The climate of Canberra
Canberra,
Australia falls under the Köppen climate classification of Cfb, denoting a temperate oceanic climate characterized by warm summers and moderate winters. Nestled in the southeastern part of Australia, Canberra's weather pattern varies discernibly throughout the year.
Throughout the year, the city sees average high temperatures ranging from 10.3°C (50.5°F) in
July to 28.2°C (82.8°F) in
January, and average low temperatures varying from 1.3°C (34.3°F) in July to 14°C (57.2°F) in January. Concurrently, relative humidity fluctuates between the low of 63% in January and the peak of 85% in
June. The annual rainfall varies from month to month with the maximum rainfall of 45mm (1.77") in
December and the minimum of 20mm (0.79") in
May. The city experiences rainfall for about 8.8 days in June to about 13.8 days in
October.
The months from June to
August witness some snowfall in Canberra, with the peak snowfall of 11mm (0.43") in
September and minimum of 1mm (0.04") in June and August. From June to September, the city experiences a few snowfall days. Clear daylight hours vary from 9.8 hours in June to 14.5 hours in December. The bright sunshine hours contrast starkly between 6.1 hours in June and up to 10.9 hours in December. The city is quite sunny with the maximum number of sunny days in May at 21.6 and the lowest in
November at 13.6.
An intriguing point of Canberra's climate is the UV index which ranges from 2 in June to 6 in January and December. Visibility, another important climatic factor, varies from 7km (4.3mi) in the winter months from June to September to 9km (5.6mi) in the non-winter months. Winds in Canberra are known to vary from the slowest average of 8.1km/h (5mph) in
March to the quickest of 10.5km/h (6.5mph) in August.
The best time to visit Canberra
The time between
February and
April marks an ideal time to visit
Canberra. During these months, the temperatures are comfortably moderate, with average highs between 22.8°C (73°F) to 28.2°C (82.8°F) and lows between 7.9°C (46.2°F) to 14°C (57.2°F). Relative humidity levels during this period are manageable, swinging between 69% and 76%. Rainfall amounts are also moderate, with averages of 20mm (0.79") to 37mm (1.46"). Higher UV index levels suggest carrying good sun protection.
The worst time to visit Canberra
The winter months, specifically
June to
August, tend to be less appealing for a visit. Cold temperatures dominate this season, with average lows dropping to 1.3°C (34.3°F), and the high barely reaches 11°C (51.8°F). The snowfall in these months, although minimal, can still impact travel plans. Diminished daylight hours and lower sunshine hours can significantly restrict outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Canberra
Spring in
Canberra begins in
September and extends through
November. This season introduces moderate temperatures, with average highs from 14.7°C (58.5°F) to 22.3°C (72.1°F) and lows from 3.5°C (38.3°F) to 8.8°C (47.8°F). Rainfall reaches its peak, touching 43mm (1.69") in November, making it a notable month in the spring season.
Summer weather in Canberra
Summer in
Canberra is from
December to
February, boasting the warmest conditions of the year. The average high temperature ascends to 28.2°C (82.8°F) in
January, and the average low in these months does not go below 11.6°C (52.9°F). The latter part of summer sees increased rainfall with 45mm (1.77") precipitation in December.
Autumn weather in Canberra
The months of
March through
May constitute the autumn season in
Canberra. This period brings milder temperatures, with highs ranging from 14.2°C (57.6°F) to 22.8°C (73°F) and lows from 3.8°C (38.8°F) to 11.2°C (52.2°F). The rainfall during this period ranges from 20mm (0.79") to 32mm (1.26").
Winter weather in Canberra
Winter in
Canberra covers
June to
August. This time of the year is marked by chilly temperatures, with average highs between 10.3°C (50.5°F) and 11°C (51.8°F), and lows can dip to a crisp 1.3°C (34.3°F) in
July. Snowfall during these months adds to the chilly weather, reaching up to 5mm (0.2") in August.
Weather in January
The first month of the year in
Canberra,
Australia, commences with warm weather conditions that physically manifest the summer season. It serves as an introduction to a period where there is increased daylight and sunshine. Unique to
January is its high temperatures, peaking at 28.2°C (82.8°F) while plummeting to a low of 14°C (57.2°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Canberra,
Australia, in
February, sees a continuation of the summer, albeit at a slightly reduced intensity in terms of heat. February’s weather is slightly less hot than
January's as temperatures range from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 13.3°C (55.9°F).
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
March ushers in the fall season in
Canberra,
Australia, a noticeable shift in weather patterns starts to occur. In comparison with
February, the peak temperature drops to 22.8°C (73°F) with a noticeable reduction in temperature variance.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signifies the increased presence of fall in
Canberra's weather. This comes with a reduction in temperatures, which contrasts with the initial scorching summer. Noteworthy is the fall in minimum and maximum temperatures, from 18.4°C (65.1°F) to 7.9°C (46.2°F) which is lower than in
March.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Canberra's weather in
May is synonymous with a diverse mix of cool and comfortable temperatures. There’s further dip in temperatures, though the rate of decrease slows down compared to
April, stabilizing at a low of 3.8°C (38.8°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
The winter season comes to full swing in
Canberra,
Australia during
June. The cool temperatures now reach a minimum of 2.3°C (36.1°F), reiterating the chill associated with winter. Interestingly, rainfall shifts upwards to 30mm (1.18"), insinuating more wet days despite the winter season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
Canberra,
Australia,
July stands out for its cool and crisp winter climate. A significant indicator of this is the recorded low temperature of 1.3°C (34.3°F) and a moderate of 10.3°C (50.5°F). July distinguishes itself by hosting the most snowfall measured at 2mm (0.08").
Weather in July »Weather in August
August weather conditions in
Canberra,
Australia subtly start ushering in the beginning of the end of the winter season. A noticeable deviation from
July's weather is visible with minimum temperatures now going up to 1.6°C (34.9°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September, in
Canberra,
Australia, fully embraces the arrival of spring, a contrast to the just ended winter. The weather undergoes a complete transformation with temperatures seeing a significant jump to a maximum of 14.7°C (58.5°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings about more pronounced changes in the climate of
Canberra,
Australia. The sharp change in temperatures further confirms the entrenchment of the spring season. Temperatures experience another hike, hitting a high of 18.7°C (65.7°F), making the weather enjoyable.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November's weather in
Canberra,
Australia feeds into the buildup towards the summer season. Novelties of this month's weather rest in November's highest rainfall level for the year, standing at 43mm (1.69"). Furthermore, the surge in temperatures heralds the imminent summer days, ascends up to the level of 22.3°C (72.1°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
Concluding the year in
Canberra,
Australia is
December, where the summer season is in full effect. A significant contrast from
November emerges due to the decreased rainfall figures, which goes down to 45mm (1.77"), despite temperatures going up to 25.2°C (77.4°F).
Weather in December »