Weather in Australia in June

Is June a good time to visit Australia?

Winter has arrived “down under” in Australia in June, but don’t despair – except for some snow on the southern mountains (where there is some skiing to be had) winter here is not harsh or freezing cold. Unless you are an inveterate “heat-seeker” it is a clement time to visit family and friends or go sight-seeing in Sydney and Melbourne. Perth is pleasant too, although it is the rainy season in Western Australia, welcomed by the locals who are parched after the hot, dry summer. For diving, snorkelling and exploring on the Great Barrier Reef and along the coast of northern Queensland, June brings excellent conditions with little rain, low humidity and warm temperatures.

 

Climate in Australia in June

The “Top End” of Australia – including the city of Darwin – is hot, dry and sunny in June, temperatures reaching a high of 31°C (88°F) and rainfall almost non-existent. To the east the North Queensland coast and Great Barrier Reef experience similar conditions – you would never believe it was winter!  Further south on the Queensland coast Brisbane is warm too, with a maximum average temperature of 21°C (70°F) and a mean of 22 sunny days. 

In the south east New South Wales (Sydney) and Victoria (Melbourne) are chilly, with temperatures hovering in the mid-teens (Celsius) during the day, but days are crisp and  sunny in the main.

Western Australia experiences its wettest month in June, with an average rainfall of 171mm and a total of 13 sunny days, but temperatures are mild, ranging from 19°C (66°F) maximum to 9°C (48°F) minimum.

For outdoors oriented tourists June is a good month to visit Australia’s arid “Red Centre”, where daytime temperatures are mild, but the nights can be freezing so wrap up warm.
 

What’s on in Australia in June

June starts with the Queen’s Birthday public holiday on the second Monday of the month in Australia in all the states except for Western Australia (which celebrates Foundation Day on the first Monday of the month).  The Queen’s Birthday signifies the start of the ski season in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, the high reaches of Victoria and Tasmania. If roaring log fires and cosy Christmas-like trappings are your bag, enjoy the Blue Mountains Yulefest in and around the towns of Katoomba, Blackheath, Leura and the like. Across New South Wales arts festivals hold sway in June, and Sydney is embroiled in a fascinating film festival. The Hunter Valley is a tasty destination with its Wine and Food month. For a touch of indigenous culture the Dreaming Festival at Jinibara in south east Queensland is a real treat.
 

What to pack  for a holiday in Australia in June                                  

What to bag for a visit to Australia in June depends on your destination. The southern cities require warm clothing – perhaps even an overcoat – along with an umbrella. Rain gear is a definite for Perth in the west, but clothing here can be a little lighter with just some pullovers. Taking on the Great Barrier Reef or doing Darwin you can opt for beachwear with perhaps a wrap for evenings, while the interior requires snug thermals for nightwear and sweatshirts for daytime.