Ever wondered what the best time of year is to get a tattoo? You’re not alone. At our Brisbane tattoo studio, we get asked this question almost weekly – especially from clients getting tattoos around holidays, personal milestones or summer events.
Choosing the right tattoo season does more than fit your calendar – it can change your comfort, colour vibrancy and tattoo healing process. We’ve seen this across Europe and Australia: climate conditions and UV exposure have a big impact on how your pigment settles. So before you book online or join a waiting list, let’s talk through the seasons, your skin and what really helps a tattoo heal beautifully.
Your new tattoo might look perfect on day one – but what happens next depends on timing. Fresh tattoos are open wounds that need protection from UV rays, bacterial buildup and water submersion (especially cosmetic tattoos).
Getting inked during a heat wave or high-UV period means more sweating, more friction and a greater chance of irritation. Cooler months give your immune system and healing skin the calm environment it needs. Booking at the right time also reduces scheduling conflicts – and trust us, quiet sessions always beat a flash-day rush.
| Season | Avg. Temp (°C) | UV Index | Healing Comfort | Pigment Retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | 10–22 | Low–Moderate | Excellent | High |
| Autumn (Mar–May) | 15–26 | Moderate | Very Good | High |
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | 18–28 | High | Fair | Moderate |
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | 22–33 | Very High | Poor | Lower |
Winter is hands down the best season for tattoo care. The cooler air and lower humidity pretty much eliminate sweating, clogged pores and all the hassle that brings – your colours stay nice and vibrant. And let’s be honest, you’re going to be sticking indoors a lot more, so you’ll be safe from those harsh UV rays and salty water, which are just nightmares for a fresh tattoo. It’s a real dream come true for smooth healing.
We have to say, we’re big fans of getting tattoos in winter. The skin is all calm and relaxed, the colours are looking bright and punchy, and you can cozy up all snug with a cuppa while you take a break from the needle. No air conditioning blasting, no need to worry about getting caught in the rain and no pressure to get out and tan – it’s just a lovely, relaxed vibe. Plus, winter’s got that added bonus of fewer distractions, no swimsuit season stress to deal with, and loads of downtime to focus on aftercare and let your skin recover.
Autumn‘s got the perfect balance for tattoo healing—mild temperatures, fewer seasonal allergens, and much lower UV exposure. It’s a match made in heaven. You’re probably still basking in the glow of summer, but your skin doesn’t have to deal with all the UV damage and heat rash anymore.
Loads of our clients prefer to book their sessions in March or April, just because it’s a bit quieter and the healing process is that much smoother. Plus, people tend to be a bit more thoughtful about their bookings at this time of year, rather than just jumping in on an impulse. The autumn leaves and cooler nights just add to the whole experience – it’s all so much more mellow and laidback, especially for bigger pieces that need a few hours of tattooing.
Spring‘s all about new beginnings and getting a fresh start – it’s a great time of year for people looking to boost their confidence or tackle a New Year’s Resolution. But of course, this time of year also brings with it all sorts of lovely challenges – high UV levels, rising humidity and unpredictably dreary weather.
If you are getting a tattoo in spring, do yourself a favour and slather on some high SPF suncream (after the tattoo’s healed, naturally!) and try to avoid getting caught out in direct sunlight. Your skin’s going to be pretty sensitive, and skipping sun protection can just dull out the colours or leave them looking uneven.
We always tell our clients that once that first scab’s off, to switch to a high-factor suncream and get out there. Protecting your colours is as easy as that.
You can definitely get a tattoo in summer, but it’s not exactly a walk in the park. Brisbane’s heat, water activities and UV levels are all pretty intense, and they can all interfere with your healing.
Our advice to anyone who insists on getting a tattoo in December or January is to be prepared to take it easy:
We actually had a client last year who booked in straight before they jetted off on hols. They followed all our aftercare advice to the letter and got flawless results with no fading at all. The secret? Simple—just sun protection and a bit of patience.
Your skin changes with every season – and that’s going to affect how well your tattoo heals, how easily it retains colour and the whole experience.
Uliana Kasperska knows that prep, the type of ink she uses and aftercare all need to be tailored to each client’s skin type and the weather outside – it’s essential to get that right. Say it’s really humid – we swap out the heavy creams for something a bit more breathable and make sure you’re using a good sunscreen as soon as the skin has healed enough. We want to protect your tattoo, keep the pores clear, and achieve the best possible results.
With Australia being such a big country, what’s a good time to get a tattoo really depends on where you live and how your region’s climate effects tattoos.
Down south, people tend to book their bigger jobs in winter – while up in Queensland, it’s the opposite – winter is definitely the busy season for us – people are getting in before the summer sunshine and salty air causes any damage. Wherever you are, consider the local tattoo “season” before you book an appointment.
Your body’s immune system and blood flow change with the weather – and that affects how well your tattoo retains the colour. In the warmer months, you get more circulation, which can push the ink out of the skin a bit faster as the tattoo is healing. Cooler weather slows the process, allowing the pigment to settle deeper in the skin, which is why tattoos done in winter or early autumn often look sharper and last longer.
That’s why Uliana Kasperska says: “You don’t get lucky with good retention, you’ve got to put in the work – it’s about a combination of getting the timing right, taking care of your skin and doing the right aftercare“. And of course, all that will pay off if you do the long-term stuff too – moisturising, sun protection, gentle exfoliation – that way your colour stays rich and vibrant for years to come.
Let’s debunk a few popular myths we hear in the studio:
With professional experience since 2016, Anastasia is a certified and licensed specialist in cosmetic tattooing and cosmetic tattoo removal, with deep insight into how seasonal factors affect skin healing and pigment behaviour. Holding all required qualifications in Europe and Australia, she applies this expertise to guide clients on the best time of year to get a lip tattoo, microblading or eyeliner ensuring safer treatments, smoother recovery, and more predictable results across changing climates.
Yes. Heat, humidity, and UV rays affect the tattoo healing process. Cooler months mean steadier pigment and calmer skin.
No — avoid all water submersion, including pools and oceans, for at least two weeks.
Use high-factor sun cream or SPF 30+ sunscreen after healing. Reapply often if you’re outdoors.
Yes — but follow your aftercare advice strictly. Skip beach days, stay hydrated, and use air conditioning to keep skin dry.
Keep the area clean, skip heavy creams, and seek medical attention if irritation worsens.
