Geographical location the most mysterious continent on earth, coupled with the topography and oceans washing the continent, makes the climate of Australia so multifaceted and different from the rest. On the territory of the country, four main climatic zones can be distinguished, in which weather and temperature differences are clearly manifested.
Why do Australia have calendar and climate seasons?
The Southern Hemisphere dictates its own weather seasons of the year in Australia, changing the calendar summer, autumn, winter and spring in places. Therefore, climatic spring on the mainland begins in September and lasts until November. The summer season is limited to the period from December to February. Autumn begins in March and gives way to climatic winter in June, which lasts until August.
Tropical monsoon climate of Australia (subequatorial)
The north and northeast of the mainland is under the rule of the subequatorial climate zone, therefore average temperature The whole year stays at around 23-24 degrees. Northwest monsoons in summer period bring up to 1500 mm of precipitation to the shores of Australia. IN winter months northern regions countries remain virtually without rain. As you move towards the center of the continent, you can often notice severe droughts caused by hot winds.
Three tropical climates in Australia
On eastern part The mainland is influenced by the Pacific trade winds blowing from the southeast, so these regions of Australia are characterized by a humid tropical climate. The entire coast of the east of the country along with Sydney up to the western foothills of the Great Watershed Ridge not susceptible to drought. The climate here can be called mild, because in the summer season temperatures vary between 22-25 degrees, and in winter they do not drop below 11 degrees. The climatic summer, which in Australia occurs in December, January and February, is characterized by insignificant rainfall. The climatic winter in the east of the country, on the contrary, is very wet, so floods often occur.
Deserts cover an impressive portion of the country, making Australia one of the driest continents in the world. The reason for this is the significant extent of the continent along the equator, coupled with mountainous areas that skirt the coast along the water's edge. Therefore, most precipitation falls on the coast, never reaching central regions countries. In addition, the formation of severe droughts is influenced by the low ruggedness of the coast and tropical latitudes, which warm up the most.
The central and western regions Australia, where in January temperatures can exceed 30 degrees in the shade, and in July vary between 10-15 degrees. In the Great Sandy Desert and Lake Eyre region, temperatures often reach 45 degrees, and in winter they do not drop below 20 degrees. Temperatures in Alice Springs, on the other hand, could drop to -6 degrees. Residents of these regions have not seen rain for years.
Three types of subtropical climates in Australia
The southwestern regions of the country are close in their climatic conditions to the Mediterranean coast of France and Spain. Dry and hot summers give way to warm, humid winters, and in January the temperature can reach 27 degrees, and in June drop to only 12 degrees. In the south of the country, which covers western New South Wales, the regions surrounding Adelaide and the Great Australian Bight, continental climate with droughts and large temperature fluctuations. The southwestern part of New South Wales and the state of Victoria are considered the most favorable for living and farming. A humid, mild climate has been established here with an annual temperature range of 8 to 24 degrees.
Moderate climate zone on the island of Tasmania
T Anyone who dreams of the weather of Foggy Albion with cool summers and warm wet winters should go to the island of Tasmania. There is practically no snow in the region, since it has time to melt, but the total amount annual precipitation exceeds 2000 mm.
You can enjoy the coolness of the Alps and catch snow in Australia from June to August in the mountains of Victoria and in the region Snowy Mountains near the capital Canberra.
- most arid continent planets. Only 1/3 of its territory receives sufficient or excessive moisture. In general, precipitation falls five times less over the continent than above.
The climatic conditions of Australia depend primarily on its characteristics on both sides of the southern tropics. In addition to the climate of the continent, features, relief, and weak ruggedness influence coastline and, as well as the large extent of the continent from west to east.
Most of Australia is dominated by trade winds. But their influence on the climate of the eastern mountain and western parts continent manifests itself in different ways. In the far south, climate formation is influenced by cold period years of western temperate latitudes. The north of the continent is influenced by the northwestern equatorial monsoons.
The shallow ruggedness of the coastline and the mountain barrier in the east of the continent significantly weaken the influence of the surrounding oceanic water spaces on the climate of inland (tropical) parts of Australia. Therefore, the climate of the most extended part of the continent from west to east is surprisingly dry and continental.
