Climate in Brisbane (Australia)

The climate of Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, lying on the east coast of Australia, is humid subtropical, with very mild, relatively dry winters and hot, rainy summers.
Because of its location (at 27 degrees south latitude), in winter, the city is more sheltered from the cold than the southern cities (Perth, Melbourne, Sydney), and also from wind and rain. In addition, it is also sheltered from heatwaves coming from the desert, since the ocean currents prevail in summer. However, there can sometimes be short, hot spells here as well.
Furthermore, in summer, it can sometimes be affected by tropical cyclones, or at least by their remains, which in any case are able to bring heavy rains.
Being in the Southern Hemisphere, like the rest of Australia, it has reversed seasons in comparison with Europe or North America.

Precipitation is quite abundant: in an average year, 1,000 millimeters (40 inches) of rain fall, of which more than 100 mm (4 in) fall per month from December to March, while the driest period is winter together with early spring (from July to September).



Winter, from June to August, is very mild: the average daytime temperatures are about 21/22 °C (70/71.5 °F). There are many sunny days, and the rains are quite rare.
At night, it can sometimes be cold, in fact, the temperature can drop to around 2/3 °C (35/37 °F), but during the day, it remains mild. At the airport, which is located right on the coast, the coldest record is -0.1 °C (31.8 °F) and was set in July 2007, while at the Archerfield Aerodrome, in the southwest of the city, the temperature dropped to -0.9 °C (30.4 °F) in July 2002.

Spring, from September to November, is sunny and pleasantly warm at the beginning, then in October the rains start to increase again, and in November it is often hot, more or less like in summer.

Summer, from December to March, is hot and muggy, but tempered by sea breezes, which regularly blow, especially in the afternoon. The weather is often good, but thunderstorms can break out quite often, sometimes accompanied by hail and wind gusts. In La Niña years, the rains may be particularly abundant, as happened in January 2011 and in late February 2022, when the Brisbane River flooded the city.
Sometimes there can be short heatwaves due to the desert wind, which mostly affect the western districts of the city. At the airport, the highest record is 40 °C (104 °F) and was set in February 2004, while at the Archerfield Aerodrome the temperature reached 43.5 °C (110.3 °F) in January 2014.
Every now and then, a tropical cyclone can reach the city, although this rarely happens because cyclones usually pass over the area more to the north, beyond the Tropic. Sometimes, cyclones can pass over the ocean at some distance, causing storm surges that can reach the coast.

Autumn, in April and May, is pleasantly warm, and it is quite rainy, although the rains are generally less intense than the summer thunderstorms. In May, sometimes at night, it can get a little cold, with minimum temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F).

The sea in Brisbane is warm enough for swimming from November to May, while from June to October it is cool, about 21.5/22.5 °C (70.5/72.5 °F), but after all, it's not impossible. So, if you go in the Southern Hemisphere winter, maybe in July and August, on a fine day, you can even try a swim in the sea.
The Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north of Brisbane are popular with surfers, while the city is located in a bay (the Moreton Bay) which is more sheltered from waves.

Best Time

Given that it has a good climate, you can visit Brisbane all year round. However, you can choose winter and early spring, ie from June to September, since it is the driest period of the year. October is a bit more rainy, but it is pleasantly warm, without excesses.
Summer is hot and muggy, but the heat is generally bearable, and it's a good period for swimming and sunbathing; sometimes, however, there can be severe thunderstorms, and even a cyclone can approach the city.

Brisbane - Climate data

In Brisbane, the average temperature of the coldest month (July) is of 14.9 °C (58.7 °F), that of the warmest month (January) is of 25.1 °C (77.2 °F). Here are the average temperatures.
Precipitation amounts to 1010 millimeters (39.8 inches) per year: it is therefore quite abundant. It ranges from 25 mm (1 in) in the driest month (July) to 150 mm (5.9 in) in the wettest one (February). Here is the average precipitation.
The sea temperature ranges from 21.5 °C (71 °F) in July, August to
There are on average around 2995 sunshine hours per year. Here are the average hours of sunshine per day.

