Canberra Weather and Climate: A Comprehensive Guide
Canberra has a temperate climate. Due to its slightly higher elevation Canberra has larger temperature differences than the coast of Australia. It is one of the few cities in this country where it could freeze in winter. Sometimes the thermometer plunges even a few degrees below zero. The summers in Canberra are pleasant with averages of around 28°C.
Average maximum day and minimum night temperature
Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from comfortable to chilly in Canberra. Average daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 28°C in January. In July, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a chilly 12°C.
At night, you can expect cooler temperatures, with averages dropping to around 1°C during this month. Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.Temperature ranges by month
Precipitation and rainy days
Generally, Canberra has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 653 mm of rain/snowfall annually. Canberra experiences moderate seasonal variation in rainfall, with monthly averages ranging from 69 mm in November, the wettest month, and 32 mm in May, the driest month.The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine over the year
Canberra can be enjoyed more throughout the sunniest month of January under a blue sky, with approximately 10.0 hours of sunshine daily. In contrast, the city experiences much darker days in June, with only 5.1 hours of sunlight per day. Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Average humidity
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Canberra.
The city experiences its highest humidity in June, reaching 81%. In December, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 51%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Average wind speed
The mean wind speed varies between 1 m/s and 2 m/s throughout the year. It is lowest in February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October and highest during January, November and December.
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
broken clouds and thunder partly cloudy and rain clear and no rainForecast for Canberra
6 m/s
6 m/s
8 m/s
Select a Month of Interest
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
The best time of year to visit Canberra in Australia
During the months of March, April, November and December you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20°C and 26°C.Other facts from our historical weather data:
The hottest season / summer takes place in January, February, March and December.
January has an average maximum temperature of 28°C and is the warmest month of the year.
The coldest month is July with an average maximum temperature of 12°C.
November tops the wettest month list with 69 mm of rainfall.
May is the driest month with 32 mm of precipitation.
January is the sunniest month with an average of 301 hours of sunshine.
No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.