Mainland Australia is located in three regions: tropical and subtropical.
The subequatorial belt contains the northern edge of the continent up to approximately 20° S. The northwestern monsoons penetrate to these latitudes in the summer of the southern hemisphere (December-February).
IN tropical zone(between 20° and 30° S) two types of climate form in Australia: tropical wet in the east and tropical dry in the west. The area of humid tropical climate occupies the eastern coast of the mainland. It's blowing here all year round southeast trade winds. They pass over the warm East Australian Current, become saturated with moisture and bring them to the eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range (1000-1500 mm per year). The area of dry tropical climate covers the western and central regions of the belt. Dry tropical climates dominate here all year round. Summer air Western Australia rise above +30°С, in winter they stay within +10…+15°С. Precipitation is only about 100-300 mm, it falls irregularly and sporadically.
IN subtropical zone(south of 30° S) there are three types of climate: humid - in the southeast, subtropical continental - north of the coast of the Great Gulf, subtropical - in the southwest of the belt. Vary specified types climate mainly by annual precipitation and its regime. Thus, in the subtropical region, precipitation falls throughout the year (1000-2000 mm or more); January temperatures are about +22°C, July - +6°C. The subtropical continental climate is characterized by low precipitation (300-400 mm per year) and rather sharp annual and daily temperature fluctuations. The subtropical Mediterranean climate in Australia is characterized by dry and hot summers, cool and rainy winters, and an annual rainfall of 500-600 mm.
In addition to the northern part, it already lies in the belt of the southern hemisphere. Western winds prevail there all year, bringing a lot of precipitation. Therefore, the climate in Tasmania is humid, with cool summers and relatively warm winters.
I went to Alelaida for work two years ago in February, I thought that it wouldn’t be very hot there and I wouldn’t be able to go to the sea and relax, but already on the plane I remembered that everything was the other way around and I ended up in this city at the height of summer and the holiday season. I didn’t expect such heat at noon, almost +40, you can only go outside in the morning when the sun is still relatively low and all this is in the background complete absence precipitation, it’s good that at least sea breeze somehow cooled it down.
January, Moscow, Epiphany frosts. It's very cold, isn't it? I don't even want to go outside. Do you know where it’s good now? In Australia. Yes, this effort is far from us, the distance between Moscow and Sydney is 14512 km. Exactly a year ago I was in Sydney, went there on a business trip. The warm weather pleasantly surprised me as soon as I got off the plane. I would like to be in Australia again now. I looked on the Internet, the weather in Sydney these days is +25. Water temperature +23. It was also very warm there that year. I got the job done and took a little break from the winter. I don't like cold weather. Summer in Australia is usually very hot. So, Dear friends, if you are also tired of severe frosts, and there is such an opportunity, then go there))
This was my second trip to Australia. For the first time I went to admire Sydney more. The second trip was purely business, but I managed to combine work and a beach holiday; I was in Perth. Excellent outside the city sandy beaches, I also managed to visit Rottnest, this is an island reserve, there are excellent coral reefs, I saw the famous tea tree and walked through the cypress grove. And at Swan Willie you can taste young wine and get acquainted with the history of winemaking in Australia. I haven’t done diving, but there is an opportunity for this, just get to the Ningaloo Reef. The weather was very pleasant, during the day about 29-30 degrees, water around 23-25, and at night 23-24 degrees, I was there for two weeks, there was no rain at all.
Climate zones of Australia
Due to the fact that the mainland lies within three warm climatic zones of the Southern Hemisphere, and the island of Tasmania in temperate zone, its climatic conditions will be diverse.
There are 4 climatic zones on the mainland:
- Subequatorial zone;
- Tropical zone;
- Subtropical zone;
- Temperate zone.
In general, it is typical for Australia arid climate type. Precipitation during the year ranges from $250$-$500$ mm. The driest area is in the south of the mainland, around the lake Air and covers an area of several thousand square kilometers. The annual number here is less 125 mm. In the center of Australia there may be no precipitation for several years in a row. Areas with big amount falling moisture is small in area and located in those places where moist air rises above orographic barriers.
