Brisbane features a humid subtropical climate with warm or hot weather most of the year. Summers are hot, humid, and wet, while winters are mild, dry, and sunny. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, moderate rainfall, and cooling sea breezes, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities and beach visits nearly year-round.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Brisbane’s climate is shaped by its northeastern Australian location and proximity to the Coral Sea. The city experiences four distinct seasons, but temperatures remain warm throughout the year. Summers (December–February) are hot and humid, with average highs of 29–30°C and lows around 21°C. This is the wettest season, with frequent thunderstorms and occasional heavy downpours. Rainfall can exceed 160 mm per month, and humidity is high, but rain often falls in short, intense bursts. Sea temperatures are warmest in February, averaging 26–27°C, ideal for swimming.
Autumn (March–May) brings a drop in humidity and rainfall, with temperatures ranging from 15–25°C. The weather is comfortable and stable, making it one of the best times for outdoor activities. Winters (June–August) are mild and dry, with average highs of 21–23°C and lows between 9–12°C. Rain is infrequent, and days are mostly sunny, though mornings and evenings can be crisp. Spring (September–November) is similar to autumn, with temperatures from 15–25°C, increasing sunshine, and warm, breezy days. Brisbane receives about 2,800 hours of sunshine annually, with 7–9 hours per day in spring and summer. Winds are generally light to moderate, averaging 10–20 km/h along the coast, but can be brisk during afternoon sea breezes or storms. Tropical cyclones are rare but possible in summer. The city’s lush parks and riverside walks are accessible year-round, though summer storms may cause brief disruptions.
| Average climate data for Brisbane, Australia | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 28 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 22 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 28 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 22 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 20 | 21 | 13 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 78 | 78 | 90 | 66 | 42 | 51 | 30 | 28 | 26 | 64 | 43 | 70 | 666 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 16 | 18 | 20 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 17 | 179 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 74 | 77 | 77 | 75 | 72 | 76 | 73 | 69 | 68 | 73 | 71 | 73 | 73 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 26 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 24 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 40 | 44 | 44 | 32 | 29 | 32 | 27 | 20 | 21 | 31 | 31 | 38 | 32 |
| Average UV index | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
The best time to visit Brisbane is from March to May and September to November, when temperatures are comfortably warm (15–25°C), humidity is lower, and rainfall is minimal. These seasons offer ideal weather for sightseeing, outdoor festivals, and enjoying Brisbane’s parks, riverfront, and nearby beaches without the summer crowds or storms.
The least favourable time to visit is during summer (December to February), when heat, humidity, and frequent thunderstorms can disrupt outdoor plans. While the city is lively and the sea is warm, heavy rain and occasional flooding may affect travel, especially during intense summer storms.
Brisbane has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Rainfall is highest in summer, while autumn and winter are drier and sunnier. Temperatures are warm most of the year.
Summer temperatures in Brisbane typically reach 29–30°C, with high humidity and frequent thunderstorms. Nights remain warm, and heatwaves can occasionally push temperatures higher.
Rainfall is highest in summer, with monthly totals often exceeding 160 mm. Rain usually falls as short, intense downpours, often accompanied by thunderstorms. Winter and spring are much drier.
Autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November) are best for outdoor activities, with mild temperatures, low humidity, and little rain. These seasons are ideal for hiking, festivals, and exploring the city.
Yes, Brisbane’s warm climate and nearby beaches make it a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing. The sea is warmest from January to March, but beach activities are possible year-round.
Tropical cyclones are rare in Brisbane but can occasionally affect the region in summer. Most storms bring heavy rain and strong winds, but direct hits are uncommon.
Pack light, breathable clothing and sun protection for summer, and bring a rain jacket for storms. In winter, a light jacket is useful for cool mornings and evenings. Comfortable shoes are recommended year-round.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is January (28.1 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is July (19.5 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 24.1 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is January (22.2 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is July (12.7 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 17.6 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is February (27 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is August (20.9 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 23.8 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is March (89.9 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is September (25.7 mm). Over the whole year there are 666.3 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is March (20.1 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is August (9.6 days). Over the whole year there are 178.7 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is February (77 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is September (68.2 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 73.2 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is February (16.3 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is May (13.7 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 14.6 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is February (44.1 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is August (19.9 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 32.3 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is December (Average daylight: 13.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is June (Average daylight: 10 h). Over the whole year there are 11.6 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is November (Average sunshine: 10 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is June (Average sunshine: 5.9 h). Over the whole year there are 7.7 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are January, February, March, October, November and December (UV index: 6). The month with the lowest average UV index is June (UV index: 4). Over the whole year the average UV index is 5.4.
