When is the best time to vacation in Australia?  Mainland Australia description, relief, climate, flora and fauna Average January temperature in Australia

Australia is a continent unique in everything, including its climatic conditions, which makes it an attractive holiday destination throughout the year. It is the driest continent on Earth, but has 6 climate zones, providing a wide variety natural conditions- from deserts to sea ​​coasts, from tropical forests to snowy peaks, from temperate climate the islands of Tasmania to the desert heat of the central part of the continent. Climate of Australia very diverse.

Since Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, the order of the seasons is mirrored from the Northern Hemisphere. This means that when it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it is summer in Australia - best time to visit the southern half of the country, including the cities and areas of Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth. And the Australian winter, known as the dry season, is the best time to visit the country's northern and central regions, including Darwin and the Red Centre, Broome and the Kimberley.

The hottest time of the year is from November to January. At that time weather in Australia by month quite warm. Temperatures range from +20 to +32, and in the central regions it can reach +38-42. At the same time, already 1.5 - 2 hours after sunset the temperature can drop by 10-12 degrees.

On the coast Pacific Ocean and the Bolshoi Islands Barrier Reef the weather is milder. It is relatively cold in June - August, the temperature rises no higher than +15 - +18, and in temperate zone sometimes it drops to zero degrees. IN winter time rains frequently.

On the West Coast Australian climate somewhat softer due to the influence of the ocean - in summer the heat here is usually thirty degrees, in winter the air cools to +18-+20 degrees during the day and +6-+8 at night.

In the very populated area- south- east coast- Mediterranean type reigns Australian climate- with hot, dry summers and rainy, mild winters. So, in Melbourne in summer, on typical January days, the thermometer usually stays around +25-+27 degrees, and in winter it drops to +10-+12, and at night to +5.

In the coolest part of the country - on the island of Tasmania - a typical British climate reigns - in summer the daytime temperature is +20-+22, in winter it is ten degrees cooler. Strong changes weather by month not visible. In winter, night frosts occur, but a stable snow cover does not form here - throughout the region, snow falls steadily only on the tops of the mountains.

Such a variety of climatic conditions allows us to offer holidays for every taste of the most discerning tourists.

The geographical location of the most mysterious continent on earth, coupled with the topography and oceans washing the continent, makes Australia's climate so multifaceted and different from the rest. On the territory of the country there are four main climatic zones, in which weather and temperature differences are clearly manifested.

Why do Australia have calendar and climate seasons?

The Southern Hemisphere dictates its own weather seasons of the year in Australia, changing the calendar summer, autumn, winter and spring in places. Therefore, climatic spring on the mainland begins in September and lasts until November. The summer season is limited to the period from December to February. Autumn begins in March and gives way to climatic winter in June, which lasts until August.

Tropical monsoon climate of Australia (subequatorial)

The north and northeast of the mainland is under the rule of the subequatorial climate zone, so the average temperature throughout the year remains at 23-24 degrees. Northwest monsoons in summer period bring up to 1500 mm of precipitation to the shores of Australia. IN winter months The northern regions of the country remain virtually without rain. As you move towards the center of the continent, you can often notice severe droughts caused by hot winds.

Three tropical climates in Australia

The eastern part of the mainland is influenced by the Pacific trade winds blowing from the southeast, so these regions of Australia are characterized by a humid tropical climate. The entire east coast of the country, including Sydney, up to the western foothills of the Great Dividing Range, is drought-free. The climate here can be called mild, because in the summer season temperatures vary between 22-25 degrees, and in winter they do not drop below 11 degrees. The climatic summer, which in Australia occurs in December, January and February, is characterized by insignificant rainfall. The climatic winter in the east of the country, on the contrary, is very wet, so floods often occur.

Deserts cover an impressive portion of the country, making Australia one of the driest continents in the world. The reason for this is the considerable extent of the continent along the equator, coupled with mountainous areas that skirt the coast along the water's edge. Therefore, most precipitation falls on the coast, never reaching the central regions of the country. In addition, the formation of severe droughts is influenced by the low ruggedness of the coast and tropical latitudes, which heat up the most.

The central and western regions of Australia are more susceptible to the influence of the desert climate, where in January temperatures can exceed 30 degrees in the shade, and in July vary between 10-15 degrees. In big sandy desert and the Lake Eyre area, temperatures often reach 45 degrees, and in winter they do not drop below 20 degrees. Temperatures in Alice Springs, on the other hand, could drop to -6 degrees. Residents of these regions have not seen rain for years.

