Christmas Day Weather in Australia: Rain for Eastern States, Heat in Western

Darwin, 25 December:

Australians can expect a mixed bag of weather this Christmas Day, with rain forecast for much of the eastern states and extreme heat gripping parts of Western Australia.

Melbourne is set to experience a cool and windy Christmas, potentially recording its coldest Christmas Day since 2006, when the temperature peaked at just 14.5°C. The city is forecast to be cloudy with a medium chance of showers, though rainfall is expected to remain light—generally under 5mm, and more likely between 1 and 2mm.

Sydney is also expected to see a shower or two, with a mild top of 23°C, while Brisbane could experience scattered showers alongside warmer conditions, reaching up to 34°C. Hobart will be the coolest of all capital cities, with a maximum of just 15°C.

In contrast, Western Australia is bracing for extreme heat. Perth is forecast to reach a scorching 41°C on Christmas Day before cooling significantly to 27°C on Boxing Day. According to Natural Hazards Research Australia chief executive Andrew Gissing, heatwave conditions and extreme fire danger are expected in parts of the state, particularly in the south-west.

“WA residents are facing extreme heat,” Gissing said, noting that strong winds and low humidity are contributing to severe fire danger ratings. He also warned that a long-term drying trend across the state has heightened bushfire risks, along with associated health concerns from smoke exposure.

While forecast rain is helping to reduce bushfire risk across many capital cities, Australia continues to experience what Gissing described as a “reasonably active” bushfire season. Recent fires have destroyed around 16 homes in New South Wales, a similar number in Tasmania’s Dolphin Sands, and several properties in Western Australia. Tragically, firefighters have also lost their lives during the season.

Elsewhere, Canberra (27°C) and Adelaide (25°C) are expected to enjoy fine and relatively mild Christmas weather. Darwin, however, may see heavy tropical rainfall, with up to 50mm possible and a top temperature of 31°C.

Gissing also highlighted additional weather threats facing the country, including widespread heavy rainfall across northern Australia that could lead to flooding. A category-two cyclone has also strengthened in the Indian Ocean and may impact the Cocos (Keeling) Islands on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.