Weather in Australia: What to Expect Year-Round

Australia is big. Really big. This means that the weather can vary a lot depending on where you are. From deserts to tropical rainforests to snowy mountains, the climate shifts all over the place. To make things easier, let’s break things down month by month and give a clear picture of what you can expect throughout the year. I’ll also cover how the weather affects different parts of the country and what to pack when you’re visiting.

Australia’s Climate Overview

Australia’s seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer is from December to February, autumn (fall) starts in March and goes until May, winter is from June to August, and spring happens between September and November. Being so large, Australia has different climate zones: tropical up north, desert in the middle, and temperate down south.

Best Time to Visit Based on Activities

If you’re planning beach time, summer along the coasts is perfect. Sydney and Melbourne are beautiful this time of year, though it does get busy.

Planning to visit the Outback or the Red Centre? Avoid the hot summer months. Instead, visit between May and September when the temperatures are cooler. Trekking in 40°C heat won’t be fun.

If you’re into skiing, head to the mountains of Victoria or New South Wales during the winter, between June and August. Surprisingly, Australia gets decent snowfall.

Australia’s Month-by-Month Weather

Australia’s Weather in January

January is peak summer in Australia. It’s hot. Really hot. In the southern parts like Sydney and Melbourne, temperatures hover between 25-35°C (77-95°F). It’s also humid in the north—Darwin and Cairns can see daily thunderstorms, with highs around 32°C (89°F).

In the Outback, temperatures can soar to 40°C (104°F) and beyond. If you’re hitting up the Great Barrier Reef, it’s stinger season, so pack lycra suits to avoid jellyfish stings.

Australia’s Weather in February

Summer isn’t slowing down. February in Australia can still be sweltering. The south continues to experience warm days ranging from 25-35°C (77-95°F), while the north remains wet and humid. Tropical cyclones are common in northern Queensland and the Northern Territory, so keep an eye on weather alerts if you’re heading there.

Traveling inland towards the Red Centre (Ayers Rock/Uluru)? Be prepared for serious heat. Day trips can start early to avoid the worst of the heat.

Australia’s Weather in March

Autumn kicks off in March, cooling things down a bit, but it’s still warm. Temperatures in Sydney and Melbourne drop to a more comfortable range: averaging between 20-27°C (68-81°F). Cairns and Darwin remain hot and wet.

March is a great time to visit as the summer crowds have cleared but outdoor activities along the coast are still very much on. In the inland areas, nighttime temperatures start to drop, making it more pleasant for camping or hiking.

Australia’s Weather in April

In April, Sydney and Melbourne cool even further, with temps between 15-23°C (59-73°F)—perfect for outdoor activities. The north begins to dry up a little bit, especially around Cairns and Northern Queensland.

April is an excellent time to visit if you’re planning to drive down the Great Ocean Road or visiting wine regions like the Barossa Valley. Mild weather and fewer tourists make it a pleasant time for exploring.

Australia’s Weather in May

May brings cooler weather across most of the country. In the south, expect temperatures between 12-20°C (53-68°F). It also starts cooling inland, and nighttime temperatures in the Outback can drop significantly. Darwin and Cairns start their dry season, making this a perfect time to head to northern Australia.

If you’re a fan of hiking or visiting national parks, May offers pleasant weather almost anywhere, with less rain and milder days. It’s also a great time to visit the Whitsundays before the real winter chill sets in.

Australia’s Weather in June

Winter officially begins in June. Southern cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Hobart get colder, with temps ranging between 8-16°C (46-61°F). Snow starts to fall in the Australian Alps, so if skiing or snowboarding is your thing, head to Mount Buller, Thredbo, or other south coast slopes.

In the north, especially Darwin and Northern Queensland, June is one of the best months to visit. With clear skies and temperatures hovering around 20-30°C (68-86°F), you’ll avoid the wet season and enjoy beautiful weather.

Australia’s Weather in July

July is the coldest month in Australia, especially down south. Sydney and Melbourne can see temperatures as low as 6°C (43°F) overnight, with daytime highs around 12-17°C (54-63°F). Canberra can be even colder with frequent frosts. The north, however, remains sunny, dry, and warm with averages around 26°C (79°F).

If you’re heading to the Outback, daytime temperatures become almost perfect for hiking and exploring, but pack warm layers for cold nights.

Australia’s Weather in August

August is still winter, but temperatures start to rise slightly in the southern regions. While it’s crisp in the morning, the days in Sydney or Melbourne start to extend, with temperatures between 10-17°C (50-63°F). Tasmania is often colder than the mainland, so pack plenty of warm clothes if you’re visiting Hobart or exploring Cradle Mountain.

In northern Australia, the dry season continues to offer perfect weather. From late August, you might also start to notice some spring blooms down south.

Australia’s Weather in September

Spring starts in September. The south begins to warm up, with temperatures in Sydney and Melbourne hovering around 14-20°C (57-68°F). The weather is perfect for sightseeing and outdoor adventures, as the heat hasn’t started cranking up yet. Cairns and Darwin remain dry, but watch out for early spring storms.

Spring flowers begin to bloom, making places like Perth and Western Australia absolutely stunning. September is a good time to hit up the Gold Coast before the summer rush kicks in.

Australia’s Weather in October

October sees even warmer temperatures. In the southern cities, expect highs getting into the low 20s°C (mid-60s°F), making it pleasant for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. Sydney, Melbourne, and Hobart experience comfortable weather. In Darwin and northern Queensland, this is the last month of dry weather before the wet season starts creeping back.

Events like Oktoberfest and spring festivals happen all across the country. Pack light layers—you’ll want a sweater for the evenings but can get by during the day with something lighter.

Australia’s Weather in November

November means temperatures are rising, though it can still be unpredictable. Around cities like Sydney and Melbourne, expect temperatures between 17-25°C (63-77°F). Beach weather starts returning, so you’ll want to pack sunscreen.

Inland, the temperatures rise as well, though it’s still bearable in places like Alice Springs. In tropical regions in the north, the wet season starts, bringing daily rain showers and higher humidity levels.

Australia’s Weather in December

December is the start of summer. In Sydney and Melbourne, highs range between 24-30°C (75-86°F). It starts becoming muggy, especially inland or up north. This is perfect beach weather! Pack light clothing, but remember to bring sun protection too as the sun is exceptionally harsh in Australia.

It’s a popular time for tourists and locals alike, so book accommodations early if you’re planning to visit during the holidays.

What to Pack for Each Season in Australia

Summer (December to February)

Pack lightweight shirts, shorts, sandals, and lots of sunscreen. If you’re visiting the northern tropical areas, bring something to protect against mosquitoes, and don’t forget swimwear for the beaches!

Autumn (March to May)

This is transition weather. Pack layers like light sweaters or jackets, but you’ll still want short sleeves during the day.

Winter (June to August)

You’ll need warm clothing, especially in the south. Bring a good coat, warm pants, gloves if you’re skiing, and something waterproof in case of rain. In the north, it’s more like warm spring, so keep things lighter (but grab a jacket for evening chilling).