Australia in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for December
Average temperature across Australia in December.
City Weather in December
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 26° | 17° | 80 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Melbourne | 24° | 13° | 62 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Brisbane | 30° | 20° | 130 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Perth | 28° | 16° | 8 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Adelaide | 26° | 14° | 29 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Gold Coast, Queensland | 29° | 19° | 150 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Newcastle, New South Wales | 26° | 18° | 80 mm | extreme | Mild |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Northern Australia - Top End & Kimberley (Darwin, Kakadu, Broome, Kununurra)
The coolest mornings arrive for the Top End, with brisk pre-dawn temperatures inland and pleasantly warm days along the coast in the mid to high 20s. It’s prime time for festivals and outdoor dining in Darwin and for visiting Kakadu’s walk-in rock art sites which are dry and easily accessed; the clear air makes for excellent sunsets and stargazing. Book popular experiences like the Gibb River Road and Horizontal Falls well in advance, as this high season is firmly underway.
Tropical Queensland & the Great Barrier Reef (Cairns, Port Douglas, Whitsundays, Torres Strait)
The hot, humid cyclone season typically begins in earnest by December: expect short, intense downpours, high humidity and the occasional cyclone watch. Many charter and dive operators have contingency plans; remote island resorts may temporarily close during severe systems. If visiting during this time, maintain flexible bookings, have travel insurance that covers weather cancellations and prepare for sticky evenings and intermittent beach closures.
Central Australia - Red Centre (Alice Springs, Uluru/Kata Tjuta, MacDonnell Ranges)
By the end of the year the desert is hot, often stifling in midday sun; packed shade and hydration are essential for any walk at Uluru or along Kings Canyon’s rim. If the Top End experiences a strong wet season, occasional tropical depressions can push moisture south, bringing rare heavy storms to the Red Centre. Travel insurance, a reliable vehicle, and an understanding that some remote roads close during flash-flood events are musts for safe travel.
Eastern Seaboard - Sydney to Brisbane, including Blue Mountains and Byron Bay
Late in the year the eastern seaboard is warm and increasingly humid, with temperatures commonly in the mid-20s to low 30s°C and frequent afternoon storms. This is summer’s full swing: beaches, outdoor dining and harbour events are at their liveliest but also most crowded. Pack for sun, sudden rain, and stay flexible with beach plans during any storm watches.
Southern & Tasmanian Region - Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Hobart, Launceston, Cradle Mountain
Late-autumn conditions grow cooler and wetter, particularly along the southern coast and in mountain areas where snow can return later in the season. The Great Ocean Road turns dramatic with stormy seas and fewer visitors; Hobart’s waterfront feels brisk and atmospheric. For travelers, this is a good time for motivated photographers and food tourists seeking off-peak accommodation rates, but pack warm, waterproof gear.
Southwest Australia - Perth, Margaret River, Albany, Esperance, Rottnest Island
The heat starts to subside slowly and the first sea breezes of autumn return to cool Perth and coastal towns, while inland remains dry until the seasonal rains arrive. This is a pleasant shoulder month for wine touring and late-season surfing as crowds thin. Expect calm mornings, lively evenings at cellar doors, and pack light clothes for the day with a warm layer for coastal nights.