Canberra has an oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) with four distinct seasons, sitting at an elevation of 578 metres (1,896 feet) on the Southern Tablelands. The inland location and altitude produce Australia’s highest diurnal temperature range among capital cities, with summer days averaging 28°C (82°F) and winter nights regularly dropping below 0°C (32°F). The city receives 620 mm of rain annually, spread evenly through the year, and averages 100 frost days per winter. Snow falls on the Brindabella Ranges to the west but only settles in the city once every few years. For more detailed information, see our complete Canberra travel guide.
Canberra Weather in January
January is Canberra’s hottest month. Average highs reach 28.5°C (83°F) and lows sit at 13.5°C (56°F), but heatwaves push daytime temperatures above 38°C (100°F) for 2 to 5 days per summer. The city recorded its all-time high of 44.0°C (111°F) on 4 January 2020 at Canberra Airport. Rainfall averages 59 mm across 7 rainy days, typically from afternoon thunderstorms. UV index is extreme (11+), and sun protection is essential between 10 AM and 4 PM. Lake Burley Griffin water temperature reaches 23°C (73°F), warm enough for swimming and paddleboarding. For more on this topic, see our best time to visit Canberra.
Canberra Weather in February
February remains hot with average highs of 27.5°C (82°F) and lows of 13.2°C (56°F). Rainfall increases slightly to 56 mm over 7 days, often in late-afternoon thunderstorms. Humidity stays low (45-55%), making the heat more tolerable than coastal Sydney. The Enlighten Festival begins in late February, and evenings are warm enough for outdoor events. Bushfire risk peaks in February, and total fire ban days are common. Check the ACT Emergency Services Agency website for fire danger ratings before heading to parks like Tidbinbilla or Namadgi. For more on this topic, see our things to do in Canberra.
Canberra Weather in March
March brings the first signs of autumn. Daytime highs drop to 24.5°C (76°F) and overnight lows to 10.5°C (51°F). It is one of the driest months with 49 mm of rain over 6 days. The Canberra Balloon Spectacular runs in March, taking advantage of clear, calm mornings. Foliage in the parliamentary triangle begins to turn in late March. This is one of the best months for cycling around Lake Burley Griffin: temperatures are ideal and UV levels are moderate. Book accommodation early, as March is peak conference season in the capital. For more on this topic, see our Canberra events and festivals.
Canberra Weather in April
Autumn is Canberra’s showpiece season. Average highs fall to 20.0°C (68°F) and lows to 6.5°C (44°F). Rainfall is low at 46 mm. Overnight frosts begin in late April, with the first frost typically recorded around 20 April. The city’s 2 million-plus deciduous trees, particularly the pin oaks and claret ashes along Northbourne Avenue and in the parliamentary zone, peak in colour during the last two weeks of April. Morning fog is common in the valleys. This is the most popular month for wedding photography at the National Arboretum, so expect crowds at popular viewpoints on weekends. For more on this topic, see our Canberra neighborhoods guide.
Canberra Weather in May
Winter arrives properly in May. Highs average 15.5°C (60°F) and overnight lows drop to 3.0°C (37°F). Frost occurs on 12 to 15 mornings during the month. Rainfall averages 44 mm. Late autumn colour persists into the first week of May in sheltered locations like the Australian National University campus. This is the last comfortable month for outdoor dining before winter sets in. Heated outdoor areas at Braddon and Kingston restaurants are a local adaptation worth knowing about. Canberra’s central heating systems (ducted gas) kick in across most homes and hotels. For more on this topic, see our where to stay in Canberra.
Canberra Weather in June
June is the start of Canberra’s deep winter. Highs reach just 12.0°C (54°F) and lows average minus 0.5°C (31°F). Frost occurs on 18 to 20 mornings, and heavy fog can linger until 10 AM, particularly in the Molonglo Valley. Rainfall is 40 mm. The ski resorts of the Snowy Mountains (Perisher and Thredbo) are a 2.5-hour drive south, and June openings depend on natural snowfall. Canberra itself occasionally sees light snow flurries: the last significant city snowfall was August 2019, and prior to that, July 2009. Corin Forest, 45 minutes southwest of the city, offers snow play and a small ski slope with snowmaking machines. For more on this topic, see our Canberra travel tips.
Canberra Weather in July
July is Canberra’s coldest month. Daytime highs average 11.0°C (52°F) and overnight lows drop to minus 1.2°C (30°F). Frost occurs on 20 to 22 mornings, and Canberra records an average of 95 to 100 frost days per year, one of the highest counts of any Australian capital. The all-time low of minus 10.0°C (14°F) was recorded on 11 July 1971 at the now-closed Canberra Forestry weather station. Rainfall is 42 mm, making it one of the driest months. Canberra Airport (CBR) occasionally closes for morning fog, and flights are often delayed until visibility clears. Indoor attractions like the National Gallery, Portrait Gallery, and Questacon dominate winter itineraries.
