Plan your trip
The best time to visit Canberra
Canberra averages daytime highs of 19°C and overnight lows around 8°C across the year. Here's when to go — season by season and month by month — based on a decade of climate data.
In short
- 🌤️ Best overall: February, April, March — the most comfortable, driest stretch.
- 🔥 Hottest: January (~28°C) · Coolest: June (~11°C)
- 🌧️ Wettest: November · Driest: July
- 💸 Quietest / best value: the autumn and spring shoulder seasons (outside the Dec–Jan holidays).
1°C Mostly sunny in Canberra
Winter · H 12° / L 1° · Cosy season — warm up indoors.
Hottest month
January
avg high 28°C
Coolest month
June
avg high 11°C
Wettest month
November
~81mm
Driest month
July
~36mm
Our pick
For the best balance of comfortable weather and fewer wet days, aim for February, April, March. If you don't mind the heat, January is peak summer; for cooler, quieter exploring, June is the mildest stretch. Whatever month you choose, check what's on and our 48-hour itinerary.
Canberra season by season
What each season is actually like — and what it's best for.
Summer in Canberra
December – February
Summer is warm in Canberra — average highs around 26°C, overnight lows near 14°C, and about 193mm of rain across the season (moderate rain). Beach days, early starts and long evenings out — pack sun protection, a hat and water.
Autumn in Canberra
March – May
Autumn is mild in Canberra — average highs around 19°C, overnight lows near 8°C, and about 155mm of rain across the season (moderate rain). Mild, settled days make this prime time for walks, wine country, markets and leisurely lunches.
Winter in Canberra
June – August
Winter is cold in Canberra — average highs around 11°C, overnight lows near 2°C, and about 156mm of rain across the season (moderate rain). Cosy season — lean into cafes, museums, galleries and snug pubs; bring a few layers.
Peak season & crowds
Canberra is busiest — and accommodation priciest — over the December–January summer school holidays around Christmas and New Year, plus long weekends and major events. For thinner crowds and better value, the autumn (March – May) and spring (September – November) shoulder seasons are the sweet spot — mild weather without the peak-season squeeze. Book ahead if you're visiting around a festival; see what's on to plan around it.
Canberra weather month by month
Average daily high & low temperature and total monthly rainfall.
| Month | Season | High | Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Summer | 28°C | 15°C | 71mm |
| February | Summer | 26°C | 14°C | 49mm |
| March | Autumn | 23°C | 12°C | 64mm |
| April | Autumn | 19°C | 9°C | 51mm |
| May | Autumn | 14°C | 4°C | 40mm |
| June | Winter | 11°C | 2°C | 57mm |
| July | Winter | 11°C | 1°C | 36mm |
| August | Winter | 12°C | 2°C | 63mm |
| September | Spring | 16°C | 4°C | 54mm |
| October | Spring | 20°C | 8°C | 66mm |
| November | Spring | 22°C | 10°C | 81mm |
| December | Summer | 25°C | 13°C | 73mm |
Source: Open-Meteo historical climate data, 10-year averages (2014–2023). Day-to-day weather varies — check the current forecast before you travel.
Best time to visit Canberra — FAQs
When is the best time to visit Canberra?+
February, April, March generally offer Canberra's most comfortable mix of pleasant temperatures and fewer wet days. The warmest month is January (average high 28°C) and the coolest is June (average high 11°C).
What is the hottest month in Canberra?+
January is the hottest month in Canberra, with average daytime highs around 28°C.
What is the coldest month in Canberra?+
June is the coolest month, with average highs near 11°C and overnight lows around 2°C.
What is the wettest month in Canberra?+
November is typically the wettest month (about 81mm of rain on average), while July is the driest at around 36mm.
When is the cheapest, quietest time to visit Canberra?+
The shoulder seasons — autumn (March – May) and spring (September – November) — are usually quieter and better value than the summer peak. The busiest, priciest stretch is the December–January school-holiday period around Christmas and New Year.
What is summer like in Canberra?+
Summer (December – February) is warm in Canberra, averaging highs near 26°C and lows around 14°C, with roughly 193mm of rain across the season.
What is winter like in Canberra?+
Winter (June – August) is cold in Canberra, with average highs around 11°C and overnight lows near 2°C.
How many days do you need in Canberra?+
Two to three days covers the highlights — see our 48-hour itinerary for a ready-made plan — while four or more lets you explore the suburbs and day trips at a relaxed pace.