Weather in Australia
The weather in Australia has long been one of the nation’s most attractive qualities, and it’s almost guaranteed that expats relocating to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or elsewhere will find themselves beneath sunnier skies, amidst more pleasant average temperatures and in more comfortable climes than in their previous destination.
Australia claims more than 3000 hours of sunshine a year, and with most major cities crowded onto the coastlines, this meteorological pleasantry makes for a lovely lifestyle filled with outdoor pursuits and leisure activities.
The country experiences four distinct seasons:
- Summer: December to February
- Fall/Autumn: March to May
- Winter: June to August
- Spring: September to November
Temperatures are generally at their lowest in July, but even then, averages are recorded at a mild 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 20 degrees Celsius). Alternatively, the mercury peaks in December in the southern areas and in January/February in the tropical areas. In the former region, temperatures hover around 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 30 degrees Celsius), and in the latter, they elevate to well above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) during these months.
It is important for expats to realise, however, that the Land of Oz is mammoth in size, and as the sixth largest country in the world, its regional weather patterns can vary – from heat waves to frost.
The interior of the nation, often referred to as ‘the Outback’, is dry and barren and experiences more extreme weather conditions than the coastal regions; summers can be extremely hot and winters can bring temperatures below freezing. Furthermore, arable land is scarce, and it follows that this area is sparsely populated.
Alternatively, northern Australia and north Western Australia have a tropical climate, and heavy rainfall and even monsoons are known to descend in the summer season.
The southern coast, which includes Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, possesses the best climate by far, with mild winters and warm summers. Though snow is a rarity, winters can be wet, so expect to pack the willies and an umbrella alongside the board shirts and t-shirts.
Tasmania and the alpine regions claim the coldest climate.
Above all else, when it comes to the weather in Australia, expats should respect the tenacity of the sunshine. Sun burn can happen in as little as fifteen minutes on a hot summer day, and Oz has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world.
Be sure to apply sunscreen with a respectable SPF factor when outside, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