Canberra Weather in August
August warms slightly but remains cold. Highs average 13.0°C (55°F) and lows 0.5°C (33°F). Frost mornings decrease to about 15. Rainfall is 45 mm. Wattle trees (Acacia) begin blooming in mid-August, signalling the approaching spring. Wind speeds increase, averaging 15 to 20 km/h from the northwest, which can make cycling unpleasant on exposed paths like the Molonglo Reach. The ski season peaks in August, and Canberra serves as a transit point for Canberrans and Sydneysiders driving to the Snowy Mountains. Accommodation prices are at their lowest of the year except during the sitting weeks of Parliament (check the parliamentary calendar to avoid inflated rates).
Canberra Weather in September
Spring arrives with dramatic temperature swings. Highs average 16.5°C (62°F) and lows 3.5°C (38°F), but 30°C (86°F) days can occur by late September while frost still hits on 5 to 8 mornings. It is the windiest month, with average speeds of 18 to 24 km/h. Rainfall increases to 52 mm, often as changeable spring showers. Floriade, Australia’s largest flower festival, runs from mid-September to mid-October in Commonwealth Park, attracting 480,000 visitors. The magpie swooping season peaks: wear a helmet with zip ties or stick to areas without nesting birds. Cycling the lake loop is popular again as temperatures moderate.
Canberra Weather in October
October is arguably Canberra’s most pleasant month. Daytime highs reach 20.0°C (68°F) and overnight lows sit at 6.5°C (44°F). Frost risk drops to 1 to 2 mornings per month. Rainfall is 60 mm over 8 days, often as short, sharp showers. Floriade continues into mid-October. The storm season begins, and Canberra’s position on the Southern Tablelands makes it prone to severe afternoon thunderstorms with hail. Car insurance claims for hail damage spike in October and November. This is the best month for visiting the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve: wildflowers are out, snakes are emerging but not yet aggressive, and koalas are active in the eucalypt forest.
Canberra Weather in November
November warms up noticeably. Average highs reach 24.0°C (75°F) and lows 9.5°C (49°F). Rainfall is 64 mm, the start of the late spring/early summer storm peak. Thunderstorms occur on 4 to 6 afternoons during the month, often developing rapidly over the Brindabellas. The parliamentary sitting calendar is typically full, and hotel rates rise accordingly. The Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian War Memorial on 11 November draws large crowds: arrive before 10 AM to get a position with a view of the Stone of Remembrance. UV index returns to extreme (11+) by month’s end.
Canberra Weather in December
December is the start of summer proper. Average highs reach 27.0°C (81°F) and lows 12.0°C (54°F), though heatwave days above 35°C (95°F) occur 1 to 3 times. Rainfall is 54 mm, and the thunderstorm season continues. Christmas and New Year are quiet periods: Parliament rises, public servants take leave, and the city empties. This means cheap accommodation and empty roads, ideal for a relaxed summer visit. Lake Burley Griffin is busy with swimmers, kayakers, and stand-up paddleboarders. The Canberra Theatre and Sydney Dance Company seasons wind down. Book restaurant reservations for Christmas Day by early November, as most venues close.
Canberra Weather by Month: Quick Reference Table
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Frost Days | UV Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28.5 | 13.5 | 59 | 7 | 0 | Extreme |
| February | 27.5 | 13.2 | 56 | 7 | 0 | Extreme |
| March | 24.5 | 10.5 | 49 | 6 | 0 | High |
| April | 20.0 | 6.5 | 46 | 7 | 3 | Moderate |
| May | 15.5 | 3.0 | 44 | 7 | 13 | Moderate |
| June | 12.0 | -0.5 | 40 | 8 | 19 | Low |
| July | 11.0 | -1.2 | 42 | 8 | 21 | Low |
| August | 13.0 | 0.5 | 45 | 9 | 15 | Moderate |
| September | 16.5 | 3.5 | 52 | 9 | 7 | Moderate |
| October | 20.0 | 6.5 | 60 | 8 | 2 | High |
| November | 24.0 | 9.5 | 64 | 9 | 0 | Extreme |
| December | 27.0 | 12.0 | 54 | 7 | 0 | Extreme |
Data source: Bureau of Meteorology Canberra Airport station (ID 070351), 30-year averages 1991-2020. Frost days from Canberra Airport and Tuggeranong combined records.
