When is summer in Australia?
Summer in Australia runs from December to February. Because Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are opposite to those in Europe and North America, so Christmas falls in the middle of summer.
Australia officially uses meteorological seasons, which begin on the first day of a month. Autumn is March to May, winter is June to August and spring is September to November.
The seasons are reversed because of the tilt of the Earth's axis. From December to February, the Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, receiving more direct sunlight and longer days.
Summer across the country
In the southern states, summer brings warm to hot weather, long evenings and school holidays. Many Australians head to the beach, and cricket dominates sport on television.
In the tropical north, December to February is the wet season, with high humidity, monsoon rains and thunderstorms. Temperatures stay warm all year, so the wet and dry seasons matter more than summer and winter.
Summer is also the peak bushfire season in many parts of southern Australia. Hot, dry and windy days can create dangerous fire conditions.
Did You Know?
Some Aboriginal groups recognize six or more seasons based on changes in weather, plants and animals.