Summer in Australia: Weather Tips and Top Destinations

Australia is a massive country, meaning that you will find different climates depending on which part you decide to visit. In general, summer months in Australia tend to be warm and either wet or dry depending on the region. If you opt for Sydney and its surroundings, you can expect temperatures ranging from 26°C to 17°C and about 14 days of rain per month. Heading north, you can expect warmer temperatures and higher chances of precipitation. For instance, Cairns experiences highs of 30°C, lows of 23°C, and 21 days of rain per month.

In the western part of the country, you can expect a warmer climate. For instance, in Perth, temperatures range from 38℃ to 16℃. Here you will only find an average of three days of rain per month, way less compared to the winter season. Lastly, the outback tends to be quite dry and hot. Cities such as Karratha experience highs of 35°C, lows of 28°C, and an average of 6 days of rain.

Below you can find a table showing the average weather in Sydney, one of Australia's most popular destinations.

For a more seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Australia.

There are plenty of reasons why you should tour Australia in the summer months.

• Warm temperatures and long days: compared to the winter, summers in Australia are way warmer, allowing you to indulge in all sorts of activities from hiking to water sports and sightseeing. Days are also extremely long, with the average summer day lasting over 14 hours.
• Festivals and events: Australia also abounds in summer festivals and events. Watch professional tennis at the world-renowned Australian Open in January, join a community barbecue and watch the fireworks on Australia Day, or party hard at the popular Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
• Hiking: Summer months are also ideal for hikers. Not by chance, Australia is well-known for its unspoiled nature explorable via the many trails scattered all over the country. There’s the Great Ocean Walk, a 104 km itinerary passing through the Twelve Apostles and following the Pacific Ocean coastline, or, alternatively, try the Kosciuszko Walk. Located in New South Wales, this trial will take you to the highest peak in the country, Mount Kosciuszko, in only five hours.

We’ve established that the summer months are the best time to travel to Australia. But where to go? Here are the best places to visit in Australia in the summer.

1. Sydney

If you’re visiting Australia, you cannot miss its biggest metropolis, Sydney. During the summer, temperatures here range between 26°C and 18°C and the city experiences an average of 14 days of rain per month. Sydney is known for its architecture, laid-back vibes, and delicious seafood. Check out our tours to Sydney.

Major attractions: Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour and Royal Botanic Garden.

Pros:

• During the summer, Sydney experiences long, warm days, making it the ideal period for sightseeing tours.
• In January, the city hosts the renowned Sydney festival. This event lasts for three weeks and includes performances ranging from contemporary and classical music to circus, drama, and more.
• Summer and spring are the ideal seasons to visit the Royal Botanical Garden, as this area blooms with stunning colors.

Cons:

• Prices of accommodation and other activities may be higher due to the high season.

2. Broome

Broome is a little coastal town located in Western Australia. Known for its past as a successful pearling harbor, this city abounds with things to see and do. Here temperatures range from ​​26°C to 18°C, with an average of eight days of rain per month. This is the ideal place for those wanting to enjoy beach activities while escaping crowds of tourists. Here are our trips to Broome.

Major attractions: Stunning beaches, Broome Bird Observatory and Courthouse Markets.

Pros:

• In the summer, Broome has great water conditions for water sports such as surfing.
• Unlike many other places in the country, this little town doesn’t get overcrowded with tourists during the summer.
• Broome is also perfect for those wanting to explore the Outback, unlike other cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne, which are quite far from the Australian desert.

Cons:

• Broome is a small town of roughly 15,000 inhabitants. If you're looking for big parties, there may be a better place for you.

3. Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are a stunning natural area located in New South Wales. The climate here is ideal for hikers who will be able to explore world-renowned sites ranging from the Three Sisters to the Katoomba Falls.

Major attractions: Three Sisters and Jenolan Caves.

Pros:

• In summer, this area experiences warm temperatures and long days, meaning that you will be able to enjoy long walks without having to worry about the cold or the dark.
• Nature blooms in summer, making these unique landscapes even more stunning.
• From December to February, there are plenty of misty waterfalls to discover on a tour to the Blue Mountains.

Cons:

• The Blue Mountains experience lots of rain in summer, for an average of 19 days per month. Don’t forget to bring your umbrella.

There are plenty of destinations for you to choose from when planning a holiday in Australia. Evaluate all the pros and cons and make your choice!

In the summer months, Australia offers a variety of activities for all types of tourists.

• Beach lifestyle: Of course, the summer is also ideal for those wanting to enjoy a beach tour in Australia. If you are interested in marine animals, head towards Ned’s Brach on Lord Howe Island. Here will find schools of mullet, wrasse, garfish, as well as many others fish. Another great alternative is Lucky Bay, in Western Australia. This lovely beach is a slice of heaven, with crystal blue waters, white sand, and soft waves.
• Wildlife: Whale-watching in Bremer Bay, seal-spotting on Phillip Island, and baby wombats in Tasmania, summer is an excellent time for a wildlife tour of Australia. Many babies are born in the summer, including turtles. Witness the stunning phenomenon of turtle-hatching; head to the Great Barrier Reef, the southern part of Queensland, in February. You will see baby turtles emerging from their eggshells and racing toward the ocean.
• Hiking: A hiking tour in Australia is ideal due to the temperatures in summer. For instance, you can try the Fraser Island Great Walk, a trail crossing the world’s largest sand island. This itinerary passes through mesmerizing sand dunes and stunning lakes and will take you about eight days to complete. Alternatively, you can try the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. This itinerary lasts five days and will take you to eucalypt woodlands while giving you a chance to admire the unique Aussie wildlife in its natural habitat.

• During the summer, temperatures in Australia can vary a lot, ranging from 31°C to 16°C. Bring light clothes but don’t forget a heavy jumper. It will be helpful during windy days and night parties at the beach.
• Don’t forget that summer is the high season in Australia. Try your best to book everything in advance—including hiking trails!—if you want to find the best deal.
• Internet connection in Australia is often slow, especially in remote areas

If you feel the need to escape the cold weather this winter, just head south and enjoy the warm Aussie summer! With warm temperatures and long days, this country offers a variety of activities for all tastes. Whether you want to experience the laid-back lifestyle in one of the stunning beaches of New South Wales, explore one of the Outback’s national parks, like Mutawintji National Park or Yanga National Park, or learn everything about the Aussie culture in cities such as Cairns and Perth, summer will be the ideal season for you.

If you need help planning your ideal holiday, you can contact our travel experts for a customized trip to Australia!