Australia in December 2024: Weather, Places to Visit, Things to Do & More

Australia is a perfect destination for all kinds of travellers seeking a unique adventure. This is even more so during Australia in December, as the summer opens new avenues for a large variety of activities. A land of beaches, mountains, wildlife, vast laid-back places, and well built metropolitan cities, Australia is a wonderful country to visit. This is the very reason why it is considered to be a dream paradise to every kind of traveller, be it a backpacker, someone who is looking for a family getaway or friends who are looking for an adventure-packed vacation, Australia tour package has got it all. Considering that the summer just kicks off in December, this makes it the best time to visit Australia.

Australia temperature in December

Weather in Australia in December — Image credits: Pexels.com

Australia weather in December is said to be very hot. While the rest of the world is freezing, it is peak summer in the land down under. Australia temperature in December ranges from a high of 12°C to as high as 40°C. The northern parts are said to be very hot and dry and sometimes even humid, while the southern regions are hot and sunny, and the central regions of Australia are the hottest regions. This weather makes it a perfect time to visit Australia if you are planning any outdoor activities.

Also read: Australia Travel Apps: 10 Mobile Apps to Use on Your Australia Trip

Best things to do in Australia in December

1. Watch the sunset at Uluru

Visiting Uluru (or Ayers Rock) as part of your trip to Australia in December provides for an unmissable experience as you get to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although it can get very hot, with temperatures going as high as 40 °C, it is still a beautiful place to visit. Check out the Uluru rocks either at sunrise or sunset to make the most of your trip. The rocks transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and purple due to the reflection of the magical sunrays. Another popular landmark to peak at is the Field of Lights, which is a magical light display at the base of Uluru.

2. Check out the outdoor events at Melbourne

Check out the outdoor events at Melbourne, Best things to do in Australia in December — Credits: unsplash.com

Melbourne is a must-visit destination regardless of when you are travelling to Australia. The weather in Melbourne Australia in December is moderately hot, where the temperature ranges between 20°C–30°C. This vibrant city, which is decked with so much life and culture, makes it a wonderful destination along with its natural landscapes. Check out the Federation Square and Arts Precinct, where you get to immerse yourself in a variety of galleries, attend outdoor events and indulge in street food. If you want to relax on your summer trip, make sure to make a stop at the Royal Botanic Gardens and reconnect with nature while planning a casual picnic. This is perfect if you are planning your Australia honeymoon tour package.

Also read: Romantic Places to Visit in Melbourne

3. Cool off at Tasmania

Cool off at Tasmania, Best things to do in Australia in December — Credits: pexels.com

If you are tired of the extreme heat, then cool off by visiting Tasmania, as it offers cooler temperatures. Famous for its natural parks, this destination is loaded with wonderful wilderness, history and national parks. You can hike through the Cradle Mountain, surrounded by lush valleys, glacial lakes and rugged peaks. For those who want to lay back, you can also visit Bruny Island and indulge in its scenic landscapes. You also get to taste the local produce, like cheese, oysters, and wine.

4. Hike at Blue Mountains National Park

Hike at Blue Mountains National Park, Best things to do in Australia in December — Credits: unsplash.com

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is famous for its wonderful landscapes as it provides a peaceful retreat from the bustles of everyday life and to reconnect with nature. It contains three extensive hiking trails, namely Three Sisters Walk, Wentworth Falls, and Leura Cascades, which provide a breathtaking view of the valleys while getting your heart rate up. Make sure to visit this magnificent destination on your trip to Australia in December. Enhance your trip by taking a ride on the world’s steepest passenger railway, the Scenic Railway, to make the most of the views.

5. Check out the famous landmarks in Sydney

Check out the famous landmarks in Sydney, Best things to do in Australia in December — Credits: pixabay.com

Being Australia’s largest city, Sydney offers a wide variety of landmarks for one to visit. When it comes to beaches, you must definitely visit Bondi Beach, which is famous for its pristine gold sand and clear blue waters. Also visit Manly or Coorgee Beach and take part in water sports. One of the best things to do in Australia in December is to visit the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Also read: 10 Top Free Things to Do in Sydney for an Ultimate Experience

6. Enjoy the wildlife at Brisbane

Enjoy the wildlife at Brisbane, Best things to do in Australia in December — Credits: pixabay.com

Queensland’s capital, Brisbane, is perfect for outdoor activities due to its warm and sunny weather. You get to visit the South Bank, which offers beautiful beaches, walkways alongside the river and market festivities. Another thing to do here is to take a river cruise and leisurely enjoy the city’s views. An extremely fun thing to do is visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you get to feed, cuddle and interact with the koalas in the sanctuary, a paradise for all animal and koala lovers.

Also read: 6 Things to Do in Brisbane: Experience an Unforgettable Queensland Adventure

What to wear in Australia in December?

Since Australia season in December is peak summer, it is highly advisable to plan and pack the below clothes to ensure you have a comfortable and look fabulous:

Light clothing like t-shirts, shorts, dresses, swimsuits and other summer clothes that you look fabulous in!
Comfortable footwear to enable you to check out all the amazing sites here
Sunscreen, coolers and hats to protect yourself from the sun and to look cool!
Light jackets and umbrellas if you want to travel to the southern regions, as they might receive small amounts of rainfall.
Sweatshirts or hoodies for the cooler nights

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is the weather in Australia in December?

Australia’s weather in December varies by region. Northern Australia is hot and humid, with tropical rains. Southern Australia is warm and sunny with cooler evenings. Central Australia is extremely hot during the day and cool at night, while Tasmania has mild temperatures, cooler than mainland Australia.

2. Where does it snow in Australia in December?

While December is the start of summer in Australia, snow is rare during this time. However, a few high-altitude areas may still experience snowfall in Kosciuszko National Park (New South Wales) and Mount Hotham (Victoria), particularly in the early days of the month. These areas are part of the Australian Alps, which are popular for winter sports but generally lose their snow cover by December.

3. What to do in Australia in December?

There’s a wide range of things to do in Australia in December, from exploring natural wonders like Uluru and Tasmania to enjoying city festivals and beach days in Sydney and Brisbane. Outdoor adventures, such as hiking in the Blue Mountains, wildlife spotting on Kangaroo Island, and snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, are also popular during this time. December is a great month for both cultural activities and nature-based explorations.

4. Why does Australia have the summer season in December?

Australia experiences summer in December due to its location in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, so when it’s winter in countries like the United States and Europe, it’s summer in Australia. This is due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis, which affects the distribution of sunlight across different parts of the planet throughout the year.