Australia Weather

Climate in Australia

Australia, commonly referred to as the ‘sunburnt country’, is best known for its sizzling summers, sensational surf beaches and scorching hot outback, but the weather here is actually one of contrasting extremes.

Summer in Australia, on the calendar at least, is from December to February. Though many locals will tell you it feels like summer can begin in October and finish in April. The days are generally hot, often 30°C along the coast with the heat increasing as you head in land away from the sea breeze where temperatures can soar into the mid to high forties.

Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne can have high rainfall during the summer months. Whilst Perth, Adelaide and Hobart typically have less rainfall during this period.

In the northern regions of Western Australia (The Kimberley), the Northern Territory and Queensland, the summer is referred to as the wet season – a period of high rainfall and extreme humidity. The days are very hot, usually culminating in a late afternoon thunderstorm to cool things down. The temperature is often 35-40°C during the day, and humidity is high, so when you step outside it won’t take long for your shirt to be drenched in sweat!

The autumn months, April through May are generally mild with temperatures hovering in the mid twenties. The sting in the sun is significantly less and the days are clear and crisp to enjoy the great outdoors in comfort.

Winter in Australia, or the dry season as it is known in the northern parts of the country, occurs from June to August. Temperatures vary considerably in this season. In Sydney the days are cool requiring only a light coat on most days. Brisbane, a thousand kilometres north of Sydney, has a pleasant winter temperature and a jumper (sweater) is rarely needed. Melbourne and Canberra on the other hand, south of Sydney, are much colder and frequently require a heavy coat, ‘beanie’ (woolen hat) and scarf to ward off the icy wintry winds.

Adelaide and Perth winter days regularly fluctuate in temperature and wearing layers of clothing is recommended. Darwin cools down only moderately with temperatures in the mid to high twenties. The humidity is also far less – so you can walk around outside without sweating profusely.

Snow falls during the winter months in the southern regions of New South Wales and the northern regions of Victoria, making for some splendid skiing. Accommodation is available on most snowfields including the more popular villages of Perisher and Thredbo. Or you can choose to stay in nearby towns such as Jindabyne or Canberra and make day trips by car or train to ski or snowboard.

Spring, March through to May, can be the most pleasant of seasons in Australia with temperatures in the majority of areas hovering in the early to mid twenties. The landscape awakens with blossoming flora and birthing fauna. Jacaranda trees brighten the cities whilst new lambs and calves are scattered throughout the country paddocks.

So be prepared for almost any weather condition in Australia, in the outback the days can be scorching hot whilst the night temperature drops to below freezing. Or Sydney might be experiencing a balmy spring day with people flocking to the beach for respite from the heat, whilst just a few hours south skiers and snowboarders are still enjoying freshly groomed snowfields!

This is Australia.