Best time to visit Phillip Island

Phillip Island off the southern coast of Victoria is a must-see for nature lovers, adventure seekers and beach lovers. This island has so much to offer, from the world-famous Penguin Parade at Summerlands Beach to wildlife encounters at Seal Rocks, home to one of the largest fur seal colonies in Australia. Visitors are drawn to the rugged coastline, beautiful beaches and outdoor activities such as surfing at Cape Woolamai and exploring the island. Whether you want to relax on a quiet beach, spot Aussie wildlife, or take a scenic cruise, Phillip Island has something for you all year round.
When to visit depends on what you want to do. Want to see the Penguin Parade, visit Churchill Island Marine National Park or just take in the views of the Bass Strait? This guide will help you decide when to visit Phillip Island.

Timing Your Visit

The best time to visit Phillip Island is largely dependent on what you want to do. For penguins, watching the winter months (June to August) is best, with fewer crowds and good penguin arrival times. For beach activities, surfing and outdoor fun, the warmer months (December to February) are ideal. Keep in mind school holidays and public holidays which can bring crowds, especially in the summer months. Each season has its own experience, whether you’re into animal watching, beach games, or just taking in the views.

Seasonal Guide

Summer: December - February

Summer (December to February) is the peak season on Phillip Island. 17-25°C (63-77°F) is the perfect time to enjoy the island’s beaches like Cowes Beach, Smiths Beach and Surf Beach, where you can spend your days sunbathing, swimming and water activities like kayaking or surfing. Surfing at Woolamai Surf Beach is particularly popular during this time as the water is warmer and the waves are consistent.
Summer also sees a range of events and festivals on the island from beach games at Summerlands Beach to local markets and outdoor performances. It’s a great time to be on the island but remember summer holidays (especially school holidays and public holidays) means bigger crowds so book your admission ticket types and Penguin Parade tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Despite the crowds the summer months offer amazing coastal views and scenic cruises where you can see the island from a different perspective. Take a boat ride around Bass Strait, a full Phillip Island day trip of the island or head to Pyramid Rock Lookout for stunning views of the coastline.

Autumn (Fall): March-May

Autumn (March to May) is a secret time to visit Phillip Island. 14-22°C (57-72°F) is perfect for hiking, wildlife watching and taking in the island’s natural beauty. The beaches are quieter so you can enjoy a more peaceful time exploring hidden coves or walking the island’s rugged coastline and sand dunes.
Autumn is also the best time to visit Churchill Island a heritage listed site where you can step back in time and experience the island’s historical grounds. The island is in full bloom, and the colony of fur seals at Seal Rocks is still active but not as busy as in summer. This quiet time of year makes autumn a great time to visit the Phillip Island Winery or spend a lazy afternoon at Churchill Island Cafe.
Birdwatching is also a bonus in autumn, as many migratory birds visit the island. You might see Cape Barron Geese and other native species as they prepare for migration. And with fewer tourists, autumn is a great time to visit the Phillip Island Nature Parks or Koala Conservation Centre without the summer crowds.

Winter: June - August

Winter (June to August) is a great time for wildlife lovers, especially during the Penguin Parade. Fewer tourists visit the island during the cooler months, so it’s a more intimate experience. Penguin watching is at its best in winter when the penguin arrival times are more predictable. They arrive around sunset, about an hour before they waddle up from Summerlands Beach to their burrows. This is also when you can see the penguin’s moulting season, an amazing sight as the young penguins grow their adult feathers.
Winter is also a great time to explore the island’s hidden gems. Take a drive along the southern coast and stop at Berrys Beach, Flynns Beach and Cleeland Bight Beach and enjoy the calm waters and views. The water is cool but the coastline is stunning with dramatic rock formations and views of Bass Coast and South Coast.
Another winter activity is a scenic cruise around the island, visit French Island which is less crowded in winter. You’ll also see Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas and echidnas who are more active in the cooler months. Winter is the perfect time to have a more peaceful visit to the Phillip Island Nature Parks and take in the serenity of the island.

Spring: September - November

Spring (September to November) on Phillip Island is warm and colourful, with wildflowers blooming all over the island. The mild temperatures of 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F) are perfect for island hopping, taking a scenic cruise or outdoor activities like hiking or surfing. As the weather warms up, beach games and water activities become more popular, especially at Woolamai Surf Beach and Cowes Beach.
Spring is also a great time to visit the island’s wildlife parks and see the Australian wildlife, koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre and Cape Barron Geese at Churchill Island. This is the start of the breeding season for many animals so wildlife lovers will see baby animals and active nests.
If you want a more peaceful yet vibrant Phillip Island experience spring is the season for you. The calm waters and views of the southern coast are stunning and with fewer crowds you can take your time to enjoy the natural beauty of the island without the summer rush.

Optimal Times to Spot the Penguins

The best time to visit the Penguin Parade is during the cooler months (June to August), as fewer people means more intimate views. Penguins arrive at Summerlands Beach an hour before sunset, and the best viewing times are 15-20 minutes before the penguins start to waddle back to their burrows. During the warmer months (December and January) the crowds are bigger and you may have to wait a couple of hours for the penguins to arrive. If you want to avoid the crowds, Penguins Plus offers an earlier viewing time and a more private experience.

Check the Weather Before You Book

Phillip Island’s weather can be dodgy so always check the forecast before you book. The warmer months are great for beach activities, the cooler months are better for wildlife and fewer crowds. Check the weather if you plan on doing outdoor activities like hiking at Pyramid Rock, surfing at Cape Woolamai or taking a boat tour around the island’s rugged coast.