If you are moving to Australia from the Northern Hemisphere, you may need some time to get used to Australia’s seasons. Summer is from December to February, autumn from March to May, winter from June to August, and spring from September to November. In the tropical north of the country, there are two distinct seasons – a wet season and a dry season. Here is a snapshot of what the weather is like in Australia’s major cities.
Adelaide
The capital of South Wales, Adelaide, is famed for its history-rich museums and beautiful nature parks. Summer temperatures range from 16.7 – 28.6°C (62 – 83.5°F), and temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F) have been recorded. There is little rainfall and humidity is quite low. During the autumn season, temperatures drop to 12.7 – 22.7°C (55 – 73°F). Once again, rainfall is quite scarce. However, the city’s Autumn in Adelaideflora transform into the beautiful red, gold, orange and brown hues often associated with the season. Temperatures drop again during the winter months, falling to between 8 – 16°C (46.5 – 60.8°F). Rainfall is relatively high during the winter, though, with an average of 3.1 inches of rain, Adelaide is the driest of all the state capitals. You can experience frost on the Adelaide Hills just outside the city, with snowfall on Mount Lofty. Temperatures rise once again in the spring, ranging from 11.8 – 22°C (53.2 – 71.6°F). Evenings in the spring are characterised by sudden drops in temperature.
Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. The city enjoys a subtropical climate with warm or hot weather most of the year. Spring days are warm and sunny with cool sea breezes bringing relief for residents. Temperatures in spring range from 15 – 25°C (59 – 77°F). During the summer, temperatures are as high as 21 – 29.8°C (69.8 – 85.6°F) with frequent thunderstorms and occasional floods. Average rainfall peaks at about 16.8 inches. Temperatures drop a bit once autumn arrives, falling to between 15 – 25°C (59 – 77°F). Rainfall reduces, and humidity is much less than during the summer, though temperatures are quite similar to spring. Winter is often completely devoid of rain, with residents staying dry and experiencing warm days. Winter temperatures range from 11 – 21°C (51.8 – 69.8°F) and, at night, temperatures rarely fall below 9°C (48.2°F).
Canberra
The inland city of Canberra is Australia’s national capital. Spring is the city’s wettest season. November is the wettest month with 2.5 inches of rain. Temperatures during this time range from 6 – 19°C (42.8 – 66.2°F). Summer temperatures range from 12.6 – 27°C (54.7 – 80.6°F). Days can be quite warm, but the nights are pleasant. Rainfall is sparse, and humidity is low. In autumn, temperatures fall between 6.8 – 20°C (44.2 – 68°F). Nights are cool, and the city’s parks and gardens showcase beautiful displays of colour. Winter can be very cold, with temperatures ranging between 1 – 12°C (33.8 – 53.6°F) and often falling below zero at night. Snow does fall in the capital city, but it is not a regular event.
Darwin
Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory, known for its beaches and parks. Darwin experiences a tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs from November to April and is characterised by monsoon rains and storms, with lightning storms occurring frequently from October to December. The average annual rainfall for Darwin is 68 inches, with humidity often reaching beyond 80%. Temperatures range from 24.7 – 32 °C (76.5 – 89.6°F). The landscape comes alive during the wet season, with an abundance of plants and animals. The dry season runs from May to October, with temperatures ranging from 21.6– 31.8°C (70.9 – 89.2°F). Days are warm and sunny, while nights are cold. Humidity levels are still high at 60 – 65%.
Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia’s second most populous city and the capital of the state of Victoria. The weather can be unpredictable, but enjoyable all the same. Spring temperatures range from 9.6 – 19.6°C (49.3 – 67.3°F), and the weather can change without warning, from warm and sunny to cold and windy. Rainfall is typically high, especially in the month of October. Summer
temperatures range from 14 – 25.3°C (57.2 – 77.5°F). The Morning fog in Melbourne
hottest days typically occur in January and February, with hot spells that can last three days or more. On those days, temperatures can go past 30°C (86°F). The weather is cooler during the autumn season, with temperatures ranging from 10.9 – 20.3°C (51.6 – 68.5°F). Foggy mornings often precede sunny days, with light winds usually occurring towards the end of the season. Winter temperatures range between 6.5 – 14.2°C (43.7 – 57.6°F), with cloudy skies and night frosts. Snowfall is quite rare in Melbourne.
Perth
The capital of Western Australia, Perth, experiences various weather patterns. Spring is characterised by temperatures ranging from 11.7 – 23°C (53 – 73.4°F), little rainfall and beautiful flower blooms which visitors can see in nature reserves and parks. Summer temperatures range from 17.5 – 30°C (63.5 – 86°F), though a regular sea breeze offers relief from the afternoon heat. Autumn days are also sunny, but not quite as hot. Temperatures during this time are similar to spring, ranging from 13.7 – 26°C (56.6 – 78.8°F) with occasional rain showers. Nights are cooler, but hardly ever fall below 10°C (50°F). Winters in Perth are very wet. Temperatures range from 8 – 19°C (46.4 – 66.2°F), and thunderstorms are very common. However, snow has never been recorded on the city’s grounds.
Sydney
Bondi Beach, Sydney
With a population of over five million, Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the capital of New South Wales. Spring months are warm with temperatures ranging from 11 – 23°C (51.8 – 73.4°F). Summertime temperatures range from 18.6 – 25.8°C (65.5 – 78.4°F), perfect for days at the beach. Autumn temperatures are a bit cooler, falling between 14.6 – 22.2°C (58.3 – 72°F). Fresh air and gentle breezes characterise this season, and it is often the best time for evening walks, especially along the coast. Winter months can be cold, with temperatures dropping to about 8.8 – 17°C (47.8 – 62.6°F). June traditionally has the most rainfall, measuring approximately 5.2 inches of rain, while July is the coldest month. Snowfall is rare in Sydney, but it does snow in certain parts of North South Wales.
Moving to Australia
Wherever you are moving to in Australia, you should be aware of the seasons and pack in accordance. You may need a swimsuit for Sydney’s warm beaches, light clothing for walks in Adelaide’s parks, and heavy clothing for Canberra’s winters. However, if you are moving from New Zealand, the weather should be familiar to you.
