Climate of Australia

Australia is a large island continent in the southern hemisphere with a diverse range of climate zones. These vary from tropical regions in the north through the arid expanses of the interior to temperate regions in the south.

Seasonal fluctuations can be great with temperatures ranging from above 50 ° Celsius to well below zero. Minimum temperatures are moderated by the lack of mountains and the influence of surrounding oceans.

Australia is relatively arid, with 80% of the land having a rainfall less than 600 millimetres per year and 50% having even less than 300 millimetres.

Most Australians live near the wetter more moderate south eastern coasts primarily in major cities.

Outline of Australian Climate
More detailed information about Australia's climate comparing regions and other areas of the world.

Click on the States or Territory on the map given below for more specific climate information.

Climate of Victoria
Climate of New South Wales
Climate of South Australia
Climate of Western Australia
Climate of Tasmania
Climate of The Northern Territory
Climate of Queensland

Climate Averages
Climate Averages shows what the weather is usually like in an area at a particular time of the year. Information is presented using maps and data and includes the maximum and minimum temperatures, rainfall for each calendar month, temperature, humidity, sunshine and evaporation where available.
Information about the averages
Recent rainfall Maps
Recent temperature Maps

Climate Variability and El Niño
As well as wide seasonal fluctuation, Australian climate experiences longer-term variations. The most significant influence is the El Niño phenomenon. The Bureau monitors the development of El Niño and publishes a key indicator, the Southern Oscillation Index, as well as Seasonal Rainfall Outlook and Seasonal Temperature Outlook media releases.