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Australia Weather Seasons

HomeWeatherAustralia Weather Seasons

Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Aussie Report Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.

Australia’s seasons run opposite to the northern hemisphere: summer is December–February (mean max 28–33 °C), autumn March–May (15–25 °C), winter June–August (5–18 °C), and spring September–November (18–28 °C). The tropical north has a wet/dry cycle rather than four distinct seasons.

When is summer in Australia?

The summer season in Australia spans December to February. Maximum temperatures typically range from 28 °C in southern capitals (Melbourne, Adelaide) to 33 °C in the north (Darwin). Coastal cities like Sydney and Perth see averages around 26–30 °C with higher humidity. The interior can exceed 40 °C on heatwave days.

What are the four seasons and their Australian characteristics?

The four seasons align with calendar months: spring (Sep–Nov), summer (Dec–Feb), autumn in Australia (Mar–May), and winter (Jun–Aug). When is winter in Australia? June to August, with Australia winter temperature averages of 5–10 °C in the south and 15–20 °C in the north. What season is November in Australia? Late spring, with warming days and increasing humidity in the north. For daily conditions across the country, visit our Australia weather hub or check forecasts for Sydney Weather and Melbourne Weather.

Hottest monthJanuary (mean max 30–35 °C across most of the continent)
Coldest monthJuly (mean min 3–8 °C in the south-east, 10–15 °C in the north)
Wettest seasonSummer in the north (monsoon); winter in the south-west (frontal systems)
Season shiftIndigenous calendars recognise up to 6 seasons; traditional four are still used nationally
Does it snow in Australia?

Yes, but only in alpine regions of New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania during winter (June–August). The Snowy Mountains receive reliable snowfall; most cities never see snow.

What is the difference between wet and dry seasons in northern Australia?

The summer season in Australia’s tropics (Nov–Apr) is the wet monsoon with heavy rain and cyclones; the dry (May–Oct) brings blue skies and low humidity. This differs from the southern four-season pattern.

When should I visit to avoid extreme heat?

Spring (Sep–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) offer mild temperatures across most of the country. The autumn in Australia period is particularly pleasant in the south, while the northern dry season (May–Oct) is ideal for travel.