Page 49 - Ultimate Australia

CLIMATE

Melbourne, Australia: These cities are in the temperate zone. As a result, temperatures are
generally in the 50s-70s throughout the year, although highs in the 80s are common in
summer and lows in the 40s are normal in the winter. Occasionally, heat waves will spike the
highs up even more—to as much as 100 degrees—but this is the exception, rather than the
rule. Rainfall can occur at any time of year. Snow is fairly rare, but can happen in Melbourne.
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rainstorms, especially in spring and summer.

Alice Springs, Australia: Located in the desert outback, Alice Springs is generally hot and
dry. Daytime highs will be roughly 10 degrees higher than other cities we visit—so if it is a
pleasant 80 degrees in Melbourne or Sydney, expect 90 degrees in Alice Springs. Nighttime
lows can also be more severe compared to other cities. The desert doesn’t retain heat well,
so lows in the 50s are common, even if it was very hot earlier that day. In winter, lows can
dip down into the 30s and 40s. Heat waves are more common here than other parts of the
country—and more extreme—with temperatures of 110 degrees or even more. On the plus
side, there is very little rainfall.

Sydney, Australia: Sydney is in the temperate zone. As a result, temperatures are generally in
the 50s-70s throughout the year, although highs in the 80s are common in summer and lows
in the 40s are normal in the winter. Occasionally, heat waves will spike the highs up even
more—to as much as 100 degrees—but this is the exception, rather than the rule. Compared to
other cities in this climate zone Sydney gets the more rainfall, meaning that rain can happen
at any time of year.

Tasmania, Australia: Overall, Tasmania’s climate is similar to the Atlantic Seaboard in the
U.S.—mild in spring and fall, warm and humid in the summer, and cold in winter. Snowfall
is mostly in the mountains, although towns like Hobart and Launceston might get a dusting
every now and then.

New Zealand: The winter season runs from May to September, but since weather in New
Zealand is changeable throughout the year, especially in the South Island, all types of weather
conditions can occur during any season. All months are at least moderately wet; though
extended periods of settled, sunny weather can occur at any time of the year. Overall, the
country has more sunshine than might be expected in such a variable climate. Weather
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• North Island: The northern region of New Zealand and its eastern coast tend to be
sunnier and drier than the southern half of the country. While snow can occur almost
anywhere at sea level in New Zealand, it is very rare in the extreme north of the North
Island. Here the climate is almost subtropical with gentle winters and warm, humid
summers. Rain is quite frequent in the northern part of the North Island and you should
come prepared with adequate rain gear. Temperatures become cooler as you move south
toward New Zealand’s second major island.

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