The climate of Australia varies greatly in different areas of the continent. Northern Australia, such as Brisbane and Cairns, has a tropical climate due to its proximity to the equator. Rainforests and grasslands can be found there. The tropical region has distinct wet and dry seasons, and typical temperatures throughout the year range from about ten to fifty degrees Celsius. The interior of the country is primarily desert. It is windy and extremely dry, with temperatures that are hot during the day and cold at night. Southern regions, such as Melbourne and Sydney, especially on the east and west sides of Australia, are classified as a temperate climate. These areas have more seasonal changes, with hot summers and moderately cold winters.

Australia is located south of the Equator in the southern hemisphere. This means that the seasons there are the opposite of those in the United States, Europe, and other countries in the northern hemisphere. December is the beginning of summer, which lasts through February. March through May is fall, June to August is winter, and spring occurs from September until November.

The main natural disasters that affect Australia are drought, cyclones, and bushfires. In addition to seasonal changes in weather, El Nino causes longer cycles in the country's weather patterns. El Nino contributes to long droughts, which can be a serious hardship for the people who live there. The cyclone season is from December to April. Cyclones are Australia's version of hurricanes, and they can be very destructive with flooding and heavy winds. Bushfires are not uncommon in the bushland because of its dry air and wind. They can get out of control and cover large areas in very short periods of time. Dust storms can also be a problem.

Desertification is another climate issue that Australia is contending with. Some people attribute it to global warming, while others believe it's the result of burning by settlers who came to the continent 50,000 years ago. Desertification is when land degrades until it can no longer support the plants and animals that once existed there. This is happening on the interior of the continent. Whatever the cause for desertification is, it's clear that global warming and climate change are affecting Australia in other ways.

Rainfall and Temperature Extremes

Australia Weather and the Seasons

Climate of Australia by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology

Climate Data and Maps

Aussie-Info: Climate Average temperatures for capital cities and more

Current Weather Conditions

Wikipedia: Climate of Australia

Average Weather Map of Australia

Australia's Tropical Savannahs

Effects of El Nino

The weather in Australia has played a large part in making tourism so popular down under. Australia has become a favorite destination for scuba divers, hikers, golf, or simply for getting a car rental and taking a tour of the country side.