Weather in Australia
If you're preparing for a trip down under, it's good to know what kind of weather you're in for. You will need to pack depending on which part of Australia you're travelling to and at what time of year. Below are several top tourist destinations, Alice Springs, Cairns, the Whitsundays and Fraser Island and what you can expect from them year-round!
Summer in Australia is December to February, with Autumn falling March to May, Winter June to August and Spring September to November.
Alice Springs: Located in the Northern Territory between Darwin and Adelaide.
It is the launch point from which to discover Uluru, or Ayers Rock and the Red Centre. It can be quite hot here all year around with temperatures fluctuating from 20 degrees Celsius - 40 degrees Celsius; in summer, but can drop below 0 degrees Celsius during winter nights, and daytime temps averaging anywhere from 4.8 degrees Celsius - 20 degrees Celsius. July is its coldest month, with Autumn being the most enjoyable with warm days and cool nights. Alice Springs is known for being arid, but it does get rainfall in its wet season (summer), where January alone can get 40mm.
Cairns: Located in Far North Queensland.
Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and experiences a tropical climate. Summer in Cairns can be hot with temperatures averaging 23.6 degrees Celsius - 31.4 degrees Celsius and wet season starting in December, lasting until the end of summer. Autumn is still quite warm, both day and night, with cooler temperatures coming in winter with average temperatures hovering around 17.5 degrees Celsius - 26 degrees Celsius. Winter is also the driest season, with little rainfall and lower humidity.
Whitsundays: Home to the 74 Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef
The Whitsundays also experience a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures occurring in summer alongside the wet season. Temperatures hover around the 30 degrees Celsius mark, with cooler temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius - 25 degrees Celsius occurring in winter. Water temperatures stay at around 25 degrees Celsius all year, making it ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Fraser Island: located off the east coast of Queensland near Hervey Bay.
Fraser Island is considered to be sub-tropical and has annual rainfall between 1200mm and 1800mm annually, with the wettest months falling from January to March. Summer months can see temperatures as high as 30 degrees Celsius, with winter ranging from 14 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. Temperatures and weather here are regulated by the ocean that surrounds the island, and it is known for its amazing whale watching, happening in those same waters, July - November.
When travelling to Australia, be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a light sweater, swimmers and light clothing. You will want to pack sneakers and sandals, depending on what you plan on doing while you're here. Fast-drying clothes are always a plus, especially if you're going to be around water or come in the rainy season!
