The best time to visit stunning Jervis Bay in New South Wales is during the warmer months of November through April. During this time, you’ll enjoy fine sunny weather with minimal rain and humidity. These are the perfect conditions for enjoying the many exceptional beaches in the area and the plentiful outdoor activities.
It’s important to note that while the summer months of December through February undoubtedly enjoy the best weather, they’re also the height of the peak season. This often means higher costs, less availability, and more crowds. While this won’t concern every visitor, you might want to consider a visit in the so-called ‘shoulder seasons’ of late spring or early autumn. At this time, you can avoid the downsides of the busy summer months but still enjoy the best of the fine weather.
Regardless of when you visit Jervis Bay, you’ll be blown away by the area’s outstanding natural beauty and wealth of activities.
Jervis Bay is located on the southeastern coast of Australia, in New South Wales. It is approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) south of Sydney and 180 kilometers (112 miles) east of Canberra. Jervis Bay is known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife. The bay is situated within the boundaries of Jervis Bay Territory, a federal territory of Australia, and is administered separately from the surrounding state of New South Wales.
Undoubtedly, the best time to visit Jervis Bay for all-around good weather is during the summer months. The days are warm and bright with minimal rain. While humidity is higher, it’s not overbearing, and the temperatures are perfect for lazy days at the beach. There’s also some excellent weather during late spring and early autumn.
Jervis Bay, with its temperate coastal climate, experiences varying rainfall patterns throughout the year. The region generally receives the least rainfall during the summer months of December to February, with occasional showers and thunderstorms. Autumn brings moderate rainfall, with more consistent and steady showers than summer. Winter is the wettest season, with more frequent precipitation and a higher chance of rainfall. Spring sees a decrease in rainfall compared to winter, although occasional showers can still occur.
Jervis Bay benefits from moderate temperatures throughout the year. Summers are typically warm to hot, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Autumn brings mild and pleasant temperatures, ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Winters are mild, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 10 to 18 degrees Celsius, while spring sees a gradual increase in temperatures, ranging from 12 to 23 degrees Celsius.
Jervis Bay, with its coastal location, experiences a generally moderate level of humidity throughout the year. Being near the ocean, the humidity is often influenced by sea breezes and moisture from the surrounding waters. Summers in Jervis Bay can have slightly higher humidity, but nothing like northern Australia or Queensland. Autumn and spring typically have more comfortable humidity, while winters tend to have lower humidity.
There’s a good amount of variety between seasons and months in Jervis Bay. The table below gives you a flavor of what to expect for each month of the year. Remember that the weather is a little more unpredictable here than in Queensland or Western Australia, so it can fluctuate year to year.
Month | Maximum Temp | Minimum Temp | Days of Rain |
January | 23°C | 19°C | 8 |
February | 23°C | 19°C | 11 |
March | 22°C | 18°C | 8 |
April | 20°C | 16°C | 7 |
May | 18°C | 14°C | 6 |
June | 16°C | 12°C | 9 |
July | 15°C | 11°C | 8 |
August | 16°C | 11°C | 6 |
September | 18°C | 12°C | 7 |
October | 19°C | 14°C | 8 |
November | 20°C | 16°C | 10 |
December | 22°C | 18°C | 7 |
Jervis Bay experiences distinct seasons throughout the year, each offering a different atmosphere and activities. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in Jervis Bay during each different seasons:
Summer in Jervis Bay is the peak tourist season due to its warm weather and stunning beaches. Temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). The beaches are popular for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and other water activities. The area can get crowded during this time, especially during school holidays.
Autumn in Jervis Bay is generally mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). The water is still warm enough for swimming early in the season. It’s an excellent time for outdoor activities like bushwalking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. The autumn foliage adds a beautiful touch to the surrounding forests.
Winter in Jervis Bay brings cooler temperatures, ranging from 10 to 16 degrees Celsius (49 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit). While swimming is less common during this season due to cooler water temperatures, the beaches remain beautiful for walks and picnics. Whale watching is a popular activity as migrating humpback whales pass by the coast during their journey. The region is generally quieter during winter, making it a peaceful time to visit.
Spring in Jervis Bay is a lovely time when the weather starts to warm up again. Temperatures range from 12 to 23 degrees Celsius (54 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit). The flowers bloom, and the wildlife becomes more active. Spring is an excellent time for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The beaches become more inviting as the weather improves.
