Brisbane has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. The city receives approximately 1,150mm of rain annually, with most falling in summer thunderstorms between December and March. Brisbane averages 283 sunny days per year, earning its reputation as one of Australia’s sunniest capital cities.
Brisbane Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall Breakdown
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Humidity (%) | Sunshine (hrs/day) | Sea Temp (°C/°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30 / 86 | 21 / 70 | 154 | 63 | 8.6 | 27 / 81 |
| February | 30 / 86 | 21 / 70 | 161 | 65 | 8.0 | 27 / 81 |
| March | 29 / 84 | 20 / 68 | 133 | 64 | 7.6 | 26 / 79 |
| April | 27 / 81 | 17 / 63 | 88 | 63 | 7.4 | 24 / 75 |
| May | 24 / 75 | 13 / 55 | 72 | 62 | 7.0 | 22 / 72 |
| June | 22 / 72 | 10 / 50 | 63 | 62 | 6.8 | 20 / 68 |
| July | 21 / 70 | 9 / 48 | 49 | 58 | 7.6 | 19 / 66 |
| August | 23 / 73 | 10 / 50 | 39 | 54 | 8.4 | 19 / 66 |
| September | 26 / 79 | 13 / 55 | 35 | 54 | 9.0 | 20 / 68 |
| October | 27 / 81 | 16 / 61 | 84 | 57 | 8.7 | 22 / 72 |
| November | 28 / 82 | 19 / 66 | 108 | 60 | 8.8 | 24 / 75 |
| December | 29 / 84 | 20 / 68 | 137 | 62 | 9.0 | 26 / 79 |
Brisbane Weather in Summer (December to February)
Summer is Brisbane’s hottest and wettest season. January and February both average 30°C (86°F) with 154-161mm of rain falling as intense afternoon thunderstorms. Humidity sits at 63-65%, making it feel muggy. Despite the rain, Brisbane still gets 8.0-8.6 hours of daily sunshine. Sea temperatures reach 27°C (81°F), ideal for swimming at South Bank’s Streets Beach and the Gold Coast beaches 80km south. This is also the tropical cyclone season (November-April), though Brisbane is south of the main cyclone belt and more commonly experiences heavy rain from ex-cyclones. For monthly details, see the Brisbane weather by month guide.
Brisbane Weather in Autumn (March to May)
Autumn is a transitional season with warm, stable weather. March still averages 29°C (84°F) with 133mm of rain. By May, temperatures drop to 24°C (75°F) by day and 13°C (55°F) at night, with only 72mm of rain. Humidity falls to 62%. This is one of the best seasons for outdoor activities in Brisbane. The Brisbane River is calm for kayaking, and the walking trails in Mount Coot-tha are free of summer heat. April school holidays bring domestic travel surges, so book accommodation in advance. For timing advice, see the best time to visit Brisbane.
Brisbane Weather in Winter (June to August)
Winter is the driest and sunniest season. July is the coolest month with daytime highs of 21°C (70°F) and nighttime lows of 9°C (48°F). August is the driest month at just 39mm of rain over 5 days. Humidity drops to 54-58%. Clear skies deliver 7.6-8.4 hours of sunshine per day despite the shorter winter days. This is the peak tourist season for domestic and international visitors escaping colder climates. Hotel prices in the CBD are 20-30% higher than summer. Sea temperatures drop to 19°C (66°F), too cold for swimming without a wetsuit.
Brisbane Weather in Spring (September to November)
Spring brings rapidly warming temperatures and low rainfall early in the season. September is brilliant: 26°C (79°F) highs, only 35mm of rain (the year’s lowest), and 9.0 hours of daily sunshine. By November, temperatures reach 28°C (82°F) and rain increases to 108mm as the storm season approaches. The jacaranda trees bloom across the city in October, turning streets and parks purple. This is arguably Brisbane’s best season alongside autumn, with warm but not hot weather and skies at their clearest. For sightseeing recommendations, see the {L(base+’-things-to-do’, ‘things to do in Brisbane’)} guide.
