December marks the beginning of summer in Australia. It brings long daylight hours, rising ocean temperatures and a noticeable increase in holiday travel. Southern cities shift into peak beach season, while the tropical north enters its wet season with rising humidity and afternoon storms.
Sydney and Melbourne average 78–82°F (26–28°C) during the day, Brisbane reaches the mid-80s°F (29–30°C) and tropical North Queensland climbs into the low 90s°F (32–34°C) with frequent rainfall. December is vibrant, energetic and distinctly seasonal.
For travelers, Australia in December is about summer coastlines, outdoor festivals and warm-weather experiences — with strategic planning required in the tropical north.
Australia Weather in December (by Region)
Sydney Weather
Average high: 79°F (26°C)Average low: 66°F (19°C)
December in Sydney feels like full summer. Beaches are active, harbour days stretch into long golden evenings and outdoor dining thrives. Rainfall is moderate, but humidity is generally manageable compared to peak summer in January.
Best for:
- Beach days
- Harbour cruises
- Coastal cliff walks
Melbourne Weather
Average high: 81°F (27°C)Average low: 57°F (14°C)
Melbourne enters early summer with warm afternoons and cooler evenings. December brings event energy, outdoor concerts and bustling laneways. Weather can vary, but sunshine becomes more consistent as the month progresses.
Best for:
- Summer festivals
- Great Ocean Road drives
- Alfresco dining
Brisbane Weather
Average high: 86°F (30°C)Average low: 70°F (21°C)
Brisbane shifts fully into summer in December. Days are hot and increasingly humid, with scattered afternoon thunderstorms possible. Beach conditions along the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast remain appealing, especially in the mornings.
Best for:
- Early beach visits
- Island day trips
- Riverfront evenings
Cairns & Tropical North Queensland Weather
Average high: 90°F (32°C)Average low: 74°F (23°C)
December marks the beginning of wet season in northern Queensland. Expect high humidity, tropical downpours and lush rainforest conditions. Reef tours operate year-round, though weather patterns can be more variable than during dry season.
Best for:
- Rainforest exploration
- Early-morning reef trips
- Waterfall viewing
Perth Weather
Average high: 86°F (30°C)Average low: 62°F (17°C)
Perth experiences warm, dry summer weather in December. Long sunny days and minimal rainfall make it one of the most reliably beach-ready regions in Australia during this month.
Best for:
- Beach sunsets
- Rottnest Island
- Swan Valley wine tasting
Australia Temperatures in December (Quick Overview)
- Southern cities: 78–82°F (26–28°C) by day
- Brisbane: around 86°F (30°C)
- Tropical north Queensland: 90°F (32°C) with high humidity
- Evenings remain warm across most regions
December is consistently warm across the country, with the tropical north experiencing the most rainfall.
Australia Events in December
December brings major summer and holiday celebrations:
- Sydney New Year’s Eve preparations – Harbour fireworks planning begins early.
- Carols by Candlelight (Nationwide) – Outdoor Christmas concerts.
- Taste of Tasmania (Hobart) – Major food festival beginning late December.
- Woodford Folk Festival (Queensland) – Large cultural and music gathering over the New Year period.
December events add strong seasonal atmosphere, particularly in coastal cities.
Best Places to Visit in Australia in December
December is ideal for southern coastlines and Western Australia’s dry summer conditions. The best places to visit in Australia in December include Sydney for classic summer beach culture, Melbourne for festival season, Perth for dry heat and Uluru before peak mid-summer extremes intensify.
Sydney & Coastal New South Wales
Sydney is one of the best places to visit in Australia in December because summer beach culture is in full swing. Ocean temperatures rise, daylight stretches late into the evening and the harbour becomes the center of holiday celebrations. Early December offers strong conditions before peak Christmas crowds arrive.
Top experiences: Bondi Beach, harbour cruises, coastal walks.
Melbourne
Melbourne is one of the best places to visit in Australia in December because the city transitions into summer festival mode. Warm afternoons support outdoor events and scenic drives along the coast, while evenings remain cool enough for comfortable sightseeing.
Top experiences: Great Ocean Road, laneway dining, summer events.
Perth & Western Australia
Perth is one of the best places to visit in Australia in December because it offers dry, sunny summer weather with minimal rainfall. Beach days are reliable and inland wine regions enjoy long, bright afternoons without tropical humidity.
Top experiences: Cottesloe Beach, Rottnest Island cycling, Swan Valley tastings.
Uluru & the Red Centre
Uluru can still be a strong destination in early December before extreme desert heat peaks later in summer. Mornings and evenings remain the most comfortable times for exploration, with clear skies enhancing sunrise and sunset photography.
Top experiences: Uluru base walk at sunrise, Kata Tjuta viewpoints, guided cultural tours.
Shore Excursions in Australia in December
December shore excursions are strongest in southern coastal cities and Western Australia, where summer conditions are dry and predictable.
- Sydney – Manly Beach & Northern SuburbsWarm summer weather enhances coastal sightseeing, waterfront dining and relaxed beach time.
- Airlie Beach – Whitehaven Beach GetawayRising water temperatures create inviting swimming conditions, though visitors should expect warmer air and occasional tropical showers.
- Cairns – Snorkeling the Great Barrier ReefReef access remains year-round, but travelers should prepare for higher humidity and potential rainfall as wet season begins.
- Perth – Rottnest Island ExperienceDry summer sunshine makes cycling and coastal exploration especially appealing.
FAQs: Australia in December
1. Is December a good time to visit Australia?
Yes, December is a popular time to visit Australia because it marks the start of summer. Southern cities offer beach-ready weather and vibrant holiday events, though it is also the beginning of peak travel season.
2. What is the weather like in Australia in December?
Australia weather in December is warm to hot across most regions. Southern cities average around 80°F (27°C), Brisbane reaches the mid-80s°F (30°C) and tropical north Queensland climbs into the low 90s°F (32–34°C) with increasing humidity and rainfall.
3. What is the average temperature in Australia in December?
The average temperature in Australia in December ranges from the high-70s°F (26°C) in Sydney to around 90°F (32°C) in Cairns. Melbourne averages about 81°F (27°C), while Perth reaches 86°F (30°C).
4. Is December good for the Great Barrier Reef?
December can still be suitable for reef visits, but it marks the beginning of the wet season in northern Queensland. Expect higher humidity and possible tropical showers, though tours continue year-round.
5. Is December peak season in Australia?
Yes. December begins Australia’s peak summer travel season, particularly around Christmas and New Year’s. Accommodation prices and visitor numbers increase significantly during this period.
6. Is December beach season in Australia?
Yes. December marks the official start of beach season across southern Australia. Ocean temperatures rise and coastal cities such as Sydney and Perth experience consistent summer conditions.