Three types of subtropical climates in Australia

The southwestern regions of the country are close in their climatic conditions to the Mediterranean coast of France and Spain. Dry and hot summers give way to warm, humid winters, and in January the temperature can reach 27 degrees, and in June drop to only 12 degrees. The south of the country, which covers western New South Wales, the regions surrounding Adelaide and the Great Australian Bight, has a distinctly continental climate with droughts and widely variable temperatures. The southwestern part of New South Wales and the state of Victoria are considered the most favorable for living and farming. A humid, mild climate has been established here with an annual temperature range of 8 to 24 degrees.

Temperate climate zone on the island of Tasmania

T Anyone who dreams of the weather of Foggy Albion with cool summers and warm wet winters should go to the island of Tasmania. There is practically no snow in the region, since it has time to melt, however total annual precipitation exceeds 2000 mm.

You can enjoy the coolness of the Alps and catch snow in Australia from June to August in the mountains of Victoria and in the region Snowy Mountains near the capital Canberra.

Climate zones of Australia

Due to the fact that the mainland lies within three warm climatic zones Southern Hemisphere, and the island of Tasmania in temperate zone, its climatic conditions will be diverse.

There are 4 climatic zones on the mainland:

• Subequatorial zone;
• Tropical zone;
• Subtropical zone;
• Temperate zone.

In general, it is typical for Australia arid climate type. Precipitation during the year ranges from $250$-$500$ mm. The driest area is in the south of the mainland, around the lake Air and covers an area of ​​several thousand square kilometers. The annual number here is less 125 mm. In the center of Australia there may be no precipitation for several years in a row. Areas with a large amount of falling moisture are small in area and located in places where wet air rises above orographic barriers.

Near Queensland the largest number of them is registered – $4500$ mm per year. The coastal northern regions, the east and southeast of the mainland, and the island can boast a precipitation amount of $500$ mm per year. Tasmania. Precipitation in the form snow only appear in Australian Alps, Victoria, New South Wales at an altitude of more than 1350 m. Australia, like other continents, is also affected by the problem global change climate. This manifests itself in reduction in power And duration of snow cover in the mountains. The precipitation regime is characterized by seasonal differences. Most of them fall out in summer period, which lasts from December to March. The southern part of the mainland and the western coast receive precipitation in winter.

Temperatures are also characteristic seasonal variations. The northwest coast is one of the most roast area. Minimum temperatures are not typical for the mainland, with the exception of mountainous areas New South Wales, Victoria, Australian Alps and most of Tasmania. Frosts in these areas can occur at any time of the year, and the frost-free period lasts for $300$ days.

Spring period on the mainland begins with month of September and lasts until the end November. wild nature blossoms during this period. Optimal temperatures - no extreme heat, but not cold either. Summer– the most hot and dry time of year, in deserts the air warms up to $40$ degrees in the shade. Autumn, as on other continents, is called golden and lasts from March to May. The best time of year for the mainland is winter, the air temperature does not exceed $20$ degrees, it rains infrequently.

Characteristics of climate zones

Subequatorial climate zone of Australia and occupies the northern and northeastern part of the mainland. Throughout the year in this zone there is a smooth variation in air temperature +$23$-$24$ degrees and a large number of precipitation that comes with wet northwest monsoon. Precipitation falls unevenly across the climate zone; most of it remains on the coast. Their total number during the year is $1000$-$1500$ mm, and in some places it can be up to $2000$ mm. Summer within the belt very wet with thunderstorms. Dry the period of the year here is winter, rain falls sporadically. Dry and hot winds blowing from the interior of the continent can cause drought. Air masses change with the seasons of the year. The water near the shore warms up to +$25$ degrees and remains constant.

Tropical climate zone of Australia. On the background high temperatures air, in January +$30$, in July +$16$ degrees, within this belt it formed two types climate – continental (desert) and humid tropical. The difference between these types is the nature moisturizing. The amount of precipitation here varies from east to west - during humid tropical climate, up to $2000$ mm falls, and in desert type precipitation is only about $200$ mm per year.

Humid tropical the region is within the zone of action of southeastern trade winds, which bring saturated air masses. The coastal plains and eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range are well-hydrated and characterized by a mild, warm climate. Tropical desert climate, occupying the central and western parts of the continent, receives precipitation from $250$-$300$ mm per year. Northwestern Australia, where it is located Great Sandy Desert, summer temperatures remain at +$35$ degrees, in winter they drop to +$20$. Precipitation here is also uneven. It happens that they are not there for several years, and sometimes the entire annual norm falls out in a few hours. Some of the water quickly goes underground and becomes inaccessible to plants, while the other part evaporates.

