Lord Howe Island is a popular travel destination for both Australian and international tourists looking to escape to an island paradise brimming with things to do, food to eat, and sights to see. However, many ask what the weather is like on the island and what is the best time of the year to visit.
After all, like all tourist destinations, Lord Howe Island has peak and off-peak seasons which will affect the price of the trip and the range of activities and facilities that will be available. So today, we’re going to rundown on what the island’s climate is like and when maybe the best time to visit depending on your budget and travel plans.
Lord Howe Island’s Weather
Lord Howe Island is located in the Tasman Sea roughly 600km to the west of Port Macquarie in mainland Australia. The island experiences a warm subtropical climate with summer days averaging a high of 25 degrees celsius and winter days averaging a high of around 15 degrees celsius.
This makes Lord Howe Island a pleasant place to visit throughout the year, with summers that are cooler than the northern states of Australia, and winters warmer than the southern states.
Rainfall on the island is steadier in the winter months, with storms and cyclones occasionally hitting the area. Strong westerly winds are also a common feature of the cooler months, which can certainly take a few degrees off the overall temperature.
The sea temperatures fluctuate between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius depending on the season, remaining warm throughout the year.
Overall, Lord Howe Island’s climate is idyllic throughout most of the year, but can experience wet and windy days, especially in winter.
The change between the warmer and colder seasons is known to happen gradually over the course of months.
Peak vs Off-Peak Seasons
Peak season for Lord Howe Island is considered to be between September and March during the warmer months of the year. This is due to more activities, accommodation, and facilities being available with the sun being out more.
Activities such as snorkeling and swimming are more enjoyable in the warmer waters, while certain hotels, resorts, and restaurants may be closed for certain periods in winter.
On the other hand, the off-peak season between April and August does offer cheaper prices for accommodation, airfares, and tours.
This may be an attractive option for anyone traveling on a budget, or who prefers to go on hikes and walks in cooler conditions.
When’s the Best Time to Visit?
The answer to this question really depends on your budget, travel needs, and what you want to experience while you visit Lord Howe Island.
While most tours and activities are offered throughout the year, the colder weather during the winter months does make certain activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, or swimming less desirable.
With that said, there is still plenty to do on the island, even during winter. The Mt. Gower hike takes you to the highest point on the island where you can come face to face with native flora and fauna you won’t find anywhere else on the planet.
A glass-bottom boat tour lets you experience the gorgeous sea life and coral reefs, while a tour to Ball’s Pyramid lets you get up close to the largest volcanic stack in the world.
All of these activities and more can be enjoyed no matter when you decide to visit Lord Howe Island. The winter months will be cheaper, but be prepared to potentially have winter renovations disturb some of the island’s peacefulness.
Conclusion
Lord Howe Island offers some of the most spectacular sights and sounds in the South Pacific. Its weather is one of it’s most attractive features, offering 12 months of subtropical escapism, even if there are some differences between the winter and summer months.
So, pack your bags and get ready for a trip you won’t forget.