Two men resting on stand up paddleboards on Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Visit Canberra

Weather in Canberra

Find information on temperature, rainfall and seasonal activities to help plan your holiday in Canberra.

What is the weather and temperature like in Canberra?

With its warm, dry summers and crisp, cool winters, Australia’s capital will draw you in no matter when you choose to visit. Plan ahead with our information on temperature and rainfall.

Summer (December – February)
During summer in Canberra, average temperatures range from 12.6 - 27°C (54.7 - 80.6°F), with little humidity and balmy nights. January is the hottest month, when temperatures rise to 13.2 - 28°C (55.7 - 82.4°F), and visitors can make the most of Canberra's vast outdoor spaces.

Autumn (March – May)
In autumn temperatures drop to an average of 6.8 - 20°C (44.2 - 68°F) with mild days and cool nights. The city’s parks and gardens put on a beautiful display of colour.

Winter (June – August)
Winter in Canberra is cold with average temperatures between 1 - 12°C (33.8 - 53.6°F), dropping below 0°C at night. Snow falls in the nearby Australian Alps, making Canberra a great stopover on your journey to the slopes.

Spring (September – November)
During spring expect fresh mornings and brisk nights with average temperatures between 6 - 19°C (42.8 - 66.2°F). November is the wettest month (64.5 mm / 2.5 inches), however the city receives relatively low rainfall compared to the rest of the country.

Frequently asked questions about the weather in Canberra

Daylight saving begins at 2am, Eastern Standard Time, on the first Sunday in October and ends at 3am Eastern Daylight Saving Time on the first Sunday in April. During this time Canberra moves to Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT), UTC +11.

December experiences the longest hours of daylight with sunrise at approximately 5:45am and sunset at 8:15pm. June has the least hours of daylight with sunrise at approximately 7:10am and sunset at 5pm.

Snow occasionally falls on the capital during winter, however it is not a common occurrence. The Snowy Mountains are a three-hour drive from Canberra and are home to ski resorts including Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snow Resort.

In winter the mornings and evenings are brisk so make sure to pack a thick, warm jacket. Take an umbrella and wear layers that can be worn as needed.

Canberra's pleasant summer weather means that shorts and t-shirts are ample during the day. Pack a light, waterproof jacket as temperatures may dip during the evening and there can be some rainfall. Canberra has an abundance of freshwater lakes, making it an aquatic playground for sailing, canoeing and waterskiing.

Visitors to Canberra should look out for the UV index in local weather reports, which describes the daily solar UV radiation intensity. Protect yourself from sunburn by using SPF30+ sunscreen, which is readily available throughout Australia at supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies, and wearing sun-smart clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.

Seasonal weather in Canberra

SUMMER

Weather Categories	Dec	Jan	Feb
Maximum temp ºC \| ºF	26.1 79	28 82	27.1 81
Minimum temp ºC \| ºF	11.4 53	13.2 56	13.1 56
Average hours of sunshine daily
Avg rainfall mm	54	59	56
Avg rainy days	8	7	7

AUTUMN

Weather Categories	Mar	Apr	May
Maximum temp ºC \| ºF	24.5 76	20 68	15.6 60
Minimum temp ºC \| ºF	10.7 51	6.7 44	3.2 38
Average hours of sunshine daily
Avg rainfall mm	51	46	44
Avg rainy days	7	7	8

WINTER

Weather Categories	Jun	Jul	Aug
Maximum temp ºC \| ºF	12.3 54	11.4 53	13 55
Minimum temp ºC \| ºF	1 34	-0.1 32	1 34
Average hours of sunshine daily
Avg rainfall mm	40	41	46
Avg rainy days	10	11	11

SPRING

Weather Categories	Sep	Oct	Nov
Maximum temp ºC \| ºF	16.2 61	19.4 67	22.7 73
Minimum temp ºC \| ºF	3.3 38	6.1 43	8.8 48
Average hours of sunshine daily
Avg rainfall mm	52	62	64
Avg rainy days	10	10	10