Australia's climate is governed mostly by its size and by the hot, sinking air of the subtropical high pressure belt (subtropical ridge or Australian High). This moves north-west and north-east with the seasons.

Australia is generally a sunny country. On average, there are 3,500/3,600 hours of sunshine per year in the desert area, 3,200 hours on the southwest coast (see Perth), 3,000/3,100 hours in the tropical north, and 3,000 hours on the east coast (see Brisbane).

Australia's climate varies greatly throughout the eight states and territories; there are four seasons across most of the country and a wet and dry season in the tropical north. Australia's seasons are at opposite times to those in the northern hemisphere.

We show the climate in Australia by comparing the average weather in 5 representative places: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, and Perth. You can add or remove cities to customize the report to your liking. See all locations in Australia.

Australia is part of the Southern Hemisphere, so its seasons will be opposite to what you’re used to. When it’s winter in Europe and Latin America, it’s summer south of the equator. There are four seasons across most of Australia, with the tropical north experiencing a wet and dry season.

The best seasons to travel to Australia (nicest weather) are in either Spring or Autumn. Check the average weather tables below for more details on the weather for each city so you can plan your Australia vacation.

May 12, 2024 · Australia’s climate remains relatively mild throughout the year for travellers. Nevertheless, Australia is a huge country and some weather variations are to be expected depending on the states. To avoid some of Mother Nature’s surprises and to optimise your trip, here is a little help.

Until the outcome of the 2025 federal election, the Australian Government is operating under caretaker conventions.

May 24, 2024 · Australia has a mainly arid climate (variants of Köppen climate classification BS and BW) that ranges from semi-desert to desert type of weather. The extreme northeast has a tropical wet and dry climate (Köppen Cfa, Cfc). The southeast corner of the country enjoys an oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb).

Explore the overview for a general context of how climate change is affecting Australia. This page presents high-level information for Australia's climate zones and its seasonal cycle for mean temperature and precipitation for the latest climatology, 1991-2020.