Clear blue skies, clean air

Love variety? You’ll be delighted by Canberra’s four distinct seasons.

Canberra is one of Australia’s sunniest capital cities, with an average of 7.7 hours of sunshine every day. Our city is known for clear blue skies and clean air. That might be why our population is the most active in Australia. We love to get outside and explore this beautiful part of the world. 

Four distinct seasons

One of Canberra’s best draw cards is the variety our distinct seasons provide.

For the current temperature in Canberra, visit the Bureau of Meteorology. 

Summer

Summer is warm and dry, with an average temperature of 27 degrees celsius. Our heat tends to be ‘dry’ and while we enjoy some summer storms, humidity is generally low. Summer can be more comfortable here than in other cities.

It’s a great time of year to swim or sail at Lake Burley Griffin, or at one of our waterholes, rivers or lakes. Families make the most of longer daylight hours with picnics and BBQs, and long bike rides on the cycle-ways that wind through Canberra.

If you’re a car enthusiast, you’ll love Summernats. And in February, Canberra hosts the Multicultural Festival, one of the biggest celebrations of cultural diversity across Australia. 

Autumn

Canberra is a kaleidoscope of colour in autumn, with an average high of 20 degrees celsius. Because this is a planned city, tree placement around our public spaces maximises the impact of brilliant autumn colours.

It’s the perfect time to get out amongst falling leaves, exploring Canberra’s Centenary Trail and celebrating the city’s birthday at the beautiful Enlighten Festival. Stunning art installations are projected onto our public buildings and people enjoy outdoor food market stalls and free concerts. Hot air balloons float over the city each morning during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular. The festival keeps residents and visitors outdoors and fascinated for weeks.  

Winter

Winters are cool, crisp and sunny with an average temperature of 12 degrees celsius. We’ll often wake to the beautiful sight of snow dusting the Brindabella mountain range the city nestles beside.

You’ll still find us outdoors in winter. It’s a beautiful time to explore our protected bushland. If skiing is your thing, it’s just a two-hour drive to some of Australia’s best ski fields in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains. 

Canberra has much to offer indoors, with world-class galleries and museums, public seminars, concerts and exhibitions. Or explore our science centres, watch sport in the pub or sip a mulled wine beside an open fire with friends as you sample our award-winning cuisine. 

Spring

The city is transformed again in spring, when the average temperature is 18 degrees celsius. Our annual flower festival, Floriade, is the largest in the southern hemisphere and draws visitors from all over the world. Floriade’s Nightfest involves spectacular lighting installations, roving entertainers, comedy and music. 

Canberra offers a string of events in spring, with gallery exhibitions, foodie experiences and music. The Design Canberra Festival celebrates art, design, architecture and innovation. Taste our cool climate wines with over 30 wineries on our doorstep. Spend the day at the National Zoo and Aquarium, or settle in for a night at the Open Air Cinema at the National Botanic Gardens.