The climate of Phillip Island
Phillip Island, off the coast of
Australia, can be characterized under the Köppen climate classification as the Cfb climatic subtype. This subtype refers to a maritime west coast climate with warm but not hot summers. Throughout the year, the weather parameters astonishingly swing, metamorphosing the island in its beauty.
The temperature on Phillip Island registers a moderate to high level, stretching from an average low of 6.9°C (44.4°F) to a high of 23.8°C (74.8°F). However, the temperature tends to steadily decline from 23.8°C (74.8°F) in
February to 13.7°C (56.7°F) in
July, only to start gradually increasing again afterwards. It is undeniable that Phillip Island possesses a temperate climate that offers mild summers and winters.
Rainfall enjoys a strikingly steady presence all year round. The annual fluctuation in rainfall is less compared to the temperature as it ranges from 34mm (1.34") recorded in
January and February to an apex of 81mm (3.19") in
June. One can argue that Phillip Island assumes a quite considerable amount of rainfall that keeps its foliage lush and nature vibrant across all seasons.
One interesting weather feature on Phillip Island is the daylight variations. Starting from 14.8 hours in
December, it slackens to approximately 9.5 hours in June before gaining momentum again. This variance in daylight duration provides an added essence to the overall attractiveness of the Island.
The best time to visit Phillip Island
While
Phillip Island has its charm in every season, the best time to visit undoubtedly falls in the spring, stretching from
September to
November. The temperature during this period averages between a high of 16.1°C (61°F) to 19.9°C (67.8°F) and a low of 8.3°C (46.9°F) to 10.6°C (51.1°F), offering an ideal climate for outdoor activities. Moreover, the spring months feature an average rainfall between 70mm (2.76") to 62mm (2.44"), less than the winter highs, encouraging visitors to explore the island without significant concern for frequent showers.
The worst time to visit Phillip Island
Tourists averse to cold temperatures and higher rainfall might find the Australian winter months from
June to
August less favourable for a visit to
Phillip Island. This period records the lowest temperatures, descending to an average low of 6.9°C (44.4°F) in
July with the highest average rainfall of 81mm (3.19") recorded in June. Also, reduced daylight in winter might restrict sightseeing opportunities.
Spring weather in Phillip Island
Spring ushers in a transition from the cooler temperatures to a warmer climate on
Phillip Island. The temperatures rise gently from 16.1°C (61°F) in
September to 19.9°C (67.8°F) in
November, while the lowest temperature ascends from 8.3°C (46.9°F) to 10.6°C (51.1°F). Rainfall decreases from 70mm (2.76") in September to 62mm (2.44") in November. Daylight also follows a favourable trajectory, expanding from 11.8 hours in September to 14.2 hours in November.
Summer weather in Phillip Island
Summer on
Phillip Island is characterized by the highest temperatures of the year, escalating to an average high of 23.4°C (74.1°F) in
December and 23.8°C (74.8°F) in
January before retreating to 22.3°C (72.1°F) in
February. The lowest temperatures are also on the higher end, averaging 13.8°C (56.8°F) in December, 14°C (57.2°F) in January, and 12.9°C (55.2°F) in February. Rainfall is modest during this time, fluctuating between 34mm (1.34") in December and January and 50mm (1.97") in February, and daylight extends to a maximum of 14.8 hours in December.
Autumn weather in Phillip Island
Autumn records temperatures declining steadily from a high of 19.8°C (67.6°F) in
March to 16.8°C (62.2°F) in
May, and a low of 10.7°C (51.3°F) in March to 9°C (48.2°F) in May. Rainfall registers an upward trend, increasing from 64mm (2.52") in March to 69mm (2.72") in May. Daylight reduces over this period from 14.2 hours in March to 10.0 hours in May.
Winter weather in Phillip Island
The winter season witnesses the coolest temperatures on
Phillip Island, with average highs ranging from 14.4°C (57.9°F) to 14.5°C (58.1°F) and lows progressing from 7.7°C (45.9°F) in
June to 7.3°C (45.1°F) in
August. Rainfall peaks during this period, peaking at 81mm (3.19") in June before receding to 81mm (3.19") in August. The daylight hours during winter hover around 9.8 hours in
July, increasing gradually towards the end of the season.
Weather in January
Phillip Island experiences its warmest climate in
January. The temperatures range from 13.8°C (56.8°F) to 23.4°C (74.1°F), making it a favorable time for outdoor activities, such as surfing and sand sculpture contests. The higher temperatures are complemented by extended daylight hours of 14.5 hours a day.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Come
February, the climatic conditions on
Phillip Island continue to offer warm temperatures. The daylight gradually begins to reduce, with a decrease to approximately 13.5 hours from the preceding month of
January. A small increase in minimum temperature to 14°C (57.2°F) indicates the warmer nights in February.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings a slight drop in temperatures, marking the transition from summer to autumn on
Phillip Island. The island witnesses a decrease in daylight hours as well as temperature swing from 12.9°C (55.2°F) to 22.3°C (72.1°F), indicating the onset of cooler autumn season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As the year progresses to
April,
Phillip Island encounters more significant changes in its weather pattern. The decrease in temperatures accelerates, with the average climate fluctuating between 10.7°C (51.3°F) and 19.8°C (67.6°F).
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May, the movement towards winter becomes more pronounced on
Phillip Island. It is during May that the maximum temperature dips below 20°C (68°F), setting the stage for cooler days ahead. Consistently, rainfall continues to rise, now totaling 69mm (2.72"), marking the beginning of the wet season in this island city.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June represents the arrival of winter on
Phillip Island with temperatures slumping to 7.7°C (45.9°F) at night. Despite being the coldest month, rainfall is not at its peak, instead amounting to 81mm (3.19"). Amidst these cooler conditions, daylight is at its minimum, measuring 9.5 hours per day, the least recorded throughout the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Phillip Island thermometer hovers between 6.9°C (44.4°F) and 13.7°C (56.7°F) in
July, thereby maintaining the winter cold that set in during
June. Contrary to expectations, the rainfall dips slightly to 77mm (3.03"), although it remains relatively high compared to the summer and autumn months.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Phillip Island witnesses winter coming to a close in
August. There is a slight rise in the lower temperature limit, standing at 7.3°C (45.1°F), to indicate the end of chilly nights. Simultaneously, rainfall peaks, registering the highest level of 81mm (3.19") throughout the year.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings a breath of fresh air to
Phillip Island as it perks up to welcome spring. A significant shift is seen as the temperature rises, reaching 16.1°C (61°F) in the daytime. Meanwhile, the rainfall begins to reduce, measuring 70mm (2.76"), marking the end of the wet season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is when spring comes into full swing on
Phillip Island. A steady increase in temperatures is observed, as well as an elongation of daylight hours to 13.1 hours daily. On the contrary, rainfall decreases to 68mm (2.68"), despite October being a part of the traditionally wetter half of the year.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
Phillip Island enters
November, signs of an approaching summer start to emerge. A noticeable rise in average temperatures showcases this transitional phase with a warm spell spreading across the island. However, it maintains a moderate rainfall of 62mm (2.44"), benefiting the local fauna and flora.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Concluding the year,
December brings the advent of summer on
Phillip Island. An increase in the average temperature values to a maximum of 21.7°C (71.1°F) validates the start of this hot season. The island experiences reduced rainfall of 49mm (1.93"), a notable decrease from previous months, while at the same time enjoys an increase in daylight hours, reaching 14.8 hours.
Weather in December »