Phillip Island, located off the southern coast of Victoria, enjoys a temperate maritime climate with mild, comfortable summers and cool, windy winters. The island experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year, abundant cloud cover, and significant influence from sea breezes. These conditions create a dynamic environment ideal for wildlife encounters, beach outings, and outdoor exploration in every season.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Phillip Island’s climate is classified as temperate oceanic, shaped by its southern latitude and proximity to Bass Strait. Summers (December–February) are short and comfortable, with average highs of 22–24°C and lows of 13–14°C. While most days are pleasant, occasional heatwaves can push temperatures above 30°C, and rare extremes surpass 40°C. Sea breezes often keep the southern beaches cooler than the more sheltered northern shores. Evenings, especially near the coast, can be cool – visitors are advised to bring a jacket for events like the famous penguin parade.
Winters (June–August) are cold and windy, with average highs of 13–15°C and lows of 6–8°C. Cloud cover is frequent, and rainfall is spread throughout the year, peaking in late winter and spring with 70–80 mm per month. Strong southerly winds are common, making the southern coastline feel bracing even in summer. Spring and autumn are transitional, featuring mild temperatures (16–20°C), increased rainfall, and variable weather. Sunshine hours range from 2–7 per day, with the longest days in December and January and the shortest in June. Winds average 15–22 km/h, with gusts higher during storms, and humidity hovers around 70–80% year-round. The ocean remains cool, with water temperatures ranging from 12°C in winter to 18°C in late summer.
Phillip Island’s weather is famously changeable, so visitors should always be prepared for sudden shifts in temperature, wind, and rain. The island’s lush vegetation, diverse wildlife, and dramatic coastal scenery are supported by this dynamic climate, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
| Average climate data for Phillip Island, Australia | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 23 | 24 | 22 | 20 | 17 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 7 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 33 | 33 | 49 | 63 | 69 | 81 | 76 | 81 | 70 | 69 | 61 | 49 | 733 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 |
The best time to visit Phillip Island is from late spring to early autumn (November to March), when temperatures are mild, days are longest, and outdoor activities abound. These months offer the best conditions for beach trips, wildlife encounters, and exploring the island’s scenic landscapes, though visitors should still prepare for variable weather.
The least favourable time to visit is in winter (June to August), when cold temperatures, frequent rain, and strong winds can limit beach activities and make outdoor excursions less comfortable. However, winter offers a quieter atmosphere and is still rewarding for wildlife viewing and coastal walks with proper clothing.
Phillip Island has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers, cool and windy winters, and moderate rainfall throughout the year. The weather is changeable, with frequent cloud cover and strong sea breezes, especially along the southern coast.
The best time to visit is from November to March, when temperatures are mild, days are longest, and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. Even in summer, evenings can be cool, so pack a jacket.
Winter highs average 13–15°C, with lows of 6–8°C. Strong southerly winds and frequent rain make it feel colder, especially on exposed beaches. Dress warmly and bring waterproof clothing for winter visits.
Rain falls year-round, with the wettest months from June to October. Monthly rainfall peaks at 70–80 mm in winter and spring. Showers can be brief or persistent, so always carry rain gear.
Yes, summer is ideal for beach holidays, but the ocean remains cool (16–18°C). Sea breezes can make southern beaches chilly even in summer. Northern beaches are more sheltered and warmer.
Yes, Phillip Island is often windy, especially in winter and spring. Winds average 15–22 km/h, with higher gusts during storms. Southerly winds can make the southern coast feel cold, even in summer.
Pack layers, a jacket for cool evenings, sun protection, and a raincoat. Even in summer, weather can change quickly. For winter visits, bring warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes for windy, wet conditions.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is February (23.7 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is July (13.7 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 18.7 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is February (14.1 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is July (6.8 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 10.2 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is August (80.9 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is February (33.2 mm). Over the whole year there are 733.4 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is December (Average daylight: 14.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is June (Average daylight: 9 h). Over the whole year there are 11.7 h of daylight per day on average.
