The Weather in Australia
Just as there are several diverse climates and landscapes across the vast continent of Australia, there are also many different weather patterns. The good news is that whenever you want to travel, there is somewhere in Australia with the ideal weather for you.
Being in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed with the hottest months corresponding to the northern hemisphere’s winter.
The tropical zone, closest to the Equator, is in the north and has a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. The more temperate zone can be found in the south of Australia and has four distinct seasons, rather than two. Spring starts in September and October and summer runs on until March. Autumn is from April to June and winter is July through September.
The Northern Territory and Queensland require lightweight clothing all year round. Darwin in particular has a hot and humid climate all year round with temperatures averaging 30C (86F). Summers are hot and wet in Cairns with rainfall of 400mm (15 inches) between January and March. Brisbane is slightly drier and cooler.
In New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia the summers are warm to hot and lightweight clothes are fine for daytime but nights are cooler and a jacket or sweater may be required. During the cooler winter months sweaters and a jacket or light coat will be necessary. Summer is the best time of year to visit Sydney although it can be humid. Melbourne’s weather is well known for having four seasons all in one day! Western Australia has hot dry summers and mild wet winters.
The Australian Government gives good advice on dealing with the intense sunshine which Australia enjoys: slip, slop, slap. They advise everyone to slip on a tee-shirt and keep covered, slop on a high factor sunscreen and slap on a hat!
Image: Australia Weather