Subtropical climate zone of Australia.

Within this zone there are three types of climate:

• Mediterranean type;
• Subtropical continental type;
• Subtropical humid climate.

The southwestern part of the continent is characterized by Mediterranean type similar to the climate of Spain and Southern France - dry and hot summer, warm and wet winter. Temperature fluctuations by season are small - in January +$23$-$27$ degrees, in June +$12$-$14$ degrees. Annual precipitation ranges from $600$-$1000$ mm. Continental subtropical climate occupies the part of the continent that is adjacent to Great Australian Bight. The climate is characterized by large annual fluctuations in air temperature and low precipitation. State Victoria, southwestern foothills of New South Wales located within the boundaries subtropical humid climate. Precipitation mainly falls in the coastal part - $500$-$600$ mm, and as it moves deeper into the continent, its amount decreases. Summer temperatures rise to +$20$-$24$ degrees, and winter ones drop to +$8$-$10$ degrees.

Temperate climate zone of Australia. The central and southern parts of the island are located within the belt Tasmania. The island's climate, influenced by the surrounding waters, differs moderately warm winter And cool summer.

Note 2

The average monthly temperature in January is +$14$-$17$ degrees, and in June +$8$. Prevailing winds western direction, which carry a lot of moisture from the ocean, in the west of the island - $2500$ mm. Rainy days of the year here $259$. During the winter period, snow may fall, but it does not linger for a long period.

Australia's extreme weather conditions

Australia's weather conditions can be extreme character. During the wet season in tropical areas, problems may occur. cyclones. In desert areas, for several years in a row, severe droughts, and falling rains lead to floods. In the southern states, the rainiest months are from May to July. From June to September there is a snow season in the Australian Alps.

Cyclones- a tropical phenomenon. They are guests of the coast Western Australia And Queensland. About $6$ of cyclones hit the mainland every year, and one of the most famous is Cyclone Tracy$1974$ City Darwin evacuated due to $80$% damage. Over $600 people were injured and $49 $ died. Tracy wasn't the worst cyclone. Passed over Australia Hurricane in $1899$ ​​in Queensland, killed $400$ people and destroyed a whole fleet for the extraction of pearls and fish.

For central regions Australian characteristics severe droughts. In these areas it is replaced day heat severe cold comes at night. But these are unusual droughts. There have been quite a lot of such droughts over the past $200$ years. For example, drought$1895$-$1903$ lasted no less than $8$ years. As a result half of all sheep countries and $40$ % large cattle died. A $5-year drought occurred between $1963-$1968. – result – harvest decreased by $40$% wheat. The same drought only in the central part of the continent lasted $8$ years - from $1958$-$1967$.

Note 3

The most hot the place of the mainland is Cloncurry, where in the shade the air temperature rises to +$50$ degrees. Minimum precipitation amount – $126$ mm recorded in Willpum Creek, A maximum– in the east Innisfail$3535$ mm.

“It was last summer – in mid-January.” As children, this song made us laugh: we were very smart children, and we understood that it was always winter in January!

But it turned out that not everywhere! Australia is a country of antipodes. And although people there, of course, do not walk on their heads, the seasons are still upside down, and summer falls in December, January and February, and the winter months (if this time of year can be called winter there) are June, July and August. So what's the weather like in Australia?

The climate on the continent is very diverse - from tropical to temperate. And, if the entire central part of the continent is occupied by desert, then on the northern coast they are rampaging tropical jungle, and in the south of Australia and on the island of Tasmania, snow falls in winter (which, however, does not last long), and real penguins live!

By the way, interesting fact: In 2011, when an oil tanker spilled off the coast of Tasmania, volunteers dressed the penguins in knitted sweaters to keep them from freezing and ingesting oil while trying to clean their feathers.

Weather in Australia by month

Summer – December, January, February.

In the northern part of the mainland (port of Darwin, numerous National parks) summer lasts all year round, it is during these months that the temperature does not drop below +25 °C even at night. During the day the temperature is constantly above 30°C.

Summer here is the rainy season; in January in Darwin it can rain for up to 20 days in a row! Such high humidity combined with heat is not very well tolerated, so it is better to travel to the north of Australia in winter or in the off-season. Besides summer months in the northern part of the continent they are famous for their cyclones and storms.

