On the edge of Australia, right on the coast, is a golden city that experiences 300 days of warm sunshine. We don’t just mean that lyrically, Australia is home to a beautiful city known as Gold Coast. This is a city coated in shades of Gold and Green – with the edge forming a 58 km coastline of sunny beaches, and the interiors and surroundings thickly populated by national parks and rainforests.

Gold Coast is a city that invites in the sunshine for most of the year. For beach enthusiasts and adventure lovers, this city is an automatic magnet. However, tourists must keep the weather in mind before booking their tickets. We’re going to break down the best time to visit Gold Coast, the different seasons and the variety of events that take place in each season. 

Slather on some sunblock and step into the warm embrace of Gold Coast with us today. 

Summer: December to February

Autumn: March-May

Winter: June-August

Spring: September-November

Note: You may have noticed that the winter season in Australia occurs during what we consider summer months and summer occurs at the end of the year. In Australia (and the Southern Hemisphere) the winter season often starts in June and summer in December and is due to the fact that the earth is tilted. Which means, the seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are opposite from those in the Northern Hemisphere. India falls within the Northern and Eastern hemispheres.

Gold Coast in Summer (December to February) 

Temperature: Gold Coast experiences an average of 28 degrees high to 21 degrees low during summer. 

Weather: Taking a break from the sunny skies of Gold Coast, summer conversely sees the highest amount of rainfall. The season witnesses short tropical storms and smudgy grey skies. The clouds here burst in a fury for a short amount of time, before slipping away. Gold Coast during summer does not experience a steady drizzle during the day and the skies clear up quickly after the rain. There is a heavy curtain of humidity that hangs over the city. But that is pushed aside by the cooler sea breezes of the evening. 

Significance: To beat the heat and humidity of the summer rains, head to the variety of theme parks where water slides, fast roller coasters and refreshing beverages will stave off the heavy feeling of humidity. A dip in the ocean’s blue waters, in Gold Coast’s many beaches, also seems appropriate. For those who are looking for more structured entertainment, events like the Magic Millions Carnival and Gold Coast Turf Club horse races are sure to spike your energy levels in January. February has the Eurovision Australia Decides – where different Australian groups perform to represent the country in the global phenomenon, Eurovision. This is also when the Sand Safari Arts Festival happens, with sand art galleries, sand art workshops and activities. 

Why you should visit now: Although summer can be a bit humid, cool sea breeze and beach days more than makeup for any rainfall. If you do love the rain, then this is, indeed, the best time to visit Gold Coast. 

Things to know before the visit: December experiences the longest hours of daylight. The sun rises at approximately 4:45 am and sets at around 6:40 pm. Summer sea temperatures range from 25-27 degrees during this season. 

Tips: Wear sunscreen, make sure you hydrate and keep your head covered – the sun’s rays can be intense, and the humidity is draining. Also, carry an umbrella or raincoat, in case you get caught in a downpour.

Gold Coast in Autumn (March-May) 

Temperature: Gold Coast experiences an average of 25 degrees high to 18 degrees low during autumn.

Weather: Autumn gradually creeps into Gold Coast. At first, in early March, things might not seem so different with the storms, humidity and hot afternoons. April is ideally when tourists will experience quite a drop in the humidity levels. The rain stops, the evenings become cooler. Autumn continues till May, until the temperatures become pleasant overall, with lovely cool nights. 

Significance: Kick off the Autumn season by witnessing world-class surfing on the Gold Coast’s legendary waves at the Quicksilver Pro& Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast Surfing event. This is also the time for film festivals at the Gold Coast, which would be a fabulous way to enjoy the cool, breezy evenings of the city. 

Why you should visit now: Autumn is not just exciting, its beautiful. Orange, Gold and Red foliage add their glowing beauty to Gold Coast and the weather is pleasant and mild. This is the time to relax and indulge yourself. 

Things to know before the visit: This is the season where the wildlife is most active, and bird-spotting, in particular, is a treat for bird enthusiasts.  You must also take a whale watching tour during this season. 

Tips: Do note that although the weather does become milder as the season goes by, humidity and heat are very much present during the first half. It’s advisable to book air-conditioned rooms if you plan to stay during this period (March-early April).

Gold Coast in Winter (June-August) 

Temperature: Gold Coast experiences an average of 21.5 degrees high to 12.5 degrees low during winter.

Weather: Winter is bookended by June and August. This lovely season banishes the last scraps of humidity to the bare minimum and there is not a rain cloud in sight. June may register slightly warm temperatures during the day, but the nights are cool, particularly inland from the coast. July continues the same trend – offered comfy warm days and clear blue skies. However, by afternoon, you will feel the winter chill seeping in. August is a cool month, experiencing gusty blows of wind. The general warm, cool play of weather during the day makes this the best season to visit Gold Coast.  

Significance: Experience evenings of wonder at SeaFire – Australia’s only international fireworks competition right at the beginning of June. Hypnotic designs, pyrotechnics and gorgeous fireworks will keep you spellbound. June also brings with it, the Cooly Rocks On festival – a 50s and 60s nostalgia festival, rock and roll, swing music all over five days. If you’re looking to work a bit of fitness into your vacation, the Gold Coast Marathon also takes place this time of year. July also hosts a fabulous Elvis Tribute Festival, recalling the best of the legendary singer’s music. Let the rhythms take you into the final month of August with the Broadbeach Jazz festival. The season also sees the shimmer of celebrity with the annual TV Week Logie Awards. 

Why you should visit now: Whale watching tours, high-profile events and beautiful weather make this a spectacular season to visit the city. June experiences the shortest amount of daylight, with the sun rising at 6:30 am and setting at 5 pm. Gold Coast during the winter experiences sea temperatures that range between 21-22 degrees Celsius. 

Tips: It’s important to pack layers for this season. Although the days are warm, chilly winds will counterbalance that and leave you hunting for a sweater if you don’t have one (particularly if you’re in the hilly regions of Gold Coast). Pack a mix of clothes, both for the warmth of the beach and the chill of the hills. 

Gold Coast in Spring (September-November) 

Temperature: Gold Coast experiences an average of 25.4 degrees high to 16.9 degrees low during spring.

Weather: Blue skies, low humidity and windy days – that’s how September opens the spring season for Gold Coast. The city does heat up during this season, with the warmth creeping into the evening and night hours. Occasional showers and storms do whirl their way into October and leave just as quickly. In November, the warmth continues to build and humidity slides back into Gold Coast. Later afternoons see summer-like storms or mild spells of rain. 

Significance: Watch the sandy shores of Currubimim transform into a stunning art gallery with the SWELL Sculpture Festival. The festival allows tourists and locals to stroll around, admire art pieces, converse with artists and even join art workshops for free. At night, the artworks are lit to give them a new perspective. In October, awaken the sportsman in you by attending the Coolangatta Gold, one of the most enduring races of surf sport. From the waves to the track, Gold Coast is in high gear this season with the Gold Coast 600 in October. This premier motorsport event is internationally recognised and one of the country’s biggest sports events. 

Why you should visit now: Sports, nature, art, music, food, drink – each has a festival (or more) honouring the category: clear skies and sunny weather compliment the celebratory nature of Gold Coast during spring.

Tips: Crank that air-conditioner up as the weather is getting warmer by the day. You may also need to book your tickets in advance as many sports enthusiasts will be heading to Gold Coast to enjoy the variety of events.

So, now that you know what the seasons of Gold Coast look like, and what to expect – which one will you choose? Which season suits the holiday you have in mind? With this information in mind, visit our Australia Holiday Packages to make the choice that suits you best.