The most populated city in Australia is perhaps also the most consistent in terms of weather expectations. Temperatures are generally very pleasant in all seasons, with daytime averages floating in the high 20s during the summer months, and the high teens during the winter months.

Sydney is prone to frequent, consistent rainfall, seeing more than 100mm per month most of the year. The driest months are towards the end of the calendar. On sunny days, Sydney sees as much as 9 hours of sunshine per day most of the year. During the winter, 7.5 to 8 hours is the norm.

Water temperatures along the shores of Sydney range from 18°C to 24°C.

Panorama of Sydney Harbor with the Opera House in Sydney, Autralia

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Sydney

With some of the most well-known beaches in all of Australia, The Gold Coast is known for being the place to enjoy sunshine, warm weather, and pleasant ocean water temperatures.

Its climate is somewhat similar to that of the Caribbean: hot and humid year round, with regular precipitation that comes in strong bursts. Winter months see far less rain, and is actually regarded as perhaps the best time of year to visit, even for Australians venturing up from Sydney or Melbourne.

Ocean temperatures on the Gold Coast sit between 20°C and 25°C, offering a good opportunity to cool off after a day in the hot sun.

Colorful sunset over the ocean, beach and high-rise buildings in Gold Coast, Australia

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Gold Coast

Australia’s gateway to the Great Barrier Reef is situated on the northeast coast of the country and boasts a tropical climate with both a wet and dry season. It’s considerably hotter than most other Australian destinations like Sydney and Melbourne, with average temperatures between 23°C and 29°C.

Rainfall during the winter months is quite rare, but from December to April, Cairns can see as much as 500mm in any thirty day span. The city is also prone to severe cyclones and restrictive flooding during this time.

Water temperatures around the Great Barrier Reef are warm year round, peaking at 28°C and dipping to around 22°C in the winter. 

Waterfront view of Cairns, Australia with an esplanade and buildings in the background

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Cairns

The largest city, and most prominent destination on Australia’s west coast boasts a comfortable climate for most of the year. Outside of the winter months (June to August), Perth sees the most amount of sunshine of any major Australian city, with an average of 8.8 hours per day. Typical daytime temperatures float between 20°C and 30°C, dipping to a brisk 18°C on average during the rainy winter season.

Precipitation on the west coast is far more heavily weighted to the winter months where Perth can see as many as 21 rainy days per month in July and August, compared to just 4 days per month in January and February.

During the summer, a phenomenon known as the ‘Fremantle Doctor’ can bring in a constant gust of wind averaging 32km/h to the city. It serves as a remedy to hot days (hence the name ‘Doctor’) in the downtown and surrounding areas, but can sometimes be too much to handle along the beaches. The breeze is strongest in December and January, and is less noticeable in the other summer months.

Aerial cityscape view of the skyline in Perth, Australia during a dramatic purple and orange sunset

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Perth

Australia’s third most populous city is also one of the hottest. Its average temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C in the summer, and dips by about 10°C in the middle of winter. Overnight temperatures can sometimes fall to as low as 10°C in July and August, but the city is generally regarded as hot and humid year round.

Brisbane’s tropical climate makes the city prone to extreme rainfall. In its rainiest months (January and February), an average of 150mm per month is typical. This tapers off in winter, but it’s still quite normal to see around 50mm per month.

Humidity is very prominent in Brisbane, and at a consistent average of 70% relative humidity, it’s a good idea to come prepared with a way to shake that muggy feeling.

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Brisbane

The richly cultured, festival-heavy, city of Adelaide sits on the southern shores of mainland Australia and boasts a comfortable climate for most of the year. Summers are warm and sunny, with air temperatures ranging from 19°C to 25°C, and rainy days are few and far between. During the winter months (June to August), the city sees cooler temperatures ranging from 8°C to 17°C, and an increase in rainfall.

Bright sunny view of River Torrens with a fountain and reflections of the buildings in the water in Adelaide, Australia

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Adelaide

Located on the southeast coast of mainland Australia, Melbourne’s climate is considerably cooler than the majority of the country. The city is notorious for “seeing all four seasons in a day” which is a keen indicator about how tricky it can be to align your vacation with sunny, warm temperatures.

Melbourne’s skies are often overcast. Rain is generally very light, seeing an average of only 139mm over the entire year. That said, precipitation is much more continuous throughout the day compared to other Australian cities located to the north where rain comes in strong, but short spurts.

Air temperatures range from the high teens to high 20s in the summer, and drop by 10°C to 15°C on average during the winter.

The city isn’t well-known for its beaches (despite actually having some), but water temperatures in the Tasman Sea are a bit chillier than normal comfort levels, ranging from 14°C to 19°C.

