Australia is a big country, and I mean BIG. This country covers such a vast area that almost any weather is possible in some part of it at any given time. Most of us imagine Australia as a land of perpetual sunshine but this is not really true. Sure there are some dessert areas that usually experience hot, dry weather but Australia does have seasons and seasonal weather.
It is fair to say that much of Australia has two basic seasons. These are a wet and a dry season. For about six months of the year, during Australia’s spring and summer, the weather is often wet but can be hot, with temperatures reaching 50 degrees at times. During the wet season those areas affected may experience flooding. The other six months of the year are usually dry and although the weather is cooler it is still warm. An average temperature may be around 20 degrees C which many of us would find pleasantly warm.
Australia’s seasons are officially:
Spring: September to November
Summer: December to February
Autumn: March to May
Winter: June to August
Although Australians call these times of year the same names as our seasons, the weather is very different. As the wet season begins humidity levels rise. In the north of the continent there are actually tropical regions that have tropical weather patterns. Central and northern parts of the Northern Territory and Queensland, and the northern parts of Western Australia are classed as the tropical regions. Travel to the southern parts of Australia and you will experience a more temperate climate similar to that of England.
The vastness of Australia means that the climate varies greatly from region to region. Some areas have high levels of humidity whilst other areas may have snow at night. The changing seasons and climate differences make for an interesting experience for Australia’s visitors. However, you need to research Australia’s weather well if you want to pick the perfect time for a vacation there. There are many websites that offer comprehensive details of Australia’s weather.
The inner area of Australia, the outback, is normally a hot dry area during the day and mostly unspoilt, and not over developed. However, this area can have extremely low night time temperatures much like any other dessert area in the world.
The best advice is probably to only slightly regard the seasons. Use them as a rough guide but research specific regions for a more accurate picture. This beautiful and vast continent has a rare mixture of wildlife and people and so perhaps it is fitting that it also has a great diversity of weather and climate.
