Phillip Island weather: When is the best time to visit the Penguin Parade?
The Phillip Island weather is significantly more pleasant in the summer months than the winter. But if you want to avoid school holiday crowds, February is the best time to visit the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
Phillip Island is one of the best day trips from Melbourne. There are plenty of things to do on Phillip Island, but it is most famous for the Penguin Parade on the Summerland Peninsula every evening.
Book your Penguin Parade tickets separately or as part of a small-group Phillip Island tour from Melbourne.
There’s a theme to Phillip Island activities, though. Whether walking to Cape Woolamai, taking a Phillip Island whale-watching cruise or visiting the Koala Conservation Reserve. That linking theme? The best attractions and activities are outdoors. The Phillip Island weather is going to make a major difference to the quality of your visit.
Phillip Island weather statistics
The Bureau of Meteorology has collected historic climate statistics for Rhyll in the north-eastern corner of Phillip Island. These Phillip Island weather statistics show that this part of Victoria is one of the places in Australia that has four distinct seasons.
The summer months are considerably warmer on Phillip Island. The hottest month is February with a mean maximum temperature of 24.4°C. It’s slightly cooler in December, January and March, but not a massive amount.
Which Phillip Island tour from Melbourne should I choose?
- For wildlife: Small group tour including Penguin Parade 🐧, Moonlit Sanctuary and Brighton Beach bathing boxes.
- For koalas: Phillip Island Penguin Parade 🐧 trip including Koala Conservation Reserve 🐨.
- For value: Full day tour including Penguin Parade and seals at the Nobbies Centre.
In winter, Phillip Island is significantly colder. July is the coldest month, with a mean maximum temperature of 13.4°C. The mean minimum temperature of 8.2°C is perhaps more important however, given the Penguin Parade takes place in the evening.
Best time to visit Phillip Island: Rainfall and sunset times
Rainfall on Phillip Island is also much heavier in winter. August gets an average of 13.1 days of rain, compared to 4.6 days in February. The monthly average rainfall in Rhyll is 80.3mm in August, but just 40.2mm in February.
If the Phillip Island weather is the main factor, then of course the best time to visit the Penguin Parade is the summer months. It takes place later in the summer, however, due to sunset being later.
The Penguin Parade is also considerably busier in summer – especially during the school holidays. February, therefore, is a better bet than January when the holidays are in full swing. Tickets should be booked in advance, irrespective.
On rainy days, you can try exploring Phillip Island’s indulgent side at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, Purple Hen Winery and Rusty Water Brewery.
5 Phillip Island experiences to book before arriving
- The legendary Penguin Parade – watch dozens of little penguins waddle home from the sea.
- Seal-watching cruise – visit Australia’s largest fur seal colony.
- Phillip Island helicopter tour – fly above the beaches and dramatic sea cliffs.
- Whale-watching cruise – with dolphins, seals and rare sea birds on the way.
- Phillip Island Chocolate Factory tour – with more than a touch of Willy Wonka.
More Australian weather by destination
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