Melbourne, Australia waterfront with views of the St. Paul's Cathedral, Yarra River and reflections of the buildings in the water

Melbourne

The contiguous states in America cover a wide range of geographies that are generally temperate for the majority of the year. Exceptions include the far north which can see extended periods of below 0°C temperatures alongside heavy snowfall; Southern Florida, which boasts a tropical climate akin to the Caribbean; and a hot desert climate in the southwest.

The island state of Hawaii has a tropical climate with constant trade winds that help to relieve the humidity.

To the north, Alaska’s proximity to the Pole gives it a subarctic climate with very cold winters, and short summers. The State alternates between periods of extended sunshine (peaking at a full 24 hours on the summer solstice), and months of complete darkness.

America’s wide variety of climates offers something for everyone making it a year round vacation destination.

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United States

The Dominican Republic is mostly a tropical climate complete with warm ocean water, lots of sunshine, and intense humidity. It’s a mountainous country, which means even the shortest of drives between cities can lead to dramatic weather changes.

Just like in the rest of the Caribbean, The Dominican Republic has a wet season and a dry season, however, these seasons begin and end at different times of the calendar year depending on whether you vacation in the north or south of the country.

In the north, beachside destinations like Puerto Plata see intense rainfall from November to May, making April to October the best time to visit. During these prime vacation months, the ocean sits around a balmy 29°C, and air temperatures range from the mid twenties to the low thirties.

In the south and south-east (where Punta Cana is), precipitation is considerably more intense during the opposite months, making December to April the best time of year to visit. Air temperatures during these prime vacation months sit between the mid to high twenties.

In short, the Dominican Republic is an all-year destination. Its varying topography can lead to a different weather experience depending on where you are at any given time. The plus side is that if you’re experiencing inclement weather where you are, warm and sunny skies are usually just a short drive away.

Panorama of the Dominican Republic with palm trees on a tropical beach and a bright sunset

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Dominican Republic

Geographically situated at the very top of the Caribbean islands, The Bahamas boasts a tropical climate that is slightly cooler than its neighbouring vacation spots. During the dry season (November to April), The Bahamas offers a welcoming temperature range of 18°C to 27°C. Consistent trade winds keep the island breezy, and comfortable ocean water temperatures bring an opportunity to cool off even further. For those who dread hot and balmy places but still want to escape harsh Canadian winters, this is the vacation spot for you.

In the summer months, rain dominates the forecast. The Bahamas sees an average of 18 rainy days per month from June to October. Precipitation often comes in short but strong spurts, clearing up quickly and returning to sun in as little as just a few minutes. This is also the time of year when the country is prone to very strong winds.

Despite the uptick in tropical storm appearances in the past five years, The Bahamas has historically avoided the most serious of hurricanes. One notable exception is in September 2019, when Hurricane Dorian became the first Category 5 hurricane since 1992 to make landfall, causing massive damage.

Caribbean tropical beach on a bright sunny day with white sand coastline and the deep blue sea in the Bahamas

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The Bahamas

As one of the largest countries in the world (14th overall), Mexico’s wide landscape offers a diverse range of climates for all sorts of vacationers. While air temperatures across the country are consistently warm year round, factors such as altitude and proximity to the equator play a large role in rainfall amounts, relative humidity, and a number of other categories.

Along the eastern shores, tourist hotspots like Cancun and Playa Del Carmen boast tropical climates akin to something you’d expect from the Caribbean. Air temperatures are hot and humid all year, and precipitation tends to fall in short, but strong bursts.

On the opposite coast, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlan offer a similar climate, albeit with a concentrated precipitation schedule.

Venturing inland towards Mexico City and other densely populated areas brings higher altitudes and therefore cooler air temperatures. 

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Mexico

Canada’s climate tends to vary from region to region, but in most cases can be categorized as long, cold winters and comfortable, temperate summers.

Snow is a defining characteristic across the country. In some areas, it can be present for six to eight months, however, popular tourist spots like coastal British Columbia and southern Ontario experience a considerably less severe winter season.

In Alberta, the contrasting landscapes between the Rocky Mountains and the flat plains can bring temperature swings of up to 30 degrees during a single night. As the Prairies continue east, the flat terrain and high humidity can spawn tornadoes more than anywhere else in Canada.

The northern territories make up 40% of Canada’s land, and are typically classified as dry and very cold. That said, much of the north still experiences a short summer where air temperatures range between 6°C to 18°C.

The climate across the Maritime provinces are strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Precipitation is a constant across the East. In winter months, that rain can turn into heavy snowfall. In Newfoundland particularly, there are usually one to two events where upwards of 70cm can fall in a single 24 hour period.

Summers across the country are more uniform than winter. Most major Canadian cities experience a comfortable, temperate summer season with high levels of humidity, and a fair amount of rainfall.

