Weather by Month in Canberra

Canberra experiences distinct seasons, with warm January days averaging 27°C / 80°F and cool July nights dropping to 1°C / 34°F. Rainfall averages 54 mm / 2.1 inches per month, with November typically the wettest. December offers the longest days with around 14 hours of daylight.

Monthly Climate Comparison

The biggest temperature swing occurs between April and May, as typical highs shift from 18.7°C / 65.6°F to 14.4°C / 57.9°F (about 4.3°C / 7.7°F).

Month Low Temperature High Temperature Category
January 14.5°C 26.9°C WARM
February 14°C 25.5°C WARM
March 11.9°C 22.8°C WARM
April 8.1°C 18.7°C MILD
May 4.4°C 14.4°C COOL
June 2.4°C 11°C COOL
July 1.3°C 10.3°C COOL
August 1.8°C 11.9°C COOL
September 4.3°C 15.4°C MILD
October 7°C 18.8°C MILD
November 10.1°C 21.9°C MILD
December 12.3°C 24.8°C WARM

Rain & Sunshine Patterns

Driest Months

#1 April
Best for: outdoor activities & sightseeing
#2 May
Best for: outdoor activities & sightseeing
#3 July
Best for: outdoor activities & sightseeing

Wettest Months

#1 November
Expect: possible showers, pack waterproofs
#2 December
Expect: possible showers, pack waterproofs
#3 October
Expect: possible showers, pack waterproofs

UV & Sun Protection Calendar

High UV Alert:
January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December require serious sun protection.
Jan
10
VERY-HIGH
Feb
9
VERY-HIGH
Mar
8
VERY-HIGH
Apr
6
HIGH
May
5
MODERATE
Jun
4
MODERATE
Jul
4
MODERATE
Aug
5
MODERATE
Sep
7
HIGH
Oct
8
VERY-HIGH
Nov
9
VERY-HIGH
Dec
10
VERY-HIGH
Extreme (11+)
Avoid sun during midday, use SPF 50+
Very High (8-10)
Essential sun protection required
High (6-7)
Use SPF 30+, wear hat & sunglasses
Moderate (3-5)
Sun protection recommended
Low-Moderate (1-2)
Minimal protection needed
Low (0)
No protection required

Daylight Hours

Daylight varies from 9.8 hours in June (winter) to 14.5 hours in December (summer), which is a difference of 4.7 hours.

Shortest Days

June
9.8h
Average Sunrise:08:09
Average Sunset:17:58
Plan daytime activities for midday when light is best. Early sunsets mean evening plans should account for darkness.

Longest Days

December
14.5h
Average Sunrise:05:44
Average Sunset:20:13
Extended daylight perfect for evening activities and late dining. You can fit more sightseeing into each day.

Wind & Humidity Overview

Wind Conditions

Average wind speed
Windiest months:
September ( 12 km/h) October ( 12 km/h) November ( 12 km/h)
Packing tip: Conditions are generally calm, but a light layer is always handy.

Humidity Levels

Average humidity
73%
Most humid:
June ( 84%)
Least humid:
December ( 64%)
Packing tip: Choose breathable, natural fabrics like cotton or linen for comfort in humid conditions.

Seasonal Overview

Southern Hemisphere seasons shape the weather patterns throughout the year. Here's what to expect in each season:

Summer

January, February, December
Avg High
Avg Low
Avg Rain
Warm and pleasant; perfect for travel

Autumn

March, April, May
Avg High
Avg Low
Avg Rain
Mild conditions; transitional weather

Winter

June, July, August
Avg High
Avg Low
Avg Rain
Cool weather; bring layers and a jacket

Spring

September, October, November
Avg High
Avg Low
Avg Rain
Variable conditions; layer your clothing

Risk Ranking Table

Ranking Goal #1#2#3#4
Lowest rain risk
Mar 2 risk days
Apr 2 risk days
May 2 risk days
Jan 3 risk days
Lowest heatwave risk
Mar 0 risk days
Apr 0 risk days
May 0 risk days
Jun 0 risk days
Lowest cold risk
Jan 2 risk days
Feb 2 risk days
Dec 6 risk days
Mar 8 risk days
Lowest wind disruption risk
Apr 49 km/h
Mar 52 km/h
Feb 52 km/h
May 53 km/h
Most comfortable evenings
Feb 71 / 100
Jan 69 / 100
Dec 66 / 100
Mar 65 / 100
Best outdoor reliability
Apr 100 / 100
Mar 96 / 100
May 94 / 100
Jun 70 / 100

Monthly Details

Click any month for detailed weather information and packing advice.

Looking for the best time to visit?

Get personalized month rankings based on weather comfort, outdoor activity suitability, and seasonal conditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to visit Canberra?

The best months to visit Canberra depend on your preferences. For warm weather, January is typically the warmest month. For dry conditions, April, May, July tend to have the least rainfall. Consider your priorities, and whether you prefer warmer temperatures, drier weather, or longer daylight hours.

When is Canberra warmest?

January is typically the warmest month in Canberra, with average high temperatures reaching around 27°C (81°F). This is peak summer weather, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

When is Canberra coldest?

July is usually the coldest month, with average low temperatures dropping to around 1°C (34°F). Pack warm layers if visiting during this time, especially for evening activities.

When does Canberra get the most rain?

November typically sees the most rainfall in Canberra, averaging around 79mm (3.1 inches). It's wise to pack waterproof layers and have some indoor backup plans if you're visiting during this month.

What is the driest month in Canberra?

April is typically the driest month, with average rainfall of just 35mm (1.4 inches). This makes it an excellent time for outdoor exploration and activities with minimal risk of rain disruption.

How much does the temperature vary in Canberra throughout the year?

Temperatures in Canberra range from average lows of 8°C (46°F) to highs of 19°C (65°F). This variation means you'll want to pack differently depending on when you visit, as layers are key for adapting to the seasonal changes.

Do I need sun protection when visiting Canberra?

Yes, sun protection is important in Canberra. UV levels can reach 10 during peak months, which is considered very high. Pack sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a hat, especially if you'll be outdoors for extended periods.

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