Jervis Bay attracts visitors from across New South Wales and South Australia. Yet while it’s close enough to the likes of Sydney, Canberra, and Wollongong for a weekend visit, travel to the area from other major cities will need to be included as part of a longer trip. Fortunately, there are plenty of other good attractions on the way and in the area, so why not check out some of our road trip guides? The distance from nearby cities (by Australian standards) is shown below.
Starting Point | Destination | Distance | Drive Time |
Sydney | Jervis Bay | 212 km | 3 hours 15 minutes |
Canberra | Jervis Bay | 201 km | 2 hours 45 minutes |
Wollongong | Jervis Bay | 114 km | 1 hours 30 minutes |
Melbourne | Jervis Bay | 832 km | 9 hours |
Adelaide | Jervis Bay | 1329 km | 14 hours 30 minutes |
Jervis Bay offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Jervis Bay:
Visit the Pristine Beaches: Jervis Bay is renowned for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Spend a day relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing on beaches like Hyams Beach, Green Patch Beach, and Murrays Beach.
Explore Booderee National Park: Booderee National Park is a picturesque coastal reserve with diverse landscapes, beautiful beaches, bushwalking trails, and Aboriginal cultural sites. Enjoy hiking, birdwatching, camping, and learning about the local indigenous heritage.
Take a Dolphin or Whale Watching Cruise: Jervis Bay is home to a thriving population of dolphins, and during the migration season (May to November), you can also spot majestic humpback whales. Join a guided cruise or tour for an opportunity to see these incredible marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Enjoy Water Sports: Jervis Bay offers excellent conditions for various water sports. Try kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, or even join a guided kayak tour to explore the beautiful coastline, hidden coves, and marine life.
Go Bushwalking and Wildlife Spotting: Explore the walking trails in Jervis Bay and immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty. Discover native wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and various bird species. The White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gum Track are popular options.
Visit Point Perpendicular Lighthouse: Take a scenic drive to Point Perpendicular and visit the historic lighthouse, which offers breathtaking coastline views and the opportunity to spot migrating whales during the season.
Try Fishing and Boating: Jervis Bay is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. Cast a line from the beach or rock platforms or even charter a boat for deep-sea fishing. Boat tours and cruises are also available for sightseeing and exploring the bay.
Indulge in Local Cuisine: Jervis Bay has excellent dining options, including seafood restaurants, cafes, and wineries. Enjoy fresh local seafood, regional wines, and locally sourced produce.
Generally speaking, the best time to visit Jervis Bay is during the shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn. These seasons offer a good balance between cost, crowds, and weather. During this time, you can expect the following:
Summer is also a fine time to visit, and if the cost and crowds aren’t a concern, then it’s a great time to visit. For some visitors, the school holidays will limit when you can visit Jervis Bay, but don’t let this put you off visiting. If you plan and book ahead, you can often avoid the worst of the increased costs. You can also avoid the crowds by visiting attractions early and finding some off-the-beaten-track beaches.
You can drive to Morocco from the neighboring countries of Spain and Mauritania, but not Algeria, despite a nearly 2000 km long border between the two countries. Travel between Morocco and any of its neighbors comes with its fair share of challenges. At first glance, you could be mistaken for
If you love solitude, amazing landscapes, and vast open spaces, you’re going to love Western Australia. This amazing land, and the northwest in particular, is often referred to as the ‘Last Frontier’. It’s a land of endless remote possibilities and nowhere showcases this better than the amazing array of national
The Albanian port city of Vlore is one of Albania’s spectacular coastal highlights. Situated at the northern end of the Albanian Riviera and overlooking the beautiful Bay of Vlore, the city is blessed with a wealth of attractions. The home of Albanian independence and the gateway to the Riviera, the
You can drive to remote Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean using the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, also known as the “Mackenzie Highway” or “Tuk Highway.” The road provides access to Tuktoyaktuk from Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. Inuvik is accessible from mainland Canada by using the Dempster Highway, which runs all the
It’s possible to drive to beautiful Gasparilla Island from the nearby Florida mainland using a bridge known as the Boca Grande Causeway. The causeway connects the unincorporated community of Placida on the mainland to the northern tip of Gasparilla Island, allowing vehicles to access the island. There’s a $6 round
You can drive to Guyana but only from one of the three South American countries with a common land border. The border crossing with neighboring Brazil in the southwest of Guyana is currently the only open crossing. However, it is located in a very remote region. There are currently no
