Australia Seasonal Flight Cost: When Is Airfare Cheapest?

Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to book flights to Australia? This guide has you covered!

Australia Seasonal Flight Cost: When Is Airfare Cheapest?
Mitchell Falls

Discover the most affordable and most expensive months to book flights to Australia to help you plan your visit.


Expensive Months To Fly to Australia

The most expensive time to book flights to Australia is during its peak travel seasons, when both domestic and international tourism spikes. These high-demand periods drive up airfare and hotel costs across the country.

Australian Summer (December to February)
This is the busiest and most expensive time to fly to Australia. Travelers flock to cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane for beaches, festivals, and warm weather.

  • Airfare can increase 40–70% compared to off-season months.
  • Flights for the Christmas and New Year period often sell out in advance.

School Holidays (Late June to Mid-July)
Australia’s winter school break causes a nationwide spike in travel demand.

  • Expect significantly higher flight prices on both domestic and international routes.
  • Popular gateways such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth experience limited seat availability.

Spring & Event Season (September to Early November)
Major events such as the Melbourne Cup, AFL finals, and spring festivals attract substantial tourism.

  • Flight prices rise sharply around event dates.
  • Hotels in major cities also see elevated pricing and lower availability.

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Cheapest Months To Fly To Australia

The cheapest time to book flights to Australia is during its off-peak seasons, when tourism slows and travel prices drop. These periods fall outside major holidays, festivals, and school breaks.

Autumn Shoulder Season (March to May)
Many regions experience mild weather, but travel demand eases after summer.

  • Flights drop noticeably in price compared to the busy summer months.
  • A great time for budget-friendly visits to Sydney, Adelaide, or Tasmania.

Late Winter Off-Peak (August to Early September)
Outside of school holidays, winter travel slows significantly.

  • Airfare is often at its lowest of the year.
  • Airlines regularly offer sales to boost bookings.

Early December (Before Holiday Travel Begins)
Just before the Christmas rush, there is a short window of lower prices.

  • Expect more affordable flights and increased seat availability.
  • Ideal for travelers flexible with dates.

Australia Seasonal Airfare Demand/Cost

Time Period Price Level Why It Matters
Dec – Feb 💲💲💲 Highest Australian summer, holidays, peak tourism
Late June – Mid-July 💲💲💲 Very High School holidays, strong domestic travel
Sept – Early Nov 💲💲💲 High Spring events, festivals, major sports
March – May 💲 Lowest Autumn shoulder season, lower demand
Aug – Early Sept 💲 Low Winter off-season, fewer travelers
Early December 💲 Low Pre-Christmas travel lull

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