🦘 What type of climate does Australia have?

Australia has a wide range of climates, from tropical in the north and arid in the centre to temperate and alpine in the south. The diversity is shaped by its latitude, ocean currents, and landscape, meaning you can find everything from rainforests to snowfields within one continent.

🌏 How many climate zones are there in Australia?

According to the Bureau of Meteorology's Köppen classification, Australia has six major climate zones: tropical, subtropical, desert (arid), semi-arid, temperate, and alpine. Each zone has distinct weather patterns, temperatures, and vegetation types.

An Overview of the Climate in Australia

Australia is a continent of extremes. Tropical in the North with snowy southern mountain ranges. It experiences plenty of different climates. Let's explore Australia's various climate zones, seasons, and extreme weather.

Region	Climate Zone	Average Summer Temperature (°C)	Average Winter Temperature (°C)	Annual Rainfall (mm)	Key Characteristics
Northern Australia (Darwin, Cairns, Broome)	Tropical	30–34 (high humidity)	20–25 (dry, mild)	1,200–2,000	Wet and dry seasons; tropical monsoons and cyclones; lush vegetation year-round.
Eastern Coast (Brisbane, Sydney, Coffs Harbour)	Subtropical to Temperate	26–32	10–18	800–1,500	Warm, humid summers and mild winters; regular coastal rainfall and high sunshine.
Central Australia (Alice Springs, Uluru)	Desert (Arid)	35–45 (daytime)	5–20 (nighttime)	<250	Hot, dry, and clear; extreme temperature swings; sparse vegetation and drought-prone.
Southern Australia (Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth)	Temperate	25–33	8–16	400–800	Warm to hot summers, cool winters; Mediterranean influence with winter rainfall.
Tasmania	Cool Temperate	20–25	5–12	600–1,200	Coolest state; wet, cloudy winters; lush forests and fertile farmlands.
Australian Alps (Mount Hotham, Charlotte Pass)	Alpine	10–20 (summer)	−5–5 (winter)	1,000–2,000 (snowfall included)	Coldest region; regular winter snow; alpine vegetation and ski resorts.
Western Interior (Kalgoorlie, Great Victoria Desert)	Semi-Arid	30–40	10–18	200–400	Hot, dry, low rainfall; transition between desert and coastal climates.
Southwest Coast (Margaret River, Albany)	Mediterranean	25–30	7–15	700–1,200	Dry, warm summers; cool, wet winters; strong winds and fertile soils.

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What Is the Climate in Australia?

Australia's climate is one of the world's most varied. It features everything from tropical rainforests in the North and temperate coasts to alpine regions in the south and even deserts and snowy mountains. The reason for the variety is down to its position in the Southern Hemisphere and its proximity to major ocean currents.

Generally speaking, the climate in Australia is influenced by the subtropical high-pressure belt. This brings dry, sunny weather to most of the interior. The coastal regions tend to experience more moderate conditions because of their proximity to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In the North of the country, the weather has a distinct wet and dry season, which can significantly affect Australia's rivers. In contrast, the South has four traditional seasons, more like large parts of Europe and North America.

Though Australia is famous for sunshine and heat, Australia's climate isn't hot across the board. There are tropical monsoons, arid deserts, and cool alpine zones. This is why Australia is an excellent country for various lifestyles, ecosystems, and agricultural industries¹²³.

Australia’s Climate Zones

Australia can be divided into climate zones. These are shaped by geography, latitude, and ocean influences. The Bureau of Meteorology and Geoscience Australia classify the continent's climates using the Köppen system. This is a global standard that classifies climates through variations in temperature, rainfall, and vegetation. There are six main zones in Australia: tropical, subtropical, desert (arid), semi-arid, temperate, and alpine.

The Pinnacles Desert, Cervantes, Australia. — Australia is classified as having 6 distinct climate zones. | Photo by Tobias Keller

1. Tropical Zone (North and Far North Queensland, Northern Territory, Kimberley):
This zone experiences high humidity, warm temperatures year-round, and a distinct wet and dry season. The wet season runs roughly from November to April, bringing monsoonal rains, cyclones, and lush growth. Darwin, for instance, averages 320 days of sunshine annually but also heavy rainfall in summer⁴.

2. Subtropical Zone (Southeast Queensland, Northern New South Wales):
Here, summers are hot and humid while winters are mild. Coastal cities such as Brisbane and Coffs Harbour enjoy a balance between rain and warmth, making it one of Australia’s most livable regions.

3. Desert (Arid) Zone (Central and Western Australia):
Covering about 35% of the continent, this zone is dominated by low rainfall, intense heat, and clear skies. Average annual rainfall can be less than 250 mm in places like Alice Springs, while daytime summer temperatures regularly exceed 40°C⁵.

