Australia

Australia Weather & Climate: Monthly Averages

Monthly climate averages for Australia, temperatures, rainfall and the best time to visit.

Climate overview of Australia

Australia is a vast continent with a wide variety of climates. The largest part of the country has a desert or semi-arid climate, and most of the country receives more than 3000 hours of sunshine a year. Generally, the north is hot and tropical, while the climate of the southern coastal regions is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and cool, mild, wet winters. Most rainfall is seen around the coast.

Temperature Variations

Because Australia is relatively close to the equator, it is quite warm. In the north, temperatures remain well above 28°C (82°F) during the local winter, and only in some parts of southern Australia is there a chance of frost or snow. It is also a fairly dry country, with over half of the land area receiving less than 500 mm (20 in) of precipitation annually.

Seasonal Differences

As Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, winter occurs from June to September, while December to February is summer. Winter is the dry season in the tropics, and summer is the wet season. In the southern parts of the country, the seasonal temperature variation is greater, and most of the rainfall occurs during winter.

Best Time to Visit Australia

An easy answer to the question "What is the best time to travel to Australia?" is not really possible. You can visit Australia all year round, but the best travel period depends on your specific destination. Whether you plan to visit the tropical north, explore the outback, or stay in southern Australia will determine the ideal time for your trip.

If you travel between October and January, our recommendation is to start your travels in the South (Melbourne) before heading to the North. If you travel between June and September, we recommend beginning your travels in North Australia and gradually making your way down south.

Explore Australia by month

Popular cities by month

Compare cities per month. Toggle cities on/off.

Melbourne Sydney Cairns Gold Coast Perth Uluru
Day temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Monthly sunshine (hours)

Climate map

Average daily temperature, monthly rainfall & sunshine hours across cities.

Avg day temp (°C)
32°

Regional climate differences

Explore the climate diversity across Australia.

Compare popular cities

Average daytime and nighttime temperatures, yearly rainfall and sunshine.

Melbourne 14°C (57°F) 26°C (79°F) 7°C (45°F) 15°C (59°F) 690 mm (27 in) 2,383 hours
Sydney 18°C (64°F) 26°C (79°F) 11°C (52°F) 20°C (68°F) 897 mm (35 in) 2,644 hours
Cairns 23°C (73°F) 29°C (84°F) 18°C (64°F) 25°C (77°F) 1334 mm (53 in) 2,692 hours
Gold Coast 20°C (68°F) 27°C (81°F) 14°C (57°F) 23°C (73°F) 1121 mm (44 in) 2,715 hours
Perth 18°C (64°F) 32°C (90°F) 9°C (48°F) 19°C (66°F) 565 mm (22 in) 3,224 hours
Uluru 21°C (70°F) 38°C (100°F) 7°C (45°F) 24°C (75°F) 242 mm (9.5 in)

FAQ

What is the best time to visit Australia?

The warmest month in Uluru is January, with daytime highs of 38°C (100°F). Broome is the sunniest destination, with 339 hours of sunshine in October. Australia has a distinct dry season from January to November. Explore Australia weather by month for a detailed breakdown.

What temperatures can I expect in Australia?

Uluru is the warmest destination, reaching 38°C (100°F) in January with nights around 24°C (75°F). Thredbo is the coolest, with July daytime highs of just 8°C (46°F) and nights dropping to -1°C (30°F). Temperatures vary significantly between regions and seasons. See the city comparison for a full overview.

How much rain does Australia get?

Rainfall varies across Australia. Port Douglas is the wettest, receiving 1833 mm (72 in) per year, with February the wettest month at 378 mm (15 in). Broome is the driest at 607 mm (24 in) per year. Use the climate map to explore rainfall patterns across regions.

How sunny is Australia?

Broome is the sunniest destination in Australia, enjoying 3,508 hours of sunshine per year, with October the brightest month at 339 hours. Overall, Australia enjoys abundant sunshine year-round. Compare sunshine across cities in the charts above.

What is the climate like across Australia?

Melbourne has warm summers reaching 26°C (79°F) in January and mild winters dropping to 14°C (57°F), with 2,383 hours of sunshine and 690 mm (27 in) of rain per year. Sydney has warm summers reaching 26°C (79°F) in January and mild winters dropping to 18°C (64°F), with 2,644 hours of sunshine and 897 mm (35 in) of rain per year. Cairns has warm summers reaching 29°C (84°F) in February and warm winters dropping to 23°C (73°F), with 2,692 hours of sunshine and 1334 mm (53 in) of rain per year. Explore the climate charts and comparison table for more cities.

Places in Australia

Select a city to see its average temperature, precipitation and hours of sunshine over the year.

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Travel inspiration

Must-visit destinations and experiences across Australia.