Australia is the sixth largest country and is the smallest continent in the world. Given its vast size, it’s no wonder that the country of Australia experiences a wide variety of climates. The climate in Australia varies from a subtropical rain forest climate on the northeastern portion of the country, to a dry desert climate at the center of the nation.In fact, Australia is considered one of the driest continents in the world. In a year, it will only receive an average rainfall of less than 600 millimeters. Less than half of the country receives less than 300 millimeters average rainfall.

Because it is located in the southern hemisphere, its climate is opposite to that of those countries located in the northern hemisphere, such as the United States and Canada. This makes Australia the perfect getaway destination for those looking to escape the harsh winter climates of their countries.

The summer season in Australia falls between the months of December and February. The autumn months are from March to May. The winter season coincides with the summer season of countries found in the northern hemisphere, so June, July and August are considered wintertime months. Finally, September to November is the springtime.

The bulk of the country’s land area is known as the Outback, which encompasses the interior portion of the country. Here, there is a desert climate and it is one of the most arid places in the world. The northern regions of the country usually have warm weather. On the other hand, the southern portions of the country have a cooler climate especially during the winter season. This is the reason why most Australians have settled along the coast, where the climate is more pleasant all year round.

The ocean currents greatly influence the climate of the land. The Indian Ocean Dipole and the El Nino Southern Oscillation produce both the wet and dry weather in the country. This is the reason why there are cyclones experienced in the northern portion of the country. As such, the Northern Territory of Australia experiences monsoon rains in the summer, while the southwest portion enjoys a Mediterranean climate.

Travelers going to Australia need to determine the city they are going to and the specific season so that the exact climate and weather could be identified. With the massive size of the country, a number of climatic zones are experienced in different states and cities. This results in variations in the climate between cities. The country is divided into different regions: New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania.

Travelers going to Sydney, New South Wales would definitely enjoy a temperate climate. It is generally nice and sunny any time of the year, with over 340 days of glorious sunshine to enjoy. Thanks to the nearby Great Dividing Range, there are four distinct climatic zones in this region. There is a coastal strip, a highlands area, Western Slopes and finally, the flatlands to the west of the state.

Travelers visiting Sydney during the summer months of December to February are likely to experience temperatures that go no higher than 26 °C or 79 °F. However, it could be quite humid, as humidity levels sometimes reach 65%. During the winter season, travelers generally experience average temperatures of about 16 °C or about 61 °F, though it can drop to as low as 8 °C, which is over 46 °F. March, May and June are the wettest time of the year in Australia, with temperatures ranging from 15 °C up to 22 °C or from 59 °F to about 72 °F.

Travelers visiting Melbourne, Victoria would be surprised that there is a wide range of climatic zones here. On the northwest, the region is quite dry, while alpine snow occurs in the northeast. Melbourne has a temperate climate, wherein the summer days could grow hot, hitting an average of 25 °C or 77 °F, while the spring and autumn months are mild and even balmy at times, with temperatures ranging from 8 °C to 22 °C, which translates to 46 °F to nearly 72 °F. The wintertime is cool and pleasant, with an average temperature of 14 °C or about 57 °F, though it could drop to as low as 6 °C or about 43 °F. The wettest time of the year in Melbourne is between May and October.

Adelaide in South Australia is considered as the driest of the Australian capital cities. The winter season is mild and wet, while the summer season is hot and dry. The city receives only 20 millimeters of rain during the summer, and there are long periods where there is no rain. The wettest time of the year for Adelaide is June, wherein the city receives about 80 millimeters of rainfall. It’s slightly hotter in Adelaide, since the maximum temperature in the summer is at 29 °C or 84.2 °F, while in the wintertime, the temperature stays at 15 °C to 16 °C, equivalent to 59 °C and 60.8 °F, respectively.

Western Australia is one of the largest areas in the country. This results in various climates within the region. The city of Perth receives the most rainfall from May to September. The hottest month is February, wherein the temperatures could peak at 31 °C or 87.8 °F. Fortunately, the sea breeze from the southwest known as “the Fremantle Doctor” blows into the city, providing a nice cooling effect. During the winter, the temperatures drop to an average of 18 °C or 64.4 °F.

Queensland has a range of climates within the region given its size. The city of Brisbane has a subtropical climate, wherein the temperatures range in the upper 20 °C or in the region of 68 °F and over most of the year. The summertime is the wettest time of the year and the most humid, accompanied by occasional thunderstorms. On the other hand, the city of Cairns experiences low rainfall on the inland west, while the northern portion has a monsoon season. On the other hand, the coastal strip enjoys a more temperature climate.

Within the Northern Territory, there are distinct climatic differences between the northern top end and the southern portion of the region. Overall, the wet season falls between the months of October and April, while the dry season is from May to September. The city of Alice Springs experiences extreme temperatures, wherein the summer might be extremely hot, hitting a sizzling 36 °C or nearly 97 °F, while the winter and nighttime temperatures could be very cold, often falling below zero °C or 32 °F. In the springtime, thunderstorms, dust storms and even hail are common.

Tasmania is an island in the south, which results in a mild temperate maritime climate for the city of Hobart. The island experiences four distinct seasons, with the wintertime being the wettest. The temperature in Hobart ranges from 12 °C to 21 °C, or about 54 °F to 70 °F, averaging at about 17 °C or 63 °F in the daytime. On the other hand, the temperatures might drop down to as low as 5 °C or 41 °F in the winter, while in the summer the coolest temperatures are recorded at 12 °C or about 54 °F.

Travelers visiting Australia should be prepared for warm weather when planning an itinerary. Those who plan to go to the beach or want to explore the Outback should also bring ample sun protection, such as long sleeved clothes, dark sunglasses, a wide brimmed hat and a lot of sunscreen. Natural breathable fabrics are best, especially when dealing with high humidity.

Travelers typically wear casual clothing while in Australia, even those who wish to go to the casino in Sydney’s Star City. A lightweight cardigan would also be useful. Jeans, slacks, skirts, shorts, cotton dresses and tops are typical wear. Even during the wintertime, there’s no need to bring heavy woolen winter clothing, since dressing in lightweight layers could prove to be more practical. Bringing a small umbrella during the summer season is useful, since it is typically the wettest time of the year to visit. The shade provided by an umbrella should also be useful protection against the sun. Travelers should check for weather advisories or forecast regarding the city that they are visiting in order to know the exact type of climate to anticipate.

With the year round warm and sunny weather, travelers could expect a lot of fun outdoor activities when planning a travel itinerary to Australia. There’s so much to see and do in the land Down Under so be sure to pack the appropriate items to have an enjoyable trip.

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