4. Semi-Arid Zone (Marginal regions of South Australia, Western NSW, and inland Queensland):
Acting as a buffer between the deserts and coastal climates, semi-arid areas experience erratic rainfall and high evaporation. Seasonal variations are more noticeable here than in the true desert interior.

5. Temperate Zone (Southern coastlines of WA, Victoria, Tasmania, and parts of NSW):
Characterised by moderate temperatures and reliable rainfall, this is where most Australians live. It supports rich farmlands, forests, and major cities like Melbourne, Adelaide, and Hobart.

6. Alpine Zone (Southeastern Highlands and Snowy Mountains):
The smallest climate zone, located in the Australian Alps, is marked by cold winters, snowfall, and occasional sub-zero temperatures. Mount Hotham and Charlotte Pass in New South Wales record some of the country’s lowest temperatures each winter⁶.

Seasons in Australia

Due to the size of Australia, the seasons don't apply uniformly across the country. Australia's position in the Southern Hemisphere means that its seasons are reversed to those in the Northern Hemisphere, which some Americans and Europeans, in particular, can find confusing. As mentioned, the south of the country enjoys four seasons, while the north is divided into just the wet and dry seasons, which can create massive lakes that often become salt pans.

Spring (September – November): Spring is marked by rising temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and increased rainfall in parts of the southeast. It’s also the season of renewal, with national parks like Flinders Ranges and Kakadu bursting into colour before the summer heat sets in.

Summer (December – February): This is Australia’s hottest season, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to over 40°C in inland areas. Northern regions experience tropical downpours and humidity, while southern cities like Melbourne and Adelaide see dry heat and occasional bushfires.

Autumn (March – May): Temperatures begin to cool across the country, and rainfall becomes more consistent in southern regions. In places like Canberra and Hobart, autumn brings crisp mornings and changing foliage. It's also a key time for wine harvests in areas such as the Barossa Valley.

Winter (June – August): Southern Australia experiences its coldest months, with average highs between 5°C and 16°C. Alpine areas like the Snowy Mountains and Mount Buller receive regular snowfall, supporting Australia’s winter sports industry. In contrast, the north stays mild and dry, which is ideal for outdoor tourism in the Top End.

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Australia's Summer Temperature

Summer in Australia runs from December to February. Long days, high heat, and brilliant sunshine. That's what most foreigners think of the Australian summer. However, temperatures vary according to region, and while coastal cities have their temperatures moderated by the ocean, inland areas can face some of the highest temperatures recorded on Earth.

Great Barrier Reef from above. — Most people are familiar with Australia's warmer climates. | Photo by Manny Moreno

Northern Australia (Darwin, Cairns, Broome): Average summer temperatures range from 30°C to 34°C, accompanied by heavy monsoonal rains and high humidity. Afternoon storms and tropical cyclones are common, particularly along the northern coastline.

Central and Outback Regions (Alice Springs, Uluru): The Red Centre often sees temperatures above 40°C, and occasionally surpasses 45°C. The air is dry, the skies are clear, and the heat can persist even after sunset, creating a challenging environment for both people and wildlife⁸.

Southern Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): These regions enjoy warm to hot summers with more moderate humidity. Average highs range from 26°C to 33°C, but occasional heatwaves can push temperatures above 40°C. In 2019, Adelaide recorded a peak of 46.6°, one of the highest ever measured in an Australian capital city⁹.

Australia's Winter Temperature

From June to August, Australia experiences winter. Generally, it's mild in the North, cool along the coasts, and freezing in the Alpine regions, where you can find Australia's biggest mountains. Australia is geographically diverse, so it experiences both tropical dry winters and snowy mountain conditions simultaneously.

Falls Creek, Victoria, Australia. — There are parts of Australia with snow, despite the country being known for being warm. | Photo by Tim Hart

Northern Australia (Darwin, Cairns, Broome): This is the "dry season," with clear skies, low humidity, and average temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. It's the best time to explore the Top End, as national parks like Kakadu and Litchfield are open and accessible. Nights are cooler, but frost and cold are rare.

Central Australia (Alice Springs, Uluru): Winter brings pleasant daytime temperatures around 20°C, but after sunset, it can plummet close to freezing. The desert climate's lack of moisture means large temperature swings between day and night. Campers in the Outback often experience crisp, frosty mornings under clear skies.

Southern Australia (Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra, Adelaide): The southern capitals experience average winter highs between 12°C and 16°C, with cooler nights and regular rainfall. Canberra can drop below 0°C overnight, while Tasmania and the Victorian Alps often see snow. Alpine resorts like Perisher and Mount Buller host Australia's ski season during this period¹⁰.