The water temperature, however, is comfortable here at any time of the year - swim to your health, the main thing is not to be carried away into the open sea or run into poisonous jellyfish and not be eaten by a shark or crocodile!

In the central part of the continent in summer, the desert heats up during the day and cools down at night; The daily temperature spread reaches 25 °C! That's why tourist routes, and in general there are not many traces of civilization there.

On the east coast, in the most populated part of the mainland - Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Newcastle from December to March there are heavy rains. average temperature these days are about +28 °C, but the water is a little colder - about +25 °C.

In Western Australia (Perth), the summer months are blessed with clear, hot weather. It rains in Western Australia mainly in the winter season, and in the summer the number of rainy days does not exceed 2-4. The nights, however, are not hot: the average night temperature in Perth from December to March is +18-20 °C.

The weather in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales (Adelaide, Melbourne) in the summer season is pleasant and comfortable, almost European-style: during the day the air warms up to +20-25 °C, the climate is further softened by sea currents. In Adelaide the climate is hotter and drier - in the summer you can wait a whole month for rain.

Autumn – March, April, May.

Australian autumn in the north of the continent can rather be called an off-season - a transition from rainy season to dry. The northern region is also called “Top End” - “upper end” - based on its location on the map. So, in the “top end” of Australia at the beginning of autumn there are quite strong thunderstorms, and the night temperature gradually drops: by May in Darwin the air cools down to +22 ° C at night. If in March it rains every third day, then by May the weather becomes drier, and it rains only a couple of times a month.

In Alice Springs, the mainland northern region of the continent, it begins to get colder at night - the thermometer drops to +17 °C (March) and +8 °C (May).

Autumn in the east - in Brisbane, Sydney - good season for travel and recreation.

The heat subsides (average daily temperature is +23 +26 °C), and there is less rain. Swimming season continues, the water is like fresh milk, and the sea is full of jellyfish: the Queensland state authorities even put special nets on the beaches to protect swimmers from burns.

In Perth (west of the continent) the weather is wonderful, gradually becoming cooler and rainier. The water is warm - about 20 ° C, slight winds blow.

In southern Australia, the weather is unstable from March to May; Australians joke that in Melbourne you can experience all 4 seasons in a day. But the average autumn temperature in the south is +17-20 °C, and at night it can get colder to +10.

Winter – June, July, August.

The winter months in the subequatorial north are the “dry” season. During the day it is just as hot (+30 °C), at night it becomes a little cooler, but the rains stop altogether, and you can wait for months for moisture from the sky!

In the central desert in winter, especially at night, it is cold, there are even frosts. And just as dry as the north coast.

In eastern cities - Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra - winter is quite comfortable and suitable for travel. The only drawback is that there may be cold nights, even frosts in July. The average temperature in Sydney at this time of year is about +16 °C.

On the west coast - in Perth - on the contrary, July is the most rainy month, the amount of precipitation this month reaches 173 mm, and it rains on average 17 days out of 30. The sea is quite cool - about +16 °C, so only daredevils swim at this time.

South of the mainland and about. Tasmania gets cold in winter.

Sometimes it even snows in these regions, and in some places you can ski! It's windy and uncomfortable in Melbourne.

Spring – September, October, November.

The spring off-season in Australia is similar to autumn. In the north it is a transitional season between dry land and rain, in the West it is the other way around. In the east, the climate is, as always, comfortable, and in the south, summer is expected!

The Australian continent is located within three main warm climate zones of the southern hemisphere: subequatorial (in the north), tropical (in the central part), subtropical (in the south). Only a small part of the island of Tasmania is within the temperate zone.

The subequatorial climate, characteristic of the northern and northeastern parts of the Australian continent, is characterized by an even temperature range (average air temperature throughout the year + 23 ° C; + 24 ° C) and large amounts of precipitation (from 1000 to 1500 mm, and in some places more than 2000 mm.). Precipitation is brought here by the humid northwest monsoon, and falls mainly in summer. In winter, during the dry period of the year, rain falls only sporadically. At this time, dry, hot winds blow from the interior of the continent, which sometimes cause droughts.

IN tropical zone On the Australian continent, two main types of climate are formed: tropical wet and tropical dry.