Brisbane - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

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January, the hottest month of the year, is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 25.1 °C (77 °F), with a minimum of 21 °C (69.8 °F) and a maximum of 29.2 °C (84.6 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 17.5 °C (64 °F). However, it dropped to 15.7 °C (60.3 °F) in January 1997.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33.5 °C (92.5 °F). However, it reached 39.1 °C (102.4 °F) in January 2000.
Precipitation amounts to 140 mm (5.5 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 63% of the time.
The average humidity is 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 26.5 °C (79.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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February is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 24.8 °C (77 °F), with a minimum of 20.6 °C (69.2 °F) and a maximum of 28.9 °C (84.1 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 18 °C (64 °F). However, it dropped to 15 °C (59 °F) in February 1996.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 32.5 °C (90.5 °F). However, it reached 40.2 °C (104.4 °F) in February 2004.
Precipitation amounts to 150 mm (5.9 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 65% of the time.
The average humidity is 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 26.5 °C (80 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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March is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 23.5 °C (74 °F), with a minimum of 19.1 °C (66.3 °F) and a maximum of 28 °C (82.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 15.5 °C (60 °F). However, it dropped to 10.6 °C (51.1 °F) in March 2008.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 31.5 °C (88.5 °F). However, it reached 36.3 °C (97.3 °F) in March 1993.
Precipitation amounts to 115 mm (4.5 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 62% of the time.
The average humidity is 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 26 °C (79 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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April is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 21 °C (70 °F), with a minimum of 16 °C (60.7 °F) and a maximum of 26.1 °C (78.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 11.5 °C (52.5 °F). However, it dropped to 5.6 °C (42.1 °F) in April 2008.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29.5 °C (85 °F). However, it reached 34.3 °C (93.7 °F) in April 1996.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 8 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 69% of the time.
The average humidity is 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 25 °C (77.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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May is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 18.1 °C (65 °F), with a minimum of 12.6 °C (54.7 °F) and a maximum of 23.6 °C (74.5 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 7.5 °C (45 °F). However, it dropped to 3 °C (37.4 °F) in May 2006.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 27 °C (80.5 °F). However, it reached 31 °C (87.8 °F) in May 2003.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 71% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 24 °C (75 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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June is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 15.7 °C (60 °F), with a minimum of 10 °C (50.1 °F) and a maximum of 21.4 °C (70.5 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 4.5 °C (40 °F). However, it dropped to 2.3 °C (36.1 °F) in June 1994.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 25 °C (77 °F). However, it reached 27.9 °C (82.2 °F) in June 2002.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 25 minutes. June 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 63% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22.5 °C (73 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.

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July, the coldest month of the year, is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 14.9 °C (59 °F), with a minimum of 8.6 °C (47.6 °F) and a maximum of 21.1 °C (69.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 3.5 °C (38.5 °F). However, it dropped to -0.1 °C (31.8 °F) in July 2007.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 25 °C (77 °F). However, it reached 29.5 °C (85.1 °F) in July 2016.
Precipitation amounts to 25 mm (1 in), distributed over 4 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 73% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 21.5 °C (71 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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August is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 15.6 °C (60 °F), with a minimum of 9.2 °C (48.5 °F) and a maximum of 22.1 °C (71.8 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4.5 °C (39.5 °F). However, it dropped to 1.2 °C (34.2 °F) in August 1997.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 26.5 °C (80 °F). However, it reached 33.7 °C (92.7 °F) in August 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 35 mm (1.4 in), distributed over 4 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 78% of the time.
The average humidity is 64%.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 21.5 °C (70.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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September is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 18.2 °C (65 °F), with a minimum of 12.1 °C (53.8 °F) and a maximum of 24.2 °C (75.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 7 °C (45 °F). However, it dropped to 2.6 °C (36.7 °F) in September 1994.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29.5 °C (85 °F). However, it reached 34.9 °C (94.8 °F) in September 2017.
Precipitation amounts to 30 mm (1.2 in), distributed over 4 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 9 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 74% of the time.
The average humidity is 66%.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22 °C (71 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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October is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 20.3 °C (69 °F), with a minimum of 15 °C (59.1 °F) and a maximum of 25.5 °C (77.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 10 °C (50 °F). However, it dropped to 7.2 °C (45 °F) in October 2010.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31 °C (87.5 °F). However, it reached 36 °C (96.8 °F) in October 2001.
Precipitation amounts to 80 mm (3.1 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 68% of the time.
The average humidity is 68%.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22.5 °C (73 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.

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November is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 22.3 °C (72 °F), with a minimum of 17.6 °C (63.7 °F) and a maximum of 27 °C (80.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 13 °C (55.5 °F). However, it dropped to 8 °C (46.4 °F) in November 2006.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31.5 °C (88.5 °F). However, it reached 36.6 °C (97.9 °F) in November 1994.
Precipitation amounts to 90 mm (3.5 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 9 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 67% of the time.
The average humidity is 69%.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 24 °C (75 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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December is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 23.9 °C (75 °F), with a minimum of 19.5 °C (67 °F) and a maximum of 28.3 °C (82.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 15.5 °C (60 °F). However, it dropped to 12.2 °C (54 °F) in December 1993.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33 °C (91 °F). However, it reached 36.5 °C (97.7 °F) in December 2001.
Precipitation amounts to 130 mm (5.1 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 50 minutes. December 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 62% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 25.5 °C (77.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.