Climate Patterns and Extreme Weather in Australia

Australia's position between the Indian and Pacific Oceans is one of the reasons that the country experiences weather extremes. Droughts, bushfires, tropical cyclones, and floods.

El Niño and La Niña Cycles: These powerful climate phenomena in the Pacific Ocean have significant effects on Australia's weather. El Niño events typically bring hotter, drier conditions and prolonged droughts across eastern and southern Australia. La Niña, on the other hand, tends to cause above-average rainfall, increased flooding risk, and more tropical cyclones, especially in northern and eastern regions.

Rainfall Variability: Most of Australia receives less than 600 mm of rain per year, but this varies widely. The northern tropics can obtain over 2,000 mm annually, while central deserts often record less than 250 mm. Coastal areas tend to have the most reliable rainfall patterns, especially in the east and southwest.

Temperature Extremes: Australia holds some of the world’s heat records, such as the 50.7°C recorded in Onslow, Western Australia, in 2022 — matching the nation’s highest-ever temperature. At the other extreme, alpine areas like Charlotte Pass in New South Wales can drop below −20°C in winter¹¹.

Climate Change and Environmental Impact in Australia

The climate in Australia is being affected by climate change. Though Australia's geography has changed since the time it had many active volcanoes, rising global temperatures have amplified the extremes and led to hotter summers, longer droughts, and more intense rainfalls. These affect everything from agriculture and energy use to wildlife and coastal communities.

Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia. — With so much to lose, many in Australia are taking climate change seriously. | Photo by Manny Moreno

Rising Temperatures and Heatwaves: Australia's average temperature has risen by around 1.5°C since national records began in 1910, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Heatwaves now occur more frequently and last longer, with record-breaking highs seen across all states. Cities such as Adelaide, Perth, and Sydney have adapted with early warning systems. Still, the growing heat stress impacts health, energy demand, and ecosystems.

Drought and Water Scarcity: Long-term drying trends in southern Australia are affecting major river systems like the Murray–Darling Basin. Reduced rainfall and higher evaporation rates threaten both water supplies and agricultural productivity. Regions such as Western Australia’s Wheatbelt and Victoria’s Mallee have seen significant declines in soil moisture, prompting investment in water-saving technologies and irrigation efficiency.

Bushfires and Biodiversity: The 2019–2020 “Black Summer” bushfires burned over 24 million hectares, devastating wildlife and habitats. Scientists link such events to increasingly dry and hot conditions that heighten fire risk. Recovery efforts have focused on restoring forests and protecting vulnerable species like koalas and gliders, but the ecological toll remains immense.

Coastal and Marine Impacts: Rising sea levels threaten Australia’s low-lying coasts, while warming oceans have led to coral bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef. Marine heatwaves disrupt fisheries and reef ecosystems, putting additional stress on tourism and conservation industries¹².

Rainfall patterns, temperature ranges, and seasonal variations that differ from north to south and east to western regions mean Australia's weather and climate are as diverse as its landscapes. Some areas in the country enjoy hundreds of sunny days each year, while others support local ecosystems and agriculture with seasonal rain. The Australian climate records, from the heat of the Outback to the chill of Canberra's winter mornings, make it clear that the weather is varied. From heavy rain on the coast or dry inland winds, rainfall and temperatures have shaped life across Australia.

References

Australian Climate Maps. Bureau of Meteorology. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from: https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/maps/averages/
Climate Classification of Australia (Köppen). Bureau of Meteorology. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from: https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/maps/averages/climate-classification/
Climate of Australia – Overview. Wikipedia. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Australia
Climatic Extremes of Australia. Geoscience Australia. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from: https://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/national-location-information/dimensions/climatic-extremes
List of Extreme Temperatures in Australia. Wikipedia. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_extreme_temperatures_in_Australia
ACORN-SAT Dataset. Bureau of Meteorology. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from: https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/data/acorn-sat/
Australian Climate Change Observations. NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from: https://www.climatechange.environment.nsw.gov.au/evidence-climate-change/australian-climate-change-observations
The State of Weather and Climate Extremes 2021. ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from: https://climateextremes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/the-state-of-weather-and-climate-extremes-2021.pdf
El Niño and La Niña. Bureau of Meteorology. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from: https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/enso/
Climate and Seasons. Tourism Australia. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from: https://www.australia.com/en/facts-and-planning/weather-in-australia.html
Australian Climate Trends. CSIRO Climate Science Centre. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from: https://www.csiro.au/en/research/environmental-impacts/climate-change/australias-changing-climate