The best time of year to get married in Byron Bay
Byron Bay is the top destination in Australia for weddings. Couples fly from around the world to have a beach ceremony at the most Easterly Point in Australia. Byron Bay has a range of iconic ceremony locations from The Lighthouse, pristine white sandy beaches and sweeping hinterland views.
Weather
Byron Bay is beautiful all year around with average temp of 20C during the day with 60-70% humidity in the afternoon.
Summer is hot and the town is a buzz with activity! The weather is humid and we get a few thunderstorms. We might have shorter days in Winter but the humidity drops, the nights are crisp and the days can still get up to 20C.
Statistically April is the wettest month and Sept is the driest month (1981 – 2010 via BOM.gov.au).
As locals in the industry our experience is:
- May + August are the driest months of the year
- Sept – Jan is peak tourist season
- Wedding Season 1 = March, April + May
- Wedding Season 2 = Sept, Oct + Nov
- Feb is the hottest month of the year
We find Dec + Jan are really popular for elopements in Byron Bay. Teachers are on holidays and we have a lot of Europeans travel for the quintessential “Aussie beach wedding”.
WINTER – May to Aug
Winter is a gorgeous time of year because we don’t experience the humidity and tropical thunderstorms. By the middle of the day the temperature can reach 20C. The sun will set around 5.00 – 5.30pm and get down to 5-10C quickly. It will depend what part of the world you are from, personally I don’t swim in winter but I see plenty of people who do!
We recommend:
- 3pm ceremony time which leads nicely into sunset photography
SPRING – Sept to Nov
Spring is the most popular time of year to get married, anywhere in the world. It warms up, flowers bloom and new life begins. If you are planning a spring wedding or ready to elope to Byron Bay this time of year please be mindful of:
- Venues and vendors will generally book 12months in advance (Friday + Weekends)
- It rains a lot. Don’t be scared though because it rarely “sets in”. It will often rain in the morning and clear up in the afternoon. We get a lot of beautiful rainbows and epic sunsets!
- It is peak tourist season – expect the beaches to be flooded with people (we know a few secret spots!)
- Daylight savings starts in Oct!
Read our post on: TIPS: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS + BYRON BAY WEDDINGS
SUMMER – Dec to Feb
The East Coast of Australia, Queensland to Mid North Coast will experience humidity and rain through summer. I can’t remember a dry Christmas! It is a part of life. The great thing about Byron Bay is it never seems to “set in”. The rain passes quickly. We often watch the BOM radar and wait 10mins for it to pass. It keeps everything green and beautiful.
It won’t be cold so you can kick off your shoes and dance the night away! Perfect for outdoor receptions.
Byron Bay is in NSW and we have daylight savings in Summer. The sun sets around 7-8pm.
Read our post for: THE BEST CEREMONY TIME FOR YOUR BEACH WEDDING
We recommend:
- Have a wet weather ceremony option (Plan B)
- Try not stress about the forecast it changes every hour. Check the BOM Radar as it’s accurate. The other forecasts won’t be specific to Byron Bay town
- Have a 5pm ceremony – reduce sweating and flattering light
Check out our post for inspiration: RAIN ON YOUR WEDDING DAY, Byron Bay Edition
INDUSTRY TIP:
If you want a private beach ceremony opt for a SUNRISE wedding in summer! Your ceremony time will be around 6am. You will have complete privacy, insane light for photos and the rest of the day to do something epic as newlyweds – whale watching, skydiving – read our blog on SUNRISE ELOPEMENTS for more inspiration.f
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS + FESTIVAL SEASON
School holidays will always be a busy time of year in a tourist destination. We recommend booking everything 12months in advance to avoid disappointment.
Byron Bay hosts many festivals that will make your wedding day logistics challenging if you are in town.
Avoid the following:
- Splendour in the Grass Festival (July)
- International Writers Festival (April)
- Bluesfest (April)