Australia

Climate in Australia

Australia has a mostly sunny climate, and many parts of the country, especially inland and in the west, get more than 3,000 hours of sunshine each year. Because of its size, the climate varies widely from one region to another, ranging from tropical in the north to temperate in the south.

Summer runs from December to March and brings hot weather across much of the country. The northern regions, including places such as Darwin and Cairns, are especially warm and humid at this time of year, with heavy rain during the tropical wet season. In the south, cities such as Sydney and Adelaide have warm to hot summers, with occasional heatwaves and generally mild nights.

Winter, from June to August, is mild by global standards. The average temperature across the country is around 56°F (13°C), but conditions depend a lot on where you are. Northern Australia stays warm and dry, while southern areas can be cooler and sometimes wet. That said, even in winter, many parts of the country still enjoy plenty of sunshine.