Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, enjoys a subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters. This article provides a month-by-month breakdown of rainfall, temperature, and daylight hours to help you plan your activities, whether you're a resident or a visitor. Understanding Brisbane's weather patterns is key to making the most of this vibrant city.
Brisbane's Climate at a Glance
Brisbane's climate is classified as humid subtropical (Köppen: Cfa). Summers (December to February) are hot and wet, with average maximum temperatures around 29°C (84°F) and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winters (June to August) are mild and dry, with average maximums near 21°C (70°F). The city receives about 1,000 mm (39 inches) of rain annually, with most falling from November to March.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
January
January is the hottest month in Brisbane. The average maximum temperature is 29.4°C (84.9°F) and the average minimum is 21.2°C (70.2°F). Rainfall averages 159 mm (6.3 inches) over 12 rainy days. Daylight hours are long, with sunrise around 5:30 AM and sunset about 6:50 PM, giving approximately 13.3 hours of daylight. Humidity is high, often above 60%. For tips on staying cool, see our guide to beating the heat.
February
February remains hot and humid. Average maximum temperature is 29.0°C (84.2°F), minimum 21.0°C (69.8°F). Rainfall is slightly lower at 143 mm (5.6 inches) over 11 rainy days. Daylight decreases to about 12.8 hours, with sunrise at 5:50 AM and sunset at 6:45 PM. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoons.
March
March marks the transition to autumn. Average max temperature drops to 27.9°C (82.2°F), min to 19.8°C (67.6°F). Rainfall is 109 mm (4.3 inches) over 10 rainy days. Daylight hours shrink to 12.2 hours, with sunrise around 6:10 AM and sunset 6:20 PM. Humidity remains moderate. It's a good time for outdoor activities; check our outdoor activities guide.
April
April sees mild autumn weather. Average max is 25.7°C (78.3°F), min 16.9°C (62.4°F). Rainfall drops to 69 mm (2.7 inches) over 8 rainy days. Daylight is 11.3 hours, with sunrise at 6:30 AM and sunset at 5:50 PM. The weather is pleasant for exploring the city.
May
May is a dry, mild month. Average max temperature is 22.9°C (73.2°F), min 13.7°C (56.7°F). Rainfall is 64 mm (2.5 inches) over 7 rainy days. Daylight hours fall to 10.6 hours, with sunrise at 6:50 AM and sunset at 5:20 PM. Clear skies are common.
June
June is the start of winter and the driest month. Average max is 20.6°C (69.1°F), min 11.6°C (52.9°F). Rainfall averages 58 mm (2.3 inches) over 6 rainy days. Daylight is shortest: 10.3 hours, with sunrise at 7:10 AM and sunset at 5:10 PM. Cold fronts can bring crisp mornings.
July
July is the coolest month. Average max temperature is 20.5°C (68.9°F), min 10.9°C (51.6°F). Rainfall is 56 mm (2.2 inches) over 5 rainy days. Daylight slowly increases to 10.5 hours, with sunrise at 7:10 AM and sunset at 5:20 PM. Frost is rare but possible in outer suburbs.
August
August shows signs of spring. Average max rises to 22.2°C (72.0°F), min 12.0°C (53.6°F). Rainfall is 45 mm (1.8 inches) over 5 rainy days. Daylight increases to 11.1 hours, with sunrise at 6:50 AM and sunset at 5:40 PM. The weather is ideal for outdoor events; see our spring events calendar.
September
September is a pleasant spring month. Average max is 24.8°C (76.6°F), min 14.6°C (58.3°F). Rainfall is 52 mm (2.0 inches) over 6 rainy days. Daylight grows to 11.9 hours, with sunrise at 6:20 AM and sunset at 6:00 PM. The city's parks and gardens bloom.
October
October warms up further. Average max temperature is 26.6°C (79.9°F), min 17.1°C (62.8°F). Rainfall increases to 78 mm (3.1 inches) over 8 rainy days. Daylight reaches 12.7 hours, with sunrise at 5:50 AM and sunset at 6:20 PM. Humidity starts to rise.
November
November is a transition to summer. Average max is 28.0°C (82.4°F), min 19.2°C (66.6°F). Rainfall is 97 mm (3.8 inches) over 10 rainy days. Daylight is 13.4 hours, with sunrise at 5:20 AM and sunset at 6:50 PM. Thunderstorms become more frequent.
December
December is hot and wet. Average max temperature is 29.1°C (84.4°F), min 20.8°C (69.4°F). Rainfall averages 131 mm (5.2 inches) over 11 rainy days. Daylight is longest at 13.8 hours, with sunrise around 5:00 AM and sunset at 7:00 PM. The festive season is warm; stay hydrated and use sunscreen. For summer safety tips, read our summer safety guide.
Seasonal Summary
Summer (December–February)
- Average max temperature: 29.2°C (84.6°F)
- Average min temperature: 21.0°C (69.8°F)
- Total rainfall: 433 mm (17.0 inches)
- Average daylight: 13.3 hours
Autumn (March–May)
- Average max temperature: 25.5°C (77.9°F)
- Average min temperature: 16.8°C (62.2°F)
- Total rainfall: 242 mm (9.5 inches)
- Average daylight: 11.4 hours
Winter (June–August)
- Average max temperature: 21.1°C (70.0°F)
- Average min temperature: 11.5°C (52.7°F)
- Total rainfall: 159 mm (6.3 inches)
- Average daylight: 10.6 hours
Spring (September–November)
- Average max temperature: 26.5°C (79.7°F)
- Average min temperature: 17.0°C (62.6°F)
- Total rainfall: 227 mm (8.9 inches)
- Average daylight: 12.7 hours
Practical Tips for Brisbane's Climate
When packing for Brisbane, consider the season. In summer, bring light clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and an umbrella for sudden storms. In winter, pack layers for cool mornings and evenings. For detailed packing advice, see what to pack for Brisbane. If you're planning a move, our moving to Brisbane guide covers everything from housing to transport.
Brisbane's climate also affects energy bills. Summer air conditioning costs can be high; consider energy-efficient appliances. For more, read our energy saving tips.