North Coast Tropics Darwin Northern Queensland Cairns Great Barrier Reef South East Queensland Brisbane New South Wales Sydney Victoria Melbourne South Australia Adelaide Outback Australia Alice Springs Western Australia Perth Tasmania Hobart

Australia encompasses virtually the entire gamut of climatic differences from the tropical to the temperate. Pack summer clothes during the northern winter as seasons "Down Under" are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. It is possible to divide the continent into two zones - the tropical zone in the far north and the temperate zone in the south. The tropical zone experiences two seasons: Wet - November to April Dry - May to October. Northern Territory and Queensland - lightweight clothing is suitable all year round. The temperate zone experiences four seasons: Spring and summer from September/October to March Autumn and winter from April to September New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia - summers are warm to hot and lightweight clothes are suitable for daytime but keep a jacket or sweater handy as nights may be cool. Sweaters, a jacket/light coat and generally warmer clothes are advisable during the winter. Carry a lightweight jumper as it can be chillingly cold inside air-conditioned buildings during hot weather. Take Care in the Sun! Pack a sunhat, sunglasses and suntan lotion to protect yourself from the intense sunshine in Australia. Australian Government advice is good to remember - slip, slop, slap - slip on a T-shirt or cover up, slop on high factor sun cream and slap on a hat. Australians are extremely aware of the dangers of overexposure to their sun and an excellent selection of good quality, high factor sunscreens are available in Australian shops.     North Coast Tropics Darwin   Average temperature     Average rainfall   Dry Season May - October 22 - 32oC 14mm Monsoon Season November - April 25 - 33oC 235mm Darwin North Coast Australia, also known as "The Top End", has a very hot and humid tropical climate with an average temperature of 30oC all year round. The Wet Season begins in November and lasts through to early April - tropical storms make swimming in the sea impossible at this time. Best time to visit: During the Dry Season, especially at the beginning and end when humidity is less oppressive.   Northern Queensland Cairns   Average temperature     Average rainfall   Dry Season May - October 19 - 27oC 47mm Wet Season November - April 23 - 31oC 287mm Cairns, Great Barrier Reef Summer is hot and wet in Northern Queensland. The highest rainfall tends to be recorded during the period from January to March, with average rainfall of over 400mm. Best time to visit: In the Dry Season when rainfall is lower and temperatures average around 27C.   South East Queensland Brisbane   Average temperature     Average rainfall   Summer November - April 19 - 28oC 107mm Winter May - October 12 - 23oC 61mm Brisbane The southern part of Queensland enjoys slightly drier summers in comparison to the north. Temperatures in Brisbane average around 20oC in the winter months but if you leave the surf and beaches to venture into the mountains it does get colder at night. The summer months tend to suffer from high levels of humidity, although the countryside may be at it's best after the rains have nurtured new plant growth. Best time to visit: During the winter when temperatures are pleasantly cool and rainfall is low.   New South Wales Sydney   Average temperature     Average rainfall   Spring September - November 13 - 22oC 73mm Summer December - February 18 - 26oC 99mm Autumn March - May 17 - 22oC 127mm Winter June - August 9 - 17oC 105mm Sydney New South Wales has distinct seasons which can be enjoyed all year round. Autumn is warm and crisp; winter averages 15oC in the daytime - although temperatures can drop below 10oC, which feels comparatively cold; spring can be wet but is generally pleasant. Best time to visit: If you plan to spend a lot of time on the beach, then summer is the best time to visit - although it can be a little humid. Away from the coast, the alpine range of the Snowy Mountains experiences heavy snowfall from the end of June to early October, which makes for good skiing.   Victoria Melbourne   Average temperature     Average rainfall   Spring September - November 9 - 19oC 61mm Summer December - February 13 - 25oC 51mm Autumn March - May 11 - 20oC 56mm Winter June - August 6 - 14oC 51mm Victoria's state capital of Melbourne is famous for providing the opportunity to experience four seasons in one day! Whilst drizzle and showers occur almost daily, Victoria does not experience many heavy rainstorms - waterproof clothes and an umbrella are useful all year round. Best time to visit: Between November and April when days are brighter and sunnier.   South Australia Adelaide   Average temperature     Average rainfall   Spring October - November 12 - 25oC 35mm Summer December - February 15 - 29oC 21mm Autumn March - April 14 - 25oC 35mm Winter May - September 8 - 17oC 66mm Southern Australia has a temperate climate enjoying mild winters and dry summers. Most rain falls during the winter, whilst summer (particularly inland) can be very hot. Best time to visit: In the summer when it is warm and relatively dry. Spring and autumn are also pleasant with low rainfall, although temperatures can get a little cooler.   Outback Australia Alice Springs     Average temperature     Average rainfall   Spring October - November 17 - 33oC 23mm Summer December - February 21 - 35oC 38mm Autumn March - April 15 - 31oC 24mm Winter May - September 7 - 22oC 14mm Temperatures can be surprisingly extreme in the Outback; while winter days average 22oC, night-time temperatures can drop below freezing. In contrast, during the peak summer months from December to January, temperatures can soar to a very hot 40oC. Best time to visit: Avoid visiting Central Australia during the extreme seasons and explore the outback in spring and autumn.   Western Australia Perth   Average temperature     Average rainfall   Spring September - November 12 - 21Co 54mm Summer December - February 17 - 28 Co 10mm Autumn March - April 15 - 26 Co 32mm Winter May - August 10 - 19 Co 156mm Western Australia is generally mild and sunny. This area experiences hot, dry summers with long hours of sunshine that allow for extended outdoor activities. Winters tend to be mild and wet. Lightweight clothes are necessary during the warmer months and a few extra layers and a light jacket would be useful in winter. Best time to visit: In spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is minimal.   Tasmania Tasmania   Average temperature     Average rainfall   Spring October - November 8 - 18oC 60mm Summer December - February 12 - 22oC 46mm Autumn March - May 9 - 17oC 47mm Winter June - September 5 - 13oC 53mm Tasmania enjoys a pleasant temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Rainfall is even throughout the year. Autumn is mild and winter is often cold, wet and cloudy with snow on higher ground. Spring arrives around September and although mild, can often be very windy. Best time to visit: During the summer when daytime temperatures are in the early 20's (oC) and it is warm enough to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle.