With Australia located in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are the reverse of those in the UK. While we’re wrapped up in winter, Australia is enjoying its sunny summer season. This seasonal switch can catch travellers by surprise, especially when packing for a long-haul adventure.
What’s more, Australia is vast and geographically diverse, so depending on your itinerary, you could encounter everything from tropical humidity and monsoon rains to crisp alpine mornings. If you’re touring the country from coast to outback, it’s worth knowing what conditions to expect and the best season to go to Australia.
Summer in Australia: December to February
The summer season in Australia runs from December through to February, offering long days, high temperatures, and peak beach season across much of the country.
It’s no wonder many British visitors choose to swap UK winter for the sunshine by spending Christmas and New Year Down Under – celebrating the season in shorts and swimwear rather than coats and rain. However, depending on where you are in Australia, the temperature can vary immensely.
Sydney:
The average summer temperature in Sydney is around 26°C, and it can also be relatively humid here at this time of year, with an average humidity of 65%.
From beach-hopping to coastal walks, summer in Sydney is all about sunshine, surf and sea. The ocean is at its most inviting, with average water temperatures around 22°C – ideal for swimming at iconic spots like Bondi or Manly Beach.
Cairns and Queensland:
Set in the tropical north, Cairns experiences hot, humid summers ranging from 23–31°C. It marks the start of the wet season in Australia, with frequent downpours, stormy nights, and the possibility of tropical cyclones between November and May.
Alice Springs:
The climate of Australia’s Red Centre is one of extremes, with a semi-arid climate. This area is extremely dry during summer, with average temperatures ranging between 20°C and 35°C.
Melbourne and Victoria:
Melbourne has a reputation for its changeable weather, though during the summer, you can often enjoy a pleasant temperate climate. Temperatures average around 25°C, while this is one of the lowest times of year for rainfall.
Adelaide:
You can expect warm, dry summers in Adelaide, with it being the driest of all of Australia’s capital cities. It enjoys a warm temperature throughout the summer, with an average maximum temperature of 29°C.
Perth:
Perth regularly experiences hot and dry summers, with more sunny days annually than any other Australian city. Temperatures here reach the heights of 31°C in February, although a sea breeze, which carries across the area, known as the ‘Fremantle Doctor’, helps to take away some of the heat.
Autumn in Australia: March to May
Autumn is one of the best seasons to go to Australia, offering a welcome break from summer’s intensity. While the weather gradually cools, temperatures remain comfortable across much of the country – often warmer than a British summer. It’s an ideal time for sightseeing on The Very Best of Australia tour, with fewer crowds and vibrant natural landscapes.
Sydney:
Autumn is Sydney at its most pleasant. Humidity eases, and crisp, sunny days make it perfect for coastal walks and harbour cruises. Expect temperatures between 14°C and 22°C.
Cairns & Queensland:
The wet season in Australia’s tropical north begins to ease, particularly by April. South-easterly breezes start to pick up, but the region remains warm and humid, with daily highs around 29°C.
Alice Springs:
This is a prime time to visit the Red Centre. With warm days and cooler nights, it’s perfect for exploring landmarks like Uluru. Daytime temperatures typically range from 12°C to 27°C.
Melbourne & Victoria:
Expect cool mornings often cloaked in fog, which usually clears to reveal sunny afternoons. Temperatures hover between 10°C and 20°C, dipping slightly towards the end of the season.
Adelaide:
Autumn remains dry and mild in Adelaide. Daytime temperatures are comfortably warm, averaging between 12°C and 22°C.
Perth:
Perth enjoys sunny days and cool, calm evenings. Temperatures sit between 13°C and 26°C, with the occasional light shower and a touch more humidity than summer.
Winter in Australia: June to August
Australia’s winter season is mild compared to the UK, but the range of climates means some regions still get quite chilly, especially inland and in the south.
Sydney:
Average temperatures in Sydney drop to between 8°C and 17°C, with July being the coldest month, when the average temperatures are around 13°C. Winter is also the wettest time of Sydney, with an average of 132mm of rainfall in June.
