters may find more affordable accommodations outside of school holidays (like Christmas) and during the low season.

There are also plenty of easy ways for visitors to save money in Brisbane. Consider going on a free tour with the volunteer-run Brisbane Greeters program, which offers a variety of options from architecture-focused jaunts around the historic neighborhood of Paddington to an exploration of Walter Taylor Bridge, the only inhabitable bridge in the southern hemisphere. If you want to soak up more history, head to the Museum of Brisbane (admission is free).

As for getting around the city, there are few ways to do it on a budget. The CityHopper river ferry is free. Boats run every 36 minutes between 5:30 a.m. and midnight, and travel eight stops between the business district of North Quay and the suburb of New Farm.

Best Times to Visit for Festivals

Brisbane’s balmy weather and relaxed attitude make it the ultimate playground for big events.

February 2025 will kick off with the Laneway Festival, which will be headlined by Charli XCX and Beabadoobee. In March, visitors can look forward to the family-friendly World Science Festival, which explores the intersection of art, science, and technology over the course of 10 days in the city's waterfront Cultural Precinct neighborhood. Then, from April 23 to May 25, 2025, the Brisbane Comedy Festival will take over the city with more than 100 artists performing at four different venues.

Festival season peaks in September, with major events such as Brisbane Festival, the city’s biggest arts and culture event, as well as Bigsound, the southern hemisphere’s largest music industry bash where emerging and established artists perform in venues across the hip Fortitude Valley neighborhood. The fun will continue throughout spring with the month-long culinary and art extravaganza Night Feast, which typically takes place between October and November. And don't miss Melt in October, either — this two-week festival is a joyous celebration of queer art and culture, and is perhaps best known for its dazzling River Pride Parade.

Worst Times to Visit Brisbane

As a former resident, there’s truly no bad time to visit Brisbane. That said, if you’re not fond of the heat, avoid January and February. But if you're undeterred, consider visiting museums and art galleries during the warmest parts of the day.

February and March are Brisbane’s rainiest months, but since they both get an average of less than 10 days of rain, it's hardly a deal-breaker.

As for general travel caveats, keep in mind that many of the most popular restaurants close on Mondays. And if you plan to utilize Brisbane's extensive train network, check Translink for potential closures — disruptions are generally more common on weekends.

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