2026 Calendar Month by Month: January to December Complete Guide

January 2026 Calendar: Summer Celebrations

The January 2026 calendar begins the year with the continuation of the summer holiday season. This jan 2026 calendar month features two significant public holidays and represents the peak of Australian summer, with most schools on extended break until late January or early February.

Key Dates

• Thursday 1 January: New Year's Day (National Public Holiday)
• Monday 26 January: Australia Day (National Public Holiday)

Planning Considerations

New Year's Day falling on Thursday creates an excellent opportunity for a four-day weekend by taking Friday off. Australia Day on Monday provides a natural three-day weekend. Both holidays fall during school summer holidays, making January ideal for family travel but requiring early booking of accommodation and activities.

Weather across most of Australia is hot during January, with northern regions experiencing monsoon season. Southern coastal areas and Tasmania offer more moderate conditions for outdoor activities. Beach destinations are at peak popularity, while inland areas may be uncomfortably hot for extensive touring.

February 2026 Calendar: Return to Routine

The February 2026 calendar (or feb 2026 calendar) sees Australia return to regular rhythms as schools resume and work patterns normalise. While lacking national public holidays, this month offers value for travellers willing to explore during the quieter period between summer holidays and Easter.

Key Dates

• Second Monday: Royal Hobart Regatta (TAS - Southern Tasmania only)
• No national public holidays

Planning Considerations

February typically offers the best accommodation prices outside of major sales periods. With summer holidays ended but autumn not yet arrived, domestic tourism decreases and bargains become available. The weather remains warm across most of Australia, making it suitable for beach holidays without peak-season crowds.

Late February marks the approach of autumn and the end of summer fruit and vegetable seasons. Wine regions begin harvest, with many offering tours and events celebrating the vintage. This is an excellent time for food and wine focused travel.

March 2026 Calendar: Autumn Begins

The March 2026 calendar brings the autumn equinox and a shift in Australian seasons. Several states observe Labour Day or similar holidays during March, creating long weekend opportunities for residents of those jurisdictions.

Key Dates

• Second Monday (9 March): Labour Day/Eight Hours Day (VIC, TAS), Canberra Day (ACT), Adelaide Cup Day (SA)
• First Monday (2 March): Labour Day (WA)

Planning Considerations

The cluster of state holidays in early-to-mid March provides long weekends for many Australians. Check which holiday applies in your state using our 2026 calendar. Autumn weather is typically excellent across southern Australia, with warm days, cool nights, and stable conditions ideal for outdoor activities.

Wine harvest continues through March, and autumn colours begin appearing in cooler regions. The Great Ocean Road, Blue Mountains, and Adelaide Hills showcase seasonal changes particularly well. Northern Australia enters the end of wet season, with humidity decreasing but rainfall still possible.

April 2026 Calendar: Easter Holiday Period

The April 2026 calendar is dominated by Easter, one of Australia's most significant holiday periods. The combination of public holidays and school holidays creates an extended break for families and a popular travel period across the country.

Key Dates

• Friday 3 April: Good Friday (National Public Holiday)
• Saturday 4 April: Easter Saturday (National Public Holiday)
• Sunday 5 April: Easter Sunday
• Monday 6 April: Easter Monday (National Public Holiday)
• Saturday 25 April: Anzac Day (National Public Holiday)

Planning Considerations

Easter's four-day weekend is one of Australia's busiest travel periods. Advance booking is essential for accommodation, and transport prices increase significantly. Consider booking Easter travel 2-3 months ahead for best availability and prices.

Anzac Day falling on Saturday in 2026 creates an interesting situation. While some states may observe a substitute holiday on Monday 27 April, arrangements vary. Check your state's specific provisions. The Saturday timing allows for dawn service attendance without work conflicts but may mean no additional day off for those who would normally receive one.

April weather is generally excellent across Australia, with autumn providing comfortable temperatures for travel. This is peak season for visiting wine regions, undertaking bushwalks, and exploring before winter arrives.

May 2026 Calendar: Heading into Winter

The May 2026 calendar marks the transition toward winter in southern Australia while northern regions enter their prime dry season. Public holidays are limited to state-specific observances, making May a quieter month for travel.

Key Dates

• First Monday (4 May): Labour Day (QLD), May Day (NT)
• 27 May: Reconciliation Day (ACT)

Planning Considerations

May offers excellent travel value with post-Easter prices and pre-winter weather in many regions. Northern Australia's dry season begins, making May through October ideal for visiting Kakadu, the Kimberley, and tropical Queensland without the heat and humidity of the wet season.

Southern Australia experiences cooling temperatures, with late May bringing the first snow to alpine regions. Ski resorts begin preparations for the upcoming season, with some opening in late May for early-season snow.

June 2026 Calendar: Winter Arrives

The June 2026 calendar brings winter to southern Australia and the Queen's Birthday long weekend for most states. The snow season typically opens during June, while northern Australia enjoys its best weather of the year.

Key Dates

• Second Monday (8 June): Queen's Birthday (NSW, VIC, TAS, ACT, SA, NT)
• First Monday (1 June): Western Australia Day (WA)
• Winter school holidays begin late June (varies by state)

Planning Considerations

The June long weekend offers opportunities for both winter activities in the south and tropical escapes to the north. Snow resorts typically open during the Queen's Birthday weekend, drawing skiers and snowboarders to the Australian Alps. Meanwhile, northern destinations offer dry season perfection for those seeking warmth.