Near Queensland the largest number of them is registered – $4500$ mm per year. The coastal areas can boast of a precipitation amount of $500$ mm per year. northern regions, east and southeast mainland, and island Tasmania. Precipitation in the form snow only appear in Australian Alps, Victoria, New South Wales at an altitude of more than 1350 m. Australia, like other continents, is also affected by the problem global change climate. This manifests itself in reduction in power And duration of snow cover in the mountains. The precipitation regime is characterized by seasonal differences. Most of them fall out in summer period, which lasts from December to March. South part the mainland and west coast receive precipitation in winter.
Temperatures are also characteristic seasonal variations . The northwest coast is one of the most roast area. Minimum temperatures are not typical for the mainland, with the exception of mountainous areas New South Wales, Victoria, Australian Alps and most of Tasmania. Frosts in these areas can occur at any time of the year, and the frost-free period lasts for $300$ days.
Spring period on the mainland begins with month of September and lasts until the end November. wild nature blossoms during this period. The temperatures are optimal - not too hot, but not cold either. Summer– the most hot and dry time of year, in deserts the air warms up to $40$ degrees in the shade. Autumn, as on other continents, is called golden and lasts from March to May. The best time of year for the mainland is winter, the air temperature does not exceed $20$ degrees, it rains infrequently.
Characteristics of climate zones
Subequatorial climate zone of Australia and occupies the northern and northeastern part of the mainland. Throughout the year in this zone there is a smooth variation in air temperature +$23$-$24$ degrees and a large number of precipitation that comes with wet northwest monsoon. Precipitation falls unevenly across the climate zone; most of it remains on the coast. Their total number during the year is $1000$-$1500$ mm, and in some places it can be up to $2000$ mm. Summer within the belt very wet with thunderstorms. Dry the period of the year here is winter, rain falls sporadically. Dry and hot winds blowing from the interior of the continent can cause drought. Air masses change with the seasons of the year. The water near the shore warms up to +$25$ degrees and remains constant.
Tropical climate zone of Australia. On the background high temperatures air, in January +$30$, in July +$16$ degrees, within this belt it formed two types climate – continental (desert) and humid tropical. The difference between these types is the nature moisturizing. The amount of precipitation here varies from east to west - during humid tropical climate, up to $2000$ mm falls, and in desert type precipitation is only about $200$ mm per year.
Humid tropical the region is within the zone of action of south-eastern trade winds, which bring Pacific Ocean rich air masses. The coastal plains and eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range are well-hydrated and characterized by a mild, warm climate. Tropical desert climate, occupying the central and western parts of the continent, receives precipitation from $250$-$300$ mm per year. Northwestern Australia, where it is located Great Sandy Desert, summer temperatures remain at +$35$ degrees, in winter they drop to +$20$. Precipitation here is also uneven. It happens that they are not there for several years, and sometimes the entire annual norm falls out in a few hours. Some of the water quickly goes underground and becomes inaccessible to plants, while the other part evaporates.
Subtropical climate zone of Australia.
Within this zone there are three types of climate:
- Mediterranean type;
- Subtropical continental type;
- Subtropical humid climate.
The southwestern part of the continent is characterized by Mediterranean type similar to the climate of Spain and Southern France - dry and hot summer, warm and wet winter. Temperature fluctuations by season are small - in January +$23$-$27$ degrees, in June +$12$-$14$ degrees. Annual quantity precipitation from $600$-$1000$ mm. Continental subtropical climate occupies the part of the continent that is adjacent to Great Australian Bight. The climate is characterized by large annual fluctuations in air temperature and low precipitation. State Victoria, southwestern foothills of New South Wales located within the boundaries subtropical humid climate. Precipitation mainly falls in the coastal part - $500$-$600$ mm, and as it moves deeper into the continent, its amount decreases. Summer temperatures rise to +$20$-$24$ degrees, and winter temperatures drop to +$8$-$10$ degrees.
Temperate climate zone of Australia. The central and southern parts of the island are located within the belt Tasmania. The island's climate, influenced by the surrounding waters, differs moderately warm winter And cool summer.
Note 2
Average monthly January temperature+$14$-$17$ degrees, and June +$8$. Prevailing winds western direction , which carry a lot of moisture from the ocean, in the west of the island - $2500$ mm. Rainy days of the year here $259$. For winter period snow may fall, but it does not linger for a long period.
