Brilliant blue skies, stunning sunshine, shimmering waters, and comfortable temperatures await locals and visitors during winter in Brisbane. Outdoor activities are on high rotation including picnics, playground visits, strawberry picking, hiking and more. Keep reading to see what winter in Brisbane is all about and why it is the perfect time to visit the Sunshine state.
When is it Winter in Brisbane?
Seasons in Australia are at opposite times on the calendar compared to those countries from the northern hemisphere. That means that when countries like North America and Europe experience summer between the months of June and August, Brisbane experiences winter!
Winter Weather in Brisbane
During the winter months, Brisbane experiences warm, dry days and cool nights. Temperatures range between 11°C to 23°C, with the mornings and evenings being the coolest parts of the day. Even if the sun is shining, temperatures can appear cooler if the westerly winds blow.
Coldest Days on Record in Brisbane
According to records, one of Brisbane’s coldest days occurred on the 12th of July 2014, when it got down to a fresh 2.6oC at 6.41am. More recently, the Bureau of Meteorology lists Brisbane’s coldest morning in 2022 as 6 oC, while the coolest day for the same year occurred on the 5th of July, when the top temperature in Brisbane reached just 14 oC (which is probably considered quite mild for other countries and even southern Australian states in winter).
Does It Snow in Brisbane?
If you are looking for snow and ski slopes in Winter, you will be disappointed. It very rarely snows in Queensland, and if it does, it will be a small sprinkling in southern Queensland in places like Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt. Fog and frost can occur in Brisbane in winter months, and gathers lots of attention when it does, but it is not a regular occurrence in the city and inner suburbs.
What Does Winter Look Like in Brisbane
Winter in Brisbane looks pretty perfect. The grass is green, the sky is blue, the water shimmers in the sunlight and many people have a sweat-free smile on their face. Many plants are flowering including camelias, banksia’s, grevilleas and poinsettias, though you can’t go past the stunning pink trumpet tree (Tabebuia) which looks positively brilliant in the winter sun.
Who Will Enjoy Winter in Brisbane?
Every year when the season ticks over from Autumn to Winter, all roads from the southern states lead to sunny Queensland. Many Victorians (namely the ‘grey nomads’) make their annual migration to the blue skies, mild temperatures and sunny days that adorns the Sunshine state, to avoid the harsh weather that graces their home state come June.
Brisbane is perfect at anytime of the year, but in our humble opinion, winter is pretty hard to beat. Many find it hard to believe just how perfectly blue and cloudless the skies are. Visitors often can be seen walking around the streets and gracing the beaches in shorts and t-shirts, while the Queenslanders are the ones rugged up in their winter woollies when the temp drops below 25!!
Can you Swim in the Ocean in Winter in Brisbane?
Most Queenslanders will agree that swimming outdoors during the winter months is a no go, but that’s not to say it’s impossible. It really depends on the tolerance of the person at hand.
If chilly dips in the sea aren’t what you’re into, there are loads of indoor swimming pools located in and around the city to check out. Some even have heating! Here are a couple:
Our Top Tips for Winter in Brisbane
- Dress in layers – it can be cool in the early mornings and late afternoons, but the days are generally warm in the sun.
- Get outdoors – relish the sunshine and milder temperatures – Brisbane shines in winter.
- Enjoy the beaches – just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beaches – sit, relax, build sandcastle and maybe even paddle in the shallows.
- Sun protection – the sun can be bright, so bring a hat, sunglasses and sun protection.
- Keep moisturised – your skin and lips can get very dry in winter – keep a lip balm (we love Paw Paw ointment) and moisturiser on hand.
Top Things to Do in Brisbane in Winter
Apart from some frostiness in the wee hours and the occasional nip in the air, Brisbane’s winter doesn’t much get in the way of a good time. That’s good news for everyone, because there is so much fun to be had! Put on a thick pair of jeans and a jumper, and check out these things you can do with your family during winter time:
- Pick Your Own Strawberries: The winter months in Brisbane is the ideal time for picking your own strawberries. With a plethora of farms open to the public, grab a basket, put on your hat and getting picking! Don’t forget to sample some strawberry treats too, as many farms sell strawberry produce.
- Take a hike: Winter is one of the best seasons to get outdoors and do all the touristy things Brisbane has to offer. Blue skies, a crisp atmosphere and hardly any rain creates just the ideal circumstances for fun times outdoors. Mount Coot-tha, Springbrook National Park and Natural Bridge Glow Worm Caves are some hiking destinations perfect for families with young children in tow.
- Go whale watching: June marks the beginning of the majestic humpback whale’s migration season. From then up until November, humpback whales make the long journey from the Antarctic’s cold waters to the warm waters of North Queensland. Book one of the many whale-watching tours that operate during this time and catch a glimpse of some whales frolicking in the waves.
- Explore the Playgrounds: Cooler weather but plenty of sunshine makes visiting playgrounds a wonderful family-friendly activity in Winter in Brisbane. With flying foxes, many fenced playgrounds and even mega-parks, there is bound to be a playground to suit your needs.
- Have Fun at the Ekka: The Royal Queensland Show, or Ekka, showcases the best Queensland has to offer when it comes to agriculture and farming. Running since 1876 in its original birthplace at the Brisbane Showgrounds, the event is defined by tradition and the nostalgia it evokes in Queenslanders. Oh, and make sure you taste a strawberry ice-cream.
- Picnic in the Sun: Pack the picnic basket with yummy food, grab a rug and enjoy the winter sunshine as you picnic in Brisbane. The best bit is you won’t melt the cheese and your drinks will stay cold!
- Catch a sunset: The dry air and clear skies of the winter months in Brisbane are the perfect conditions for the most spectacular sunsets you will ever see. Brisbane isn’t short of beautiful sunset spots either, so catching one shouldn’t be too hard. Some places that make great vantage points are Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Wilson’s Outlook, and Lake Moogerah.
Brisbane is a fantastic city to visit at any time of the year. If you love to travel without sweating the moment you step outside and don’t want to freeze your toes off, then Winter is the ideal time to explore the beautiful river city that is Brisbane.
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