Australian Climate

As a result of its huge size, different parts of Australia experience very contrasting weather conditions at different times of the year – varying from monsoonal in the north to chilly and sometimes snowing in the south.  The weather conditions may affect your travel experience, so it pays to be aware of when you will be here, where you will go and what you may need to bring.

Pressure Systems and the Seasons

The main influence on the climate is a subtropical high pressure belt which shifts north in winter and south in summer, influencing the timing of rainfall during the year and creating distinct climate areas.

For instance, when the high pressure belt moves north in winter, the south is affected by westerly winds bringing cold snaps and rain. This in turn affects the placement of agriculture in the country, which tends towards the cooler, wetter regions in the south and east. In summer, these southern areas become dry and hot and travellers should be aware of the dangerous effects of the sun. Keep very well hydrated and remember to wear and hat and sunscreen whenever outdoors, as the effects of UVB and UVA light are stronger here than in the Northern Hemisphere.  

On the other hand, the far north experiences a much wetter summer affected by the monsoon from October to April – bringing humidity, heavy rainfall and sometimes tropical cyclones and flash flooding. Winter in the north tends to be mild and dry, which is safer and more comfortable for travelling.

Australia has an annual rainfall variation that is larger than any other continent. For the most part it is mainly a very dry country, with interior areas often affected by drought for several years – in fact, 80% of the land receives less than 600 millimetres of rain each year, whilst 50% receives less than 300 millimetres. Although snow is sometimes experienced in some parts of the country during winter, minimum temperatures are usually not very low because of the relative flatness of the land and the impact of the oceanic weather.  

Bushfires

The summer months in mid to southern Australia are very hot and dry, often with strong winds coming from the seas. The dry vegetation of the Australian bush combined with high temperatures and hot winds frequently leads to fires breaking out. Low rainfall and high evaporation are leading factors as well, with Australia’s annual rainfall well below that of the other continents, excluding Antarctica.

It is recommended that you avoid bushland during days of high to extreme fire danger, and keep housing clear of dry vegetation if you live near forest. An evacuation plan is a good idea – contact your local council or fire service for more information.