Brisbane vs Perth: Best Time to Visit (2026)

Brisbane, Australia vs Perth, Australia: Which Should You Visit in 2026?

Quick Verdict

For a city experience with a subtropical vibe and a focus on riverfront activities and a lively arts scene, Brisbane is your go-to. If pristine beaches, vast open spaces, and a more Mediterranean feel are your priorities, Perth will capture your heart.

Best for Beach Lovers

Perth, Australia

Perth boasts incredibly accessible and consistently stunning beaches with a more Mediterranean climate.

Best for Culture

Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane offers a more concentrated and diverse range of laneway art, markets, and cultural precincts within the city.

Best for Budget Travelers

Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane often presents more affordable accommodation and dining options, especially outside of peak school holiday periods.

Best Weather in Summer

Perth, Australia

Perth experiences significantly less rainfall in its summer months compared to Brisbane, offering more reliably sunny beach days.

Best Next Step

This comparison is close. Check live prices for both destinations before you decide, flight pricing often makes the winner obvious.

Brisbane, Australia

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Perth, Australia

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Choosing between Brisbane and Perth for your Australian adventure offers two distinct yet equally captivating experiences. Brisbane, nestled in Queensland, boasts a subtropical climate with lush parklands and a vibrant arts scene, all centered around the meandering Brisbane River. It's a city that thrives on outdoor living and a laid-back, yet energetic, atmosphere.

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, lies on the southwestern coast, renowned for its stunning beaches, vast natural beauty, and a more Mediterranean-influenced climate. This city offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and unparalleled access to pristine natural landscapes, promising a more relaxed pace and a strong connection to the ocean.

Weather Comparison: Brisbane, Australia vs Perth, Australia

Month	Brisbane, Australia High	Brisbane, Australia Rain	Perth, Australia High	Perth, Australia Rain
Jan	86°F	150mm	88°F	5mm
Feb	84°F	130mm	88°F	8mm
Mar	82°F	110mm	84°F	17mm
Apr	79°F	70mm	79°F	34mm
May	73°F	50mm	72°F	72mm
Jun	70°F	40mm	66°F	130mm
Jul	68°F	30mm	64°F	147mm
Aug	72°F	40mm	64°F	113mm
Sep	77°F	50mm	68°F	71mm
Oct	81°F	70mm	73°F	41mm
Nov	84°F	100mm	81°F	25mm
Dec	86°F	130mm	86°F	13mm

When to Visit

Brisbane is best enjoyed from April to June and September to November when humidity is low and temperatures are pleasant. Perth shines in spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) for comfortable exploration, though its summer months offer ideal beach weather with less rain than Brisbane.

Brisbane, Australia vs Perth, Australia: Pros & Cons

Brisbane, Australia

•Pros: Excellent weather outside of the humid summer months, vibrant arts and culture scene, beautiful parklands, friendly and laid-back atmosphere, good public transport.
•Cons: Can be very hot and humid during summer (December-February), fewer direct international flight connections compared to major hubs.
•Pros: The subtropical climate is pleasant for much of the year, particularly from April to October.
•Cons: Rainfall can be high during the summer months, potentially impacting outdoor plans.

Perth, Australia

•Pros: Incredible beaches, stunning natural landscapes like Kings Park, Mediterranean climate with dry summers, lively food and drink scene, quokka encounters on Rottnest Island.
•Cons: Further from the east coast attractions of Australia, can be very hot and dry in summer, fewer direct international flight connections compared to major hubs.
•Pros: Consistently warm and sunny weather from November to March, ideal for beach activities.
•Cons: Can experience very high temperatures during peak summer, with rainfall increasing significantly in winter.

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Planning a trip to Perth, Australia? Grab a guidebook.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brisbane, Australia or Perth, Australia cheaper?+

Generally, Brisbane tends to be slightly more budget-friendly than Perth, especially regarding accommodation and dining, although this can vary depending on the season and specific choices. Both cities offer a range of options for different budgets.

Which is better in summer?+

For summer, Perth generally has more favorable weather for beach activities due to significantly less rainfall and higher average temperatures. Brisbane's summers are hotter and much more humid, with a higher chance of tropical downpours, making it less ideal for consistent outdoor enjoyment.

Brisbane, Australia or Perth, Australia for first-time visitors?+

Both cities offer a fantastic introduction to Australia. First-time visitors seeking a classic beach experience and stunning natural landscapes might lean towards Perth. Those who prefer a more urban feel with a vibrant arts scene and subtropical charm might find Brisbane more appealing.

How far apart are Brisbane, Australia and Perth, Australia?+

Brisbane and Perth are on opposite sides of the Australian continent. The flight time between them is approximately 4.5 to 5 hours, making them quite distant and requiring a dedicated flight to travel between the two.

Can you visit both Brisbane, Australia and Perth, Australia in one trip?+

Absolutely! Many travelers combine visits to both Brisbane and Perth in a single trip. However, due to the vast distance, it's essential to factor in flight times and costs. A typical itinerary might involve flying into one city and out of the other, or allocating at least a week to each destination to do them justice.

Start Planning Your Trip

Brisbane, Australia

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Perth, Australia

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