Climate and monthly weather forecast
Australia

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The climate of Australia

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). Summers are hot, while winters are mild due to the far-off location from the poles. Australia lies in the southern hemisphere, in Oceania, and stretches below the Tropic of Capricorn. New Zealand lies to the southeast, the Solomon Islands in the northeast, and Indonesia further away in the north. The low latitudes, proximity to large bodies of water such as Indian and Pacific Oceans, ocean currents, subtropical high-pressure systems, and factors such as El Nino and La Nina influence the climate.

Australia, the largest island and smallest continent in the world, has a diverse landscape with a vast desert in the center, rainforests in the northeast, and mountains in the southeast, east, and southwest. The Great Barrier Reef extends over 1200 miles stretching down from the northeast, while the coastline measures a vast 21,262 miles. Mount Kosciuszko is the highest mountain on the mainland, with a height of 2228 meters. Forests in less arid regions are evergreen with eucalyptus trees, while dry areas mostly grow shrubs, like acacias. The Great Dividing Range lies in the east, with uplands and grasslands running to the coast. Sandstone cliffs and gorges lie in the northwest. Uplands, shrublands, and deserts constitute a large part of central and western Australia.

The best time to visit Australia

The best time to visit Australia is during the mild winter season, which occurs from June to August in the southern hemisphere. The weather is cool and refreshing compared to the hot and dry summer. Winter also allows tourists to enjoy adventures in the Great Australian Outback, the vast desert in the core of the country. The probability of cyclones is low, but it is rainy in Western Australia, and the cold south needs winter wear. Spring and autumn are pleasant for a visit to the southern part of the country, where the climate is of the Mediterranean type.

The worst time to visit Australia

The worst time to visit Australia is during the scorching summer from December to February. The heat is oppressive, particularly in the western and central areas, and there are prolonged periods of hot weather. Summer weather is usually harsh for traveling in the majority of the country. Additionally, the interior of the country faces droughts and scarcity of water. The mountain regions in the south are an exception, where tourists enjoy temperate weather even in the hot season. For an extended trip to Australia, it is better to avoid the period of blistering heat.

Weather in January

January, positioned right in the heart of Australia's summer, is marked by high temperatures across most regions of the country. This month often witnesses the peak of the heat, particularly in the western and central areas. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February in Australia remains entrenched within the summer season, with temperatures remaining elevated in many parts of the country. The central zones continue to experience warmth, with temperatures often hovering between 32.2°C (90°F) and 40.6°C (105.1°F), not significantly different from January. Western Australia, particularly its vast inland territories, tends to remain dry and hot, with some areas receiving rainfall ranging from 305mm (12.01") to 1,397mm (15.63") during the month. Weather in February »

Weather in March

As Australia transitions from summer to autumn in March, there's a noticeable shift in its climatic patterns. The scorching temperatures of the preceding months begin to moderate, offering a more pleasant ambiance, especially in the southern regions. In the vast central zones of Australia, the heat starts to wane slightly. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Australia is characterized by the deepening embrace of autumn. The heat of the summer months continues to retreat, making way for cooler temperatures and more predictable weather patterns across the vast continent. Central Australia, which was a hotbed during the summer months, starts seeing a substantial dip in temperatures. Weather in April »

Weather in May

As May unfolds, Australia is well into its autumn season, with evident changes in the landscape and atmospheric conditions. The transition from the warmth of summer to the crisper, cooler days of winter becomes more pronounced during this month. In central Australia, the diurnal temperature difference widens. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June ushers in the winter season in Australia, bringing with it cooler temperatures, shifts in vegetation, and distinct weather patterns across various regions of this expansive continent. Central Australia, known for its contrasting temperatures, witnesses a notable decline in warmth. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July situates itself at the heart of the Australian winter, accentuating the colder conditions and producing specific weather patterns that distinctly define regions of this diverse continent. Central Australia, always renowned for its day-night temperature variations, sees this gap further pronounced. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August marks the final leg of winter in Australia, ushering in changes that prelude the imminent arrival of spring. However, the month retains the winter charm, even as subtle transitions commence across the country. In Central Australia, daytime temperatures start to witness a slight incline from the previous month, hinting at the warmer months ahead. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Australia marks the dawn of spring, a month characterized by rejuvenation, blossoming flora, and gradually warming temperatures that herald the retreat of winter. Central Australia, which has been known for its significant temperature differences between day and night, begins to experience more consistently warm days. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Australia brings with it the full essence of spring, as temperatures rise, landscapes flourish, and the nation comes alive with vivid colors and spirited activities. Central Australia sheds the remaining vestiges of winter's chill. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Australia serves as the prelude to summer, characterized by rising temperatures, increasing humidity, and the advent of seasonal phenomena in various regions. The central territories of Australia experience an escalation in warmth, as temperatures edge closer to summer peaks. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Australia signifies the robust arrival of summer, bringing with it a medley of weather conditions that reflect the continent's diverse landscapes and climates. The central regions of Australia face the unyielding heat that defines the heart of Australian summers. Weather in December »
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Australia

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