The Best Time to Visit Canberra: 2023 Guide
Wondering when the best time to visit Canberra is? Canberra has 4 distinct seasons that change the landscape of the city. Here we've rounded up what's happening during each season to help you find the best time to visit the Capital.
Visiting Canberra in Spring
Spring is a popular time to visit Canberra due to the Floriade Festival. The Festival runs during September and October each year and is Australia's biggest celebration of spring featuring over 1 million blooms.
The weather in Spring isn't too hot or too cold making it a great time for walking around and exploring Canberra.
Visiting Canberra in Winter
Canberra is the coldest City in Australia. Temperatures in Canberra drop below freezing overnight in winter. But during the day, the air is crisp and the skies are bright. It doesn't snow in Canberra, but the mountains surrounding the city are often dusted in snow. For many Canberrans it's often their favourite time of year.
Winter is truffle season in Canberra. There are a number of truffle farms located in the Canberra region. Many restaurants in Canberra will feature truffle on their menus during Winter.
There are a host of winter themed activities on in Canberra each year. Winter in the City runs in the city centre and features ice skating and snow play for kids. There are also winter markets and Christmas in July celebrations.
Visiting Canberra in Autumn
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Canberra. The weather isn't too cold or too warm.
During Autumn many of the beautiful deciduous trees turn into hues of red, yellow and gold. Walking around Lake Burley Griffin during Autumn is a great way to see the colours.
The Enlighten Festival happens during Autumn in March. Buildings around the parliamentary triangle are lit up at night.
During the mornings the Canberra Balloon Spectacular takes places with hundreds of balloons taking to the Canberra skies.
Visiting Canberra in Summer
Like the rest of Australia, Canberra in Summer can get hot. But there is plenty to do during the warmer months. The National Multicultural festival happens in February. Large areas of the city centre are closed to traffic and replaced with hundreds of food stalls and multiple performance stages.
Summer is a perfect time to explore many of the great restaurants and bars around the Lake. Many cafes and bars on The Kingston Foreshore feature outdoor dining and there are bars located right on the shores of the lake. Keep your eye out for pop up bars that also run during summer.
And finally nothing will quench a thirst quite like one of Canberra's own beers. Canberra is home to some of the worlds best breweries.
The Best time to Visit Canberra's Attractions
Attractions like the National War Memorial, National Gallery and Parliament House are open all year round. They will be busier during school holidays and public holidays.
The Best time to See Canberra's Autumn Leaves
The leaves in Canberra start to change in mid march and will continue to transform until early May. During the middle of April is a great time to see Canberra in Autumn. The best places to see the Autumn leaves are around Lake Burley Griffin and The National Arboretum.