Weather
Most travelers will find November, late spring, a comfortable time to travel to and around Australia. Temperatures are almost uniformly warm but not overly hot, and rainfall is low (except in the tropics, where this month marks the start of the rainy season). In the southern cities, temperatures range from warm to very warm. Hobart, in Tasmania, has an average high of just 64°F (18°C), but most other southern cities are a few degrees warmer: Melbourne and Canberra get to 71°F (22°C), Adelaide and Sydney to 75°F (24°C), and Perth to 79°F (26°C). Brisbane, in Queensland, but not the tropics, has average highs of 80°F (27°C).
In the outback, November can get pretty hot. However, temperatures do drop significantly at night, so a light sweater may still be necessary. Alice Springs, which is near Uluru, sees November highs of 91°F (33°C) and overnight lows of 65°F (18°C).
With the exception of the tropics, November is not exceptionally wet, and rain shouldn't be an issue in most places. However, November is the wettest month of the year in Melbourne (which is not saying much, as it's generally a pretty dry place), and Sydney and Brisbane also see a bit of rain. Expect showers in these places rather than continuous downpours. Other southern cities are arid, especially Perth.
Crowds & Costs
November is not peak season in Australia, but the country's south does receive a continual stream of visitors, especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. As many significant holidays don't occur until December, November is shoulder season in much of Australia. In the tropical north, it's off-season, as the increasing rain and high humidity, paired with high temperatures, keep travelers away. Visitors to Australia in November shouldn't encounter much difficulty booking their preferred hotels at less-than-peak prices, and domestic flights should be readily available.
Where to Go
Unless you love high humidity, tropical rain, and temperatures of around 95°F (35°C), the tropical north is best avoided in November. This includes Darwin and the coastal Northern Territory, northern Queensland (Cairns, Townsville, the Whitsundays, Port Douglas), and northern Western Australia (Broome).
But, practically everywhere else in Australia is great to visit this month. The southern cities are warm but not too hot; in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, you can enjoy some beach time; and although the outback can get very hot, you can fly into Alice Springs and/or Uluru to experience the Red Centre. Tasmania remains cooler than most of mainland Australia and is an outdoor lover's paradise, so November is a good time to visit if high temperatures aren't important to you.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
November is an excellent time to take a road trip through southern parts of the country, such as along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria or the coast of New South Wales and southern Queensland between Sydney and Brisbane. Avoid driving long distances through the desert, as these conditions can get very hot, especially later in the month.
While swimming in the sea in the tropical north is off-limits due to the presence of deadly jellyfish, the conditions are ideal further south. Although water temperatures may be a bit cool at the start of the season, taking a dip in the sea can be a good way to cool off when the sun is shining. Beach towns around Perth and Sydney, as well as along the New South Wales coast (Byron Bay) and southern Queensland (Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast), are swimmable in November.
If you want to visit Uluru and Alice Springs, it's preferable to fly there rather than drive in November. Conditions may be uncomfortable for long-distance road trips at this time. Sightseeing in the big cities is comfortable this month because if temperatures get a bit warm to walk around outside, you can retreat to an air-conditioned museum, gallery, or restaurant. Plus, most big Australian cities (except for Canberra) are on the coast, so beaches are never far away.
Events in November
The Melbourne Cup. Horse racing enthusiasts won't want to miss the biggest race on the Australian calendar, the Melbourne Cup. This is held every year on November 5.
Traveling to Australia in November? Check out these great itineraries
Self-Drive Tour: From Melbourne to Adelaide - 14 Days. Explore the natural beauty and diverse wildlife on this two-week coastal adventure of Victoria and South Australia.
Gold Coast & Byron Bay - 7 Days. Enjoy the sun, surf, and sand on this week-long tour of Australia's famous Gold Coast and Byron Bay.
More Helpful Information
Australia in October
Australia in December
Best Time of Year to Visit Australia
How Many Days to Spend in Australia