Located on the far north coast of New South Wales, the town of Byron Bay stands at the centre of a region of beautiful beaches, striking coastline, lush rainforests, rolling hills and spectacular waterfalls. There are quaint local villages, relaxed coastal enclaves and the colourful, wonderfully diverse township of Byron Bay itself. It’s an eclectic region where visitors will be welcomed all year round. Whatever time of year you visit, we expect you’ll be greeted with plenty of sunshine, but just like the weather Australia-wide, there’s no guarantee. What we can say, is that if you’re looking for somewhere to immerse yourself in nature, discover fascinating arts and entertainment, savour fine dining, enjoy great shopping and indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, then it’s always a great time to visit Byron Bay.
Byron Bay enjoys a subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and mild, dry winters. The summer months are December, January and February, with February tending to be the hottest and most humid. Winters are generally mild with clear blue skies and low humidity.
The average maximum temperature ranges from around 19 degrees in mid-July to 27 or 28 degrees in January and February. Minimum temperatures average around 11 degrees in mid-winter and 20 degrees in the height of summer. That means plenty of sunshine to get out and about and explore the wonders of the beautiful Byron Bay region.
If visiting during summer, you should be lucky enough to strike wonderfully hot days for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, or taking part in any of the myriad of wonderful outdoor activities on offer. Dining al fresco overlooking the bustling main street or rolling surf is highly recommended, especially in the evening when you’ll hopefully be greeting by a cooling breeze. Bushwalking can be enjoyed at any time of the year, but is often more pleasurable in the cooler months. As elsewhere in Australia, if you are going to be spending time in the sun, pack your sunscreen and drink plenty of water. The sun can be strong all year round and sunburn is never a nice addition to any holiday.
Rainfall fluctuates throughout the year, with the driest month tending to be September. If visiting between February and May, be sure to pack your umbrella as these months often experience the highest rate of rainfall. If rain strikes during your stay, be assured there’s still plenty to do. Fossick through the shops in Jonson Street, take in a classic or art-house film at the Piggery cinema, or enjoy a long, leisurely meal at one of the top restaurants in town or in the hinterland region. Rain also makes a great excuse (as if you needed one) to drop into a day spa for a facial, massage or other rejuvenating treatment. If it keeps raining, that’s just more time to be massaging your everyday stresses away.
The Byron Bay lighthouse is an iconic landmark of the region that marks the most easterly point in mainland Australia. It’s also been a site where weather data has been collated for around 30 years. According to readings collected here, September averages just over 6 days of rain, and March, just over 13. That still means plenty of rain free days. August is the least humid month, February likely to cause the most perspiration. June is the windiest month with September the least blustery. The lighthouse is probably the best known landmark of the Byron Bay region and is definitely worth visiting to discover its commanding views.
If you’re planning a trip to our wonderful region, like everything else, it pays to be prepared. Weather is never entirely predictable so there may always be rain when you least expect it, or even unseasonably hot weather during winter. So pack your sunscreen, an umbrella, a wet weather jacket, swimmers, cool clothing and a jumper for cooler days or nights. Then regardless of the weather, you’ll be all set for your wonderful Byron Bay adventure.