If you just stepped off a plane in Sydney or Melbourne, the answer to what is the season in australia now is blindingly obvious. It’s summer. The sun is aggressive. The air is thick.
But honestly? That's a bit of a "tourist" answer. Australia is a massive continent, and while the calendar says January is mid-summer, the reality on the ground depends entirely on whether you’re standing on a beach in Bondi, hiking through a rainforest in the Top End, or shivering in a sudden cold snap in the Tasmanian highlands.
Right now, in January 2026, most of the country is in the middle of a classic, blistering summer. But if you’re up north, it’s not "summer" at all—it’s the Wet Season.
What Is The Season In Australia Now? Breaking Down the 2026 Forecast
For most of the world, summer is a gentle time of long days and ice cream. In Australia, it’s a high-stakes season of extreme contrast.
As of late January 2026, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is tracking some pretty wild weather. While parts of Western Australia and the Red Centre are grappling with severe heatwaves—we’re talking 40°C to 45°C—the East Coast is currently getting hammered by a different beast.
Recent reports from the south coast of New South Wales show some areas have been drenched with over 100mm of rain in a single night. Locations like Moruya and Bodalla have seen massive falls, proving that "summer" in Australia often includes dramatic, humid thunderstorms that can turn a beach day into a washout in twenty minutes.
The Standard Four-Season Model
If you look at a standard calendar, Australia follows the meteorological dates rather than the astronomical ones. It’s simpler that way.
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- Summer: December 1 to February 28/29
- Autumn: March 1 to May 31
- Winter: June 1 to August 31
- Spring: September 1 to November 30
So, strictly speaking, the answer to what is the season in australia now is summer. But that only tells about 30% of the story.
The "Two-Season" Reality of the North
Go north of the Tropic of Capricorn—think Darwin, Cairns, or Broome—and the four-season model basically disappears. Nobody there talks about "summer" or "winter."
They have the Wet and the Dry.
Right now, it is the peak of the Wet Season. This isn't just a few showers. It’s a period of intense humidity, monsoonal rains, and the ever-present threat of tropical cyclones. In places like Darwin, the temperature stays around 32°C, but the humidity sits at 80% or higher. It feels like walking through warm soup.
While the southern states are enjoying (or enduring) the sun, the north is lush, green, and occasionally underwater. It's a spectacular time for waterfalls, but a terrible time for your hair.
Indigenous Seasons: A More Accurate Way to Look at It
The Noongar people of Western Australia have used a six-season calendar for thousands of years. It’s far more nuanced than the European model.
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In late January, we are in Birak, the "First Summer." It’s characterized by the afternoon sea breeze—the famous "Fremantle Doctor"—and the flowering of Christmas trees.
Soon, in February, it shifts to Bunuru, the "Second Summer." This is usually the hottest part of the year, where the winds come from the east and the north. Understanding these shifts helps explain why the weather feels so different from one week to the next, even though the calendar still says "January."
What Most People Get Wrong About January Weather
People often assume that because it’s summer, the whole country is a beach paradise.
That is a mistake.
- The Desert is Lethal: Heading to Uluru or Coober Pedy right now? Be careful. January temperatures in the Red Centre regularly exceed 40°C. Many hiking trails close by 9:00 AM because the heat is literally life-threatening.
- The "Stinger" Season: In North Queensland, you can’t just jump in the ocean in January. It’s box jellyfish season. Unless you’re in a stinger suit or a protected enclosure, the water is off-limits.
- Melbourne’s Identity Crisis: Even in the height of summer, Melbourne can drop 15 degrees in an hour. Locals call it the "Cool Change." You can be sweating in a t-shirt at noon and reaching for a hoodie by 4:00 PM.
Regional Snapshots: What to Expect Right Now
Sydney and NSW
Humid. Very humid. Right now, Sydney is seeing a mix of high-20s temperatures and sudden, violent thunderstorms. The water is at its warmest, making it the best time for a swim, provided you don't mind sharing the sand with half the city's population.
Melbourne and Victoria
It’s a gamble. You might get a 40°C day followed by a week of 22°C and drizzle. The Great Ocean Road is stunning this time of year, but the flies can be legendary. Seriously, bring repellent.
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Perth and Western Australia
Dry, baking heat. Perth is famously the sunniest capital in the world, and in January, it lives up to the name. The bushfire risk is currently very high, so if you're traveling through rural areas, keep a close eye on the Emergency WA alerts.
Darwin and the Top End
As mentioned, it’s the Wet. Expect spectacular lightning shows and heavy afternoon downpours. It's the off-season for tourism, so things are cheaper, but some roads into national parks like Kakadu might be closed due to flooding.
Packing for Australia in January
If you're coming here now, forget the heavy jeans. You need:
- Linen everything: Breathable fabrics are non-negotiable.
- High-SPF Sunscreen: The Australian sun is different. It burns faster than you think due to the thin ozone layer.
- A "Light" Rain Jacket: Especially if you’re on the East Coast or up North.
- The "Plug-In" Repellent: If you’re staying anywhere near the bush, the mosquitoes are currently in their prime.
Moving Forward: How to Track the Weather
Australia’s climate is shifting. We’re seeing more "unseasonal" events—like the current heavy rains in NSW during what should be a dry summer month.
The best way to stay safe and informed is to use the BOM Weather app. It’s the gold standard. Check the "Radar" feature before you head out for a hike or a beach day.
If you're planning a trip for the upcoming months, remember that Autumn begins on March 1. This is arguably the best time to visit Australia, as the heat dies down but the water stays warm.
Next Steps for You:
Check the local fire danger ratings if you are traveling outside major cities. In the current Birak/Summer season, conditions can change rapidly. Always have a "Plan B" for outdoor activities in case of heatwaves or sudden storm cells.