Match Your Time and Have Massive Fun at Sunshine Coast!

Australia’s Sunshine Coast, located in Queensland, is a popular year-round travel destination with beautiful beaches, energetic coastal towns, and breathtaking national parks. Every season offers something different, whether you’re looking for sun and surf, outdoor activities, or a quiet getaway.

Based on the seasonal highlights and the Sunshine Coast weather by month, this guide will help you in selecting the best time to visit Sunshine Coast.

Spring (September-November)

With pleasant temperatures ranging from 15 to 25°C and low humidity, spring is an excellent time to visit the Sunshine Coast. Beautiful sceneries are offered when the surrounding natural environment comes to life with blossoming flowers and abundant vegetation. 

Excellent weather during this season is great for a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking at Point Arkwright Trail or Emu Mountain Summit Walk, sightseeing, and beach trips to Noosa, Mooloolaba or Kings Beach. But, as the dry season gives way to the wet one, the weather might be a little erratic.

Some of the spring festival held in the area are Mitchell Creek Rock ‘N’ Blues Fest, Caloundra Music Festival, Mary Valley Scarecrow Festival, and Sunshine Coast Comedy Festival.

Summer (December-February)

The Sunshine Coast has pleasant summertime temperatures in the range of 25 to 30°C. Many beliefs that summer is the best time to go to Sunshine Coast since this time of year is perfect for swimming in swimming holes such as Artists Cascades, Yaroomba Beach Third Bay, and others, as well as playing beach sports while taking the lively coastal scene. 

Summertime is the most popular time to travel, which means that accommodations are more expensive and attractions more congested. Still, ummer is a great season to come because of the vibrant atmosphere, lots of outdoor activities, and occasional rain. However, the humidity may be rather high, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in the area.

Do not miss the New Year Eve’s festival, the Mooloolaba Esplanade, and on February, take part in open water swim at Noosa Summer Swim Festival.

Autumn (March-May)

Sunshine Coast autumn delivers softer, more comfortable weather, usually in the range of 20 to 28°C. It is a pleasant season and the best time to visit Sunshine Coast for outdoor pursuits like hiking, exploring national parks, and visiting local markets because the humidity drops considerably. 

Although there will still be rain during this time of year, it will usually be less frequent and less intense than in the summer. There won’t be as many tourists around, so you will be able to enjoy more tranquilly and a more reasonable standard of living.

Autumn is not autumn without a good whole of pumpkins, so do not miss the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival in this time of the year. Other than pumpkin, surfing is also big on autumn with the Noosa Festival of Surfing.

Winter (June-August)

​ The Sunshine Coast experiences milder, more comfortable winter temperatures, between 10 and 22°C. The days are often bright and dry, making them ideal for outdoor activities and discovering the area’s natural beauties. 

Since so many whales move along the coast, this is the best time of year for watching whales on spots like Point Perry in Coolum, Point Cartwright, Moffat Headland, Dolphin Point Lookout (Noosa), and Alexandra Headland. 

During winter, several special occasions are held in the Sunshine Coast area, such as the three-day Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show held in Nambour in June, The Curated Plate from end of July to early of August, The Hinterland Craft Beer Festival for beer lovers at 24^th of June and also art, dance, theatre, and music at The Horizon Festival.

The best period to visit the Sunshine Coast is usually said to be between October and December, which falls between late spring and early summer. In contrast to the busiest summer months, these months offer mild, mostly consistent weather with reduced humidity and fewer people. 

Travellers wanting both action and relaxation will find that this time of year offers the right balance for enjoying the beaches, outdoor activities, and natural beauty of the area. Yet, it is always depending on the preferences for each visitor to choose the best time to visit Sunshine Coast.