Canberra, Australia Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Canberra
Canberra has a oceanic climate, marked by mild temperatures year-round with regular rainfall. Average daytime highs range from about 51°F (11°C) in July to around 81°F (27°C) in January, and the city records roughly 90 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: January - highs near 81°F (27°C)
- Coldest month: July - highs near 51°F (11°C)
- Record high: 108°F (42°C) · Record low: 21°F (-6°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: November (10 rainy days) · Sunniest: December (12.1 h sun/day)
- Climate type: oceanic - mild temperatures year-round with regular rainfall
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on January. Highs average 81°F (27°C) and overnight lows stay near 59°F (15°C). The coolest month is July, with typical highs of 51°F (11°C) and lows around 35°F (1°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 108°F (42°C) and dropped as low as 21°F (-6°C).
Rain, sun and snow
November is usually the wettest month. It brings about 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain over 10 days, while July is the driest. December brings the most sunshine, averaging 12.1 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 81° | 59° | 9 | 3.1 in | 11.4 h/day | 67% |
| February | 79° | 57° | 6 | 1.9 in | 11.2 h/day | 68% |
| March | 74° | 54° | 8 | 2.3 in | 10.0 h/day | 71% |
| April | 67° | 47° | 6 | 2.0 in | 9.2 h/day | 76% |
| May | 58° | 40° | 6 | 1.6 in | 8.5 h/day | 82% |
| June | 52° | 36° | 7 | 2.2 in | 7.4 h/day | 86% |
| July | 51° | 35° | 8 | 1.5 in | 7.9 h/day | 84% |
| August | 54° | 36° | 8 | 2.3 in | 8.4 h/day | 81% |
| September | 60° | 40° | 6 | 2.1 in | 10.0 h/day | 74% |
| October | 67° | 46° | 9 | 2.5 in | 10.4 h/day | 70% |
| November | 72° | 51° | 10 | 3.4 in | 11.3 h/day | 67% |
| December | 78° | 55° | 8 | 2.7 in | 12.1 h/day | 63% |
Canberra month by month
Canberra weather in January
January brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 9 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Canberra.
Canberra weather in February
February brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 57°F (14°C), about 6 wet days.
Canberra weather in March
March brings highs around 74°F (23°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 8 wet days.
Canberra weather in April
April brings highs around 67°F (19°C), lows near 47°F (9°C), about 6 wet days.
Canberra weather in May
May brings highs around 58°F (14°C), lows near 40°F (4°C), about 6 wet days.
Canberra weather in June
June brings highs around 52°F (11°C), lows near 36°F (2°C), about 7 wet days.
Canberra weather in July
July brings highs around 51°F (11°C), lows near 35°F (1°C), about 8 wet days - typically the coldest month and the driest month of the year in Canberra.
Canberra weather in August
August brings highs around 54°F (12°C), lows near 36°F (2°C), about 8 wet days.
Canberra weather in September
September brings highs around 60°F (16°C), lows near 40°F (4°C), about 6 wet days.
Canberra weather in October
October brings highs around 67°F (20°C), lows near 46°F (8°C), about 9 wet days.
Canberra weather in November
November brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 51°F (10°C), about 10 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Canberra.
Canberra weather in December
December brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 55°F (13°C), about 8 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Canberra.
Seasons in Canberra
Spring (September through November)
Spring in Canberra is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 67°F (19°C) and nights around 45°F (7°C); expect showers on roughly 24 days across the season.
Summer (December through February)
Summer in Canberra brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 80°F (26°C) and nights around 57°F (14°C); expect showers on roughly 23 days across the season.
Fall (March through May)
Fall in Canberra stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 66°F (19°C) and nights around 47°F (8°C); expect showers on roughly 20 days across the season.
Winter (June through August)
Winter in Canberra is chilly, with daytime highs averaging 52°F (11°C) and nights around 35°F (2°C); expect showers on roughly 23 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Canberra?
Is Canberra hot in summer?
Is Canberra cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Canberra get in a year?
Best time to visit Canberra
The best time to visit Canberra is generally February to April and September, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 72°F (22°C).
Pack for Canberra with a warm jacket and layers for the cooler season; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - January nights average 59°F (15°C).
Canberra temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.