Australia's extreme weather conditions
Australia's weather conditions can be extreme character. During the wet season in tropical areas, problems may occur. cyclones. In desert areas, for several years in a row, severe droughts, and falling rains lead to floods. In the southern states, the rainiest months are from May to July. From June to September there is a snow season in the Australian Alps.
Cyclones- a tropical phenomenon. They are guests of the coast Western Australia And Queensland. About $6$ of cyclones hit the mainland every year, and one of the most famous is Cyclone Tracy$1974$ City Darwin evacuated due to $80$% damage. Over $600 people were injured and $49 $ died. Tracy wasn't the worst cyclone. Passed over Australia Hurricane in $1899$ in Queensland, killed $400$ people and destroyed a whole fleet for the extraction of pearls and fish.
The central regions of Australia are characterized by severe droughts. In these areas, the heat of the day is replaced by extreme cold at night time. But these are unusual droughts. There have been quite a lot of such droughts over the past $200$ years. For example, drought$1895$-$1903$ lasted no less than $8$ years. As a result half of all sheep countries and $40$ % cattle died. A $5-year drought occurred between $1963-$1968. – result – harvest decreased by $40$% wheat. The same drought only in the central part of the continent lasted $8$ years - from $1958$-$1967$.
Note 3
The most hot the place of the mainland is Cloncurry, where in the shade the air temperature rises to +$50$ degrees. Minimum precipitation amount – $126$ mm recorded in Willpum Creek, A maximum– in the east Innisfail$3535$ mm.
Australia is a continent unique in everything, including its climatic conditions, which makes it an attractive holiday destination throughout the year. This is the driest continent on Earth, but there are 6 climatic zones, which provides a wide variety natural conditions- from deserts to sea coasts, from tropical forests to snow-capped peaks, from the temperate climate of the island of Tasmania to the desert heat of the central part of the continent. Climate of Australia very diverse.
| Australia (Sydney) | Max. t, C | Min. t, C | Amount of precipitation, mm |
| January | 26 | 19 | 115 |
| February | 25 | 19 | 110 |
| March | 24 | 16 | 150 |
| April | 23 | 14 | 120 |
| May | 20 | 11 | 80 |
| June | 17 | 8 | 130 |
| July | 16 | 6 | 50 |
| August | 17.5 | 7.5 | 80 |
| September | 21 | 10 | 65 |
| October | 23 | 13 | 70 |
| November | 24 | 15 | 105 |
| December | 27 | 18 | 75 |
Since Australia is located in Southern Hemisphere, the order of the seasons is mirror different from Northern Hemisphere. This means that when it's winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it's summer in Australia - the best time to visit the southern half of the country, including the cities and areas of Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth. And the Australian winter, which is called the dry season, is best time to visit the northern and central regions of the country, including Darwin and the Red Centre, Broome and Kimberley.
The hottest time of the year is from November to January. At that time weather in Australia by month quite warm. The temperature ranges from +20 to +32, and in central regions can reach up to +38-42. At the same time, already 1.5 - 2 hours after sunset the temperature can drop by 10-12 degrees.
The weather is milder on the Pacific coast and the islands of the Great Barrier Reef. It is relatively cold in June - August, the temperature rises no higher than +15 - +18, and in temperate zone sometimes it drops to zero degrees. IN winter time rains frequently.
On West coast Australian climate somewhat softer due to the influence of the ocean - in summer the heat here is usually thirty degrees, in winter the air cools to +18-+20 degrees during the day and +6-+8 at night.
In the very populated area- southeast coast - Mediterranean type reigns Australian climate- with hot, dry summers and rainy, mild winters. So, in Melbourne in summer, on typical January days, the thermometer usually stays around +25-+27 degrees, and in winter it drops to +10-+12, and at night to +5.
In the coolest part of the country - on the island of Tasmania - a typical British climate reigns - in summer the daytime temperature is +20-+22, in winter it is ten degrees cooler. Strong changes weather by month not visible. In winter, night frosts occur, but a stable snow cover does not form here - throughout the region, snow falls steadily only on the tops of the mountains.
Such diversity climatic conditions allows us to offer holidays for every taste to the most discerning tourists.