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Canada

Spain is generally regarded as a hot, sunny vacation destination, although by looking in the right places, it is possible to seek out chillier winters fit for skiing.

Most tourists tend to visit cities along the Balearic Sea like Barcelona or Valencia. Summers in these coastal cities are pleasantly warm with very little rainfall. Similarly, island destinations like Ibiza or Palma offer the same mediterranean climate, but with slightly hotter air temperatures.

Inland, cities like Seville see a more dramatic range of weather compared to their coastal counterparts. Here, temperatures can get blisteringly hot during dry summer months, and increased rainfall during early winter can cause some vacation disturbances.

Madrid’s high altitude exposes it to below-zero temperatures during the winter, including a period in January 2021 where 50cm of snow fell on the city, setting a new record.

The Canary Islands, which sit closer to Africa than mainland Spain, are another popular island getaway with pleasant summer temperatures and very little rainfall.

View of the water on Ibiza Island with boats in the ocean and tropical trees around the frame in Spain

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Spain

Jamaica is a popular tourist destination complete with year round pleasant weather and a robust culture. It boasts a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. High air temperatures, and warm ocean waters are the norm. 

Vacation hotspots are scattered across the island country. To the northwest, Montego Bay and Negril see slightly more intense rainfall than their counterparts to the east. That said, precipitation in Jamaica tends to come in strong but short bursts, making most days at least a little bit sunny.

Jamaica is prone to hurricanes. The most impactful ones tend to appear in late August through October, but hurricane season can sometimes begin as early as June or July. 

Aerial view of a main road, colorful buildings and ocean in Montego Bay, Mexico with sunny weather

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Jamaica

Italy’s lengthy geography with contrasting ecosystems gives the country a diverse climate range. Winters in the Alps get very cold, suitable for skiing, meanwhile winters along the coast or on the island of Sicily are quite pleasant. Similarly, summer hot spells can become uncomfortable as temperatures breach 30°C in some parts of Italy, while those same summers can become cool and breezy just by moving a few hundred kilometres inland.

Generally speaking, air temperatures increase toward the Southeast of the country.

Most popular destinations like Rome or Florence experience hot, dry summers, and brisk, but palatable winters. Precipitation is regular and relatively consistent throughout the country, with the rainiest months being October and November, and the driest months being during the summer.

Water temperatures, for the most part, are suitable for swimming during the summer months, but too cold any other time of year. 

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Italy

France covers a lot of diverse territory, and for that reason, it encompasses a number of different climates. Most of the country boasts a temperate, four-season climate where winters are cold, summers are warm, and Spring and Fall act as a transition period.

More extreme climates can be experienced in the Southeast. The French Alps are characterized by mountainous landscapes that bring in more rainfall, colder winters, and relatively cool summers.

Conversely, along the Rhône Valley, summers can get quite hot making it a desirable tourist destination.

Aerial view of the Seine river at sunset in Paris, France

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France

Australia is generally well-known for having a hot, sunny climate, but due to the country’s massive size, weather conditions and temperatures throughout the year tend to vary dramatically depending on where you visit.

In the south, where most of the population lives, the temperate climate sees a modified version of the four seasons that many Canadians are used to. In major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, summertime temperatures can get quite hot and sticky, while winter conditions are typically mild and wet. 

Moving along the eastern shores to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Cairns will bring hotter temperatures and more of a tropical climate akin the Caribbean. Rainy days are even more prominent in this part of Australia, although the precipitation there often comes in strong, quick bursts rather than prolonged over the course of an entire day.

The famous Australian Outback makes up most of the country’s interior. Its climate can get dangerously hot and dry, with summertime temperatures regularly floating around 40°C.

Extreme weather conditions in Australia can sometimes lead to massive wildfires or flash floods. The entire country is prone to these disasters, so it’s important to be conscious about protocols particularly when venturing out of the major cities.

When planning a vacation here, it’s also important to bear in mind that Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere. Their seasons are reversed from Canada’s, and getting closer to the Equator means travelling north rather than voyaging south.

Sydney, Australia from the ocean at sunset with the Sydney Opera house in the skyline

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5 Australian Cities You Should Have On Your Bucket List

Australia

The Caribbean nation of Cuba is located only 200km away from the Floridian tip of the United States and boasts a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.

During the rainy season (May to October), the country sees on average, 10 stormy days per month, and an air temperature range of 24°C to 31°C. The rainiest months are June and October. In the dry season (November to April), Cuba’s air temperature dips slightly to a range of 19°C to 26°C, and precipitation amounts are considerably lower. March and April are the driest months during this time.

Cuba is also prone to powerful hurricanes, with most occurring during August to October. 

Green vintage car on the main street with bright colorful buildings in Havana, Cuba

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Cuba

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Climate in Cairns

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