Cairns and Queensland:
Winter is the peak tourist season in Queensland, thanks to the low rainfall and pleasant temperatures at this time of year. Temperatures average between 17°C and 26°C, with humidity much lower than usual.
Alice Springs:
The Red Centre’s arid climate means that this part of Australia experiences some of the coldest temperatures. July is the coldest month, with temperatures dropping to between 4°C and 20°C. At night, the temperatures can often drop to below zero, with thick layers of frost resembling snow forming on the ground.
Melbourne and Victoria:
This time of year is cold and cloudy, though it rarely has a lot of rainfall; average temperatures range from 6°C to 14°C. Frost will often up overnight, and in the north-east of Victoria, you’ll even sometimes see snowfall.
Adelaide:
Adelaide has a similar climate to Melbourne during the winter months; temperatures range from 8°C-16°C. During the coldest months, frosts form on the nearby Adelaide Hills. Although Adelaide is the driest of Australia’s capitals, this is the city’s wettest time of year, with 80mm of rain falling in June.
Perth:
Winters in Perth are cool, though not freezing, with temperatures between 8°C and 19°C typically. Perth often experiences wet winters, with occasional storms, which feature downpours of rain and sometimes thunder.
Spring in Australia: September to November
Spring marks a shift into warmer weather and blooming landscapes, making it a brilliant time for nature and wildlife lovers. It’s also the beginning of whale season in Australia along many coasts.
Sydney:
The temperatures begin to rise in Sydney during the spring, though you won’t need to endure the humidity that can come during the summer. Average temperatures range from 11°C to 23°C.
Cairns and Queensland:
Temperatures average between 20°C and 29°C here in the spring, with the humidity beginning to rise as the rainy season approaches here in Queensland. If your main reason to visit Australia is to experience the Great Barrier Reef, this is the perfect time to come, as the reef comes alive with the annual coral spawning.
Alice Springs:
Spring in Alice Springs rapidly leaves behind the winter, with temperatures ranging from anywhere between 13°C to 30°C. This dramatic temperature rise also brings with it cool evenings and spectacular storms of thunder and lightning.
Melbourne:
The most variable of Melbourne’s famously ever-changing seasons, the weather here can quickly change from calm and sunny to cold and windy. Average temperatures are between 9°C and 19°C, though the breeze can make the air feel cooler. Be prepared for rainfall as October is the wettest month of the year with ten rainy days on average.
Adelaide:
The weather picks up in Adelaide during the spring to a pleasant 11-22°C, although be prepared for the temperatures to drop in the evening. The low rainfall also continues into these autumn months.
Perth:
Spring is also a dry time of year over in Perth, with spring days typically being warm and sunny. Temperatures average between 11°C and 23°C.
Regional Climate Variations Across Australia
Given Australia’s vast size and geographical diversity, weather conditions can vary dramatically from one region to the next. While one part of the country enjoys sunny skies, another may be in the midst of a tropical downpour. Understanding these regional patterns can help you plan more effectively.
Wet Season in Australia:
The tropical north, including Queensland and the Northern Territory, experiences its wettest months between November and April, with intense rainfall, high humidity, and dramatic thunderstorms.
Hurricane Season in Australia:
Also known as the tropical cyclone season, this occurs in the same northern regions during the wet season. The peak period for cyclones is December to March, particularly affecting coastal areas.
Monsoon Season in Australia:
Driven by seasonal monsoonal winds, this period brings sustained heavy rain to areas like Darwin and Cairns, typically from late November to early April.
If your itinerary spans several states, it’s important to check the months and seasons in Australia by location to ensure the best possible travel experience. Tours such as our Wonders of Australia Tour are thoughtfully timed and routed to make the most of seasonal conditions across the country.
Ready to Explore Australia Year-Round?
No matter the month, each season in Australia brings something unique – from coral reef adventures in spring to outback sunsets in autumn. Explore more guidance from our travel experts in our Australia blogs or browse our full range of guided Australia tours to experience the country at its seasonal best.
Images by Ted Bryan Yu via Unsplash and Patty Jansen and Barni1 via Pixabay.
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