A tropical humid climate is characteristic of the extreme eastern part of Australia, which is within the zone of southeast trade winds. These winds bring moisture-rich air masses from the Pacific Ocean to the mainland. Therefore, the entire area of ​​​​the coastal plains and eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range is well moistened (on average 1000 to 1500 mm of precipitation falls) and has a mild warm climate(the temperature of the warmest month in Sydney is +22°C; +25°C, and the coldest month is +11.5°C; +13°C). Air masses bringing moisture from the Pacific Ocean also penetrate beyond the Great Ocean. Dividing Ridge, having lost a significant amount of moisture along the way, so precipitation falls only on the western slopes of the ridge and in the foothills area.

Located mainly in tropical and subtropical latitudes, where solar radiation is great, the Australian mainland is heating up greatly. Due to the weak ruggedness coastline and the elevation of the marginal parts, the influence of the seas surrounding the mainland has little effect on internal parts Australia.

Australia is the driest continent on Earth, and one of the most characteristic features its nature is a wide distribution of deserts, which occupy vast spaces and stretch almost 2.5 thousand km from the coast Indian Ocean to the foothills of the Great Dividing Range.

The central and western parts of the continent are characterized by a tropical desert climate. In summer (December-February) average temperatures here rise to +30°C, and sometimes higher, and in winter (June-August) they drop to an average of +10°C; +15°С. The hottest region of Australia is the north-west, where in the Great Sandy Desert the temperature remains at +35°C and even higher almost all summer. IN winter period it decreases slightly (to approximately +25°C; +20°C). In the center of the mainland, near the city of Alice Springs, in summer time year, the temperature during the day rises to +45°C, at night it drops to zero and below (-4°C; -6°C).

The central and western parts of Australia, that is, about half of its territory, receive an average of 250-300 mm of precipitation per year, and the surrounding area of ​​Lake Eyre - less than 200 mm; but even these minor precipitations fall unevenly. Sometimes there is no rain at all for several years in a row, and sometimes the entire annual amount of precipitation falls in two or three days, or even in a few hours. Some of the water quickly and deeply seeps through the permeable soil and becomes inaccessible to plants, and some evaporates under the hot rays of the sun, and the surface layers of the soil remain almost dry.

Within the subtropical zone of Australia, there are three types of climate: Mediterranean, subtropical continental and subtropical humid.

The Mediterranean climate is typical for the southwestern part of Australia. As the name suggests, the climate of this part of the country is similar to that of the European Mediterranean countries - Spain and Southern France. Summers are hot and generally dry, while winters are warm and humid. Relatively small temperature fluctuations by season (January - +23°C; +27°C, June - +12°C; +14°C), sufficient precipitation (from 600 to 1000 mm).

The subtropical continental climate zone covers the southern part of the mainland adjacent to the Great Australian Bight, includes the environs of the city of Adelaide and extends somewhat further east into the western regions of New South Wales. The main features of this climate are low precipitation and relatively large annual temperature fluctuations.

The subtropical humid climate zone includes the entire state of Victoria and the southwestern foothills of New South Wales. In general, this entire zone is characterized by a mild climate and a significant amount of precipitation (from 500 to 600 mm), mainly in the coastal parts (the penetration of precipitation into the interior of the continent decreases). In summer, temperatures rise to an average of +20°C; +24°С, but in winter they drop quite significantly - to +8°С; +10°С. The climate in this part of Australia is favorable for growing fruit trees, various vegetables and forage grasses. True, to obtain high yields, artificial irrigation is used, since in summer there is not enough moisture in the soil. Dairy cattle (grazing on forage grasses) and sheep are raised in these areas.

The temperate climate zone includes only the central and southern parts of the island of Tasmania. This island is largely influenced by the surrounding waters, and its climate is characterized by moderately warm winters and cool summers. The average January temperature here is +14°C; +17°C, June - +8°C. The predominant wind direction is western. The average annual precipitation in the western part of the island is 2500 mm, and the number of rainy days is 259. In the eastern part the climate is somewhat less humid.

In winter, snow sometimes falls, but it does not last long. Heavy rainfall favors the development of vegetation, and especially grasses, which grow all year round. Herds of cattle and sheep graze on evergreen lush natural and improved by sowing forage grasses all year round.

The hot climate and insignificant and uneven precipitation over most of the continent lead to the fact that almost 60% of its territory has no flow to the ocean and has only a sparse network of temporary watercourses. Perhaps no other continent has such a poorly developed network inland waters, like in Australia. The annual flow of all rivers of the Australian continent is only 350 km³.