Home to Cape Byron, the easternmost point of Australia, sprawling beaches, emerald waves, and ancient rainforests, the always-cool Byron Bay has long attracted a constant stream of surfers, swimmers, hippies, and shoppers. While nearby alternatives like Yamba, Brunswick Heads, and Bellingen increasingly offer the same groovy, sun-soaked lifestyle, nothing quite compares to the original. There’s never really a bad time to plan a trip to Byron Bay, and as with many of the most popular destinations in Australia, the best time to visit can be a bit subjective. Summer is typically when the iconic coastal town draws crowds from around Australia and beyond, but it’s not necessarily the most ideal time to visit. Here’s an overview of the best times to visit throughout the year if you’re looking to experience Byron Bay without the crowds or high prices.
The best time to visit Byron Bay for fewer crowds
Summer — December through February — draws the largest crowds to Byron Bay, so the beaches are jam-packed with locals and tourists alike. You’ll encounter far fewer crowds during the shoulder seasons of March, April, October, or November. Plus, with mild weather to boot, the town also offers ample opportunity for outdoor exploration, coastal walks and beach-hopping.
The best time to visit for affordable prices
If you’re planning to visit during the peak season (December to February), it’s wise to book accommodation in advance to find the best rates. Winter, being the off-season, offers the most affordable options, with early spring and late autumn also providing good value for money. Winter is secretly a favourite time of the year for NSW residents — and locals know best.
The best time to visit for local events
Here are some popular local events in Byron Bay throughout the year to consider while planning your travels:
- Byron Bay Community Market — Held on the first Sunday of each month, plus two special summer markets on the 3rd Sunday in December and January
- Byron Farmers Market — Every Thursday from 7am-11am
- Byron Beachside Market — A seasonal quarterly market, held on the first week of January, Easter, mid-July, and September near the Main Beach foreshore
- Byron Bay Twilight Market — Summer market that runs from mid-October through to the last Saturday in April
- Great Southern Nights — Over 300 live gigs across Byron Bay, Newcastle, and Wollongong from March 26 to April 6 in 2025
- Bluesfest Byron Bay — A celebration of Blues music over the Easter long weekend
- Byron Comedy Festival — Usually held in the month of May
- Byron Bay Surf Festival — A major surfing event taking place from August 14 to 17 in 2025
- Whale watching in Byron Bay — The best time for whale watching in Byron Bay is from mid-June to late October
- Splendour in the Grass — One of Australia’s premier music festivals (cancelled for 2025)
- Byron Writers Festival — Australia’s largest regional literature festival, organised in August
The best time to visit Byron Bay for mild weather
If you want to avoid the extreme heat, spring and autumn offer some of the best weather conditions to visit Byron Bay, with average highs of 25°C or 27°C and average lows of 14°C. The coldest month in Byron Bay is July, with the average daily maximum of 19.4ºC and the minimum 11.7ºC. Find more information about the weather here.
Read more about Byron Bay, including things to do and places to visit here.