WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HAVE A WEDDING IN BYRON BAY?
INCLUDING THE WEATHER PATTERNS, COSTS AND AVAILABILITIES
As a Byron Bay local, past Environmental Scientist and now Wedding Photographer, I can tell you a lot about the weather, seasons and climate of the region and what different times of the years offer in terms of availability and large pricing discounts!
To begin with, I want to mention that Winter and Spring are actually my favourite times of the year, despite them being the quietest. Simply due to the climate. The water is warm, the sky is clear with low winds and there are minimal days of rainfall. It is warm enough to wear a suit and not have patches of sweat sweeping through, which seems impossibly avoidable during a summer day here.
Let me break the wedding seasons down for you…
BYRON BAY WEDDING SEASONS:
SUMMER: December, January & February.
Hot & wet
The hottest months on average. The average daily maximum hits 26 in December, warming to almost 28 in Jan and Feb.
Depending on whether the climate forecast is a wet or dry season, the tail end of summer can become extremely wet. A great example of this is the horrific Northern Rivers floods that occurred in February 2022. That month of February hardly had a moment of blue sky.
If you’re planning on getting married around this time, please check whether it is forecasted to be an El Nina (dry) or La Nina (wet) year and have a wet weather plan. As the effects of climate change become more prominent, it would be very wise to avoid marrying in the late summer of a wet year
AUTUMN: March, April & May.
Milder than summer but also very very wet
On average, autumn is the wettest season for the Byron region. As above, if a wet season is expected, the weather leading into the beginning of Autumn can be extreme. Flash flooding and landslides aren’t uncommon in this area during wet periods, especially on the tail end of relenting rain. I would caution against planning your wedding during this time if a wet season is predicted. Either way, you will have a wet weather plan.
WINTER: June, July & August.
Cheapest time to get married (venue/vendor discounts)
Very pleasant weather and the lowest winds of the year
With warm evening air, less cloud cover and rainfall, you can bank on beautiful Byron sunsets through the winter months. The bonus about winter verses spring is that wind speeds are lower. If you’re planning on getting married at a beachfront venue, on the top of a hill, or dining outdoors, don’t forget to keep the wind in mind.
Another bonus is that many venues offer discounts over the winter months.
I really think this is an ideal time to get married.
SPRING: September, October & November.
Incredibly pleasant weather
Peak season - the busiest time to get married, meaning…
You will want to confirm your date with vendors ASAP
If rain is your main concern, plan your wedding for September. As spring goes, the rain, wind and cloudy days will slowly wonder in as the climate prepares for summer.
Spring is one of the busiest times for booking a wedding in the region, so if you’re set on a venue, photographer or another vendor, you’ll want to book them all well in advance!
LONG TERM CLIMATE:
I highly recommend reviewing the climate statistics of the region if you get all curious and sciency like me. Can’t be bothered? No worries, below I have made a summary for you with 2023 data!
This article was written by Emma Tkalcevic, the friendliest of local Byron Bay wedding photographers! You can find more information about her photography services here.
If you’re here, we assume it’s because you’re looking to get married in the Northern Rivers region. Below are some more resources that may help you with planning your wedding! If you have any questions or comments after reading this article, please contact Emma directly here!
Take care Lovebirds Xx