Winter school holidays spanning late June and early July create peak demand for family travel destinations. Book accommodation well ahead for this period, particularly for ski resorts and tropical Queensland destinations.

July 2026: Peak Winter

July represents peak winter in southern Australia and continues the school holiday period that began in late June. No national public holidays fall in July, but the school break maintains elevated travel demand.

Key Dates

• Winter school holidays continue (first 1-2 weeks)
• No public holidays

Planning Considerations

July offers the best snow conditions in Australian alpine areas, making it prime time for skiing and snowboarding. Resorts are at peak capacity during school holidays, with accommodation and lift passes commanding premium prices.

Tropical Australia provides a complete contrast, with perfect dry season weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures. This is ideal timing for Great Barrier Reef trips, outback touring, and exploring destinations like Kakadu, Broome, and the Queensland tropics.

After school holidays end in mid-July, travel demand drops and prices moderate. Late July offers excellent value for winter getaways without the school holiday premium.

August 2026: Late Winter Opportunities

August continues winter in the south while northern dry season conditions remain excellent. State-specific holidays provide long weekends in some jurisdictions, while the absence of school holidays means lower travel demand.

Key Dates

• First Monday (3 August): Bank Holiday (NSW - banks only), Picnic Day (NT)
• August (varies): Royal Queensland Show (Brisbane area only)

Planning Considerations

August represents excellent value for winter travel. Snow conditions remain good in alpine areas, but crowds thin after school holidays end. Accommodation prices drop while snow quality often peaks during August's reliably cold conditions.

Wildflower season begins in Western Australia during August, with early blooms appearing in northern regions. By late August, spectacular displays draw visitors to the Midwest, Wheatbelt, and other wildflower regions.

September 2026: Spring Emerges

September brings spring to southern Australia, with warming temperatures, longer days, and nature's renewal. The month includes school holidays and a state-specific public holiday in Western Australia.

Key Dates

• Fourth Monday (28 September): Queen's Birthday (WA)
• Spring school holidays (typically last week of September, varies by state)

Planning Considerations

Western Australia's September Queen's Birthday coincides with peak wildflower season, making it ideal for exploring the state's famous spring blooms. This long weekend attracts significant tourism to wildflower regions, requiring advance accommodation booking.

Spring school holidays toward month's end increase family travel demand. September offers pleasant weather across much of southern Australia without summer's heat, making it excellent for outdoor activities, bushwalking, and garden visits.

October 2026: Spring in Full Swing

October brings warming temperatures, spring blooms, and Queensland's Queen's Birthday holiday. The month offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities across most of Australia before summer heat intensifies.

Key Dates

• First Monday (5 October): Queen's Birthday (QLD)
• First Monday (5 October): Labour Day (SA, ACT)

Planning Considerations

Queensland's October Queen's Birthday creates a long weekend perfect for exploring the state's beaches, reefs, and natural attractions before the summer crowds arrive. Combined with South Australia and ACT Labour Day on the same date, early October sees elevated travel demand in multiple states.

Spring conditions across Australia make October excellent for outdoor events, festivals, and exploration. Wedding season is in full swing, potentially affecting accommodation availability in popular venues. The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival begins, building toward November's Melbourne Cup.

November 2026: Pre-Summer Activities

November represents the transition from spring to summer. Melbourne Cup Day provides a public holiday for much of Victoria, while the rest of the country enjoys warming weather and approaching summer.

Key Dates

• First Tuesday (3 November): Melbourne Cup Day (VIC - Metropolitan Melbourne and some regional areas)
• First Monday (2 November): Recreation Day (TAS - Northern Tasmania only)

Planning Considerations

Melbourne Cup Day attracts significant attention nationwide, though only Victorians receive the public holiday. The Spring Racing Carnival peaks during Cup Week, with numerous events surrounding the main race. Accommodation in Melbourne books out well in advance for this period.

November weather is generally excellent across southern Australia, with summer-like conditions but without school holiday crowds. Beach destinations begin their warm-up toward the summer peak. Northern Australia enters the buildup to wet season, with increasing humidity and storm potential.

December 2026: Festive Season

December brings the Christmas and New Year holiday period, Australia's longest continuous break and the peak of the travel calendar. Early December offers pre-Christmas value before demand peaks in the final weeks of the year.

Key Dates

• Friday 25 December: Christmas Day (National Public Holiday)
• Saturday 26 December: Boxing Day (National Public Holiday)
• Monday 28 December: Substitute Holiday (observed when Boxing Day falls on weekend)
• Summer school holidays begin mid-December

Planning Considerations

December represents peak travel season with premium pricing across all destinations. Book Christmas and New Year travel several months in advance for best options and prices. Christmas falling on Friday in 2026 creates an extended weekend with the Saturday Boxing Day and Monday substitute holiday.

Early December (before school holidays begin) offers better value for summer travel. Consider bringing forward holiday plans to take advantage of lower demand and pricing while still enjoying summer weather.