Australians planning their end-of-year festivities can now finalise their arrangements, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing its detailed seven-day forecast. The outlook now extends through Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and Thursday, January 1, 2026, revealing a nation set to experience a dramatic mix of conditions. While some capitals are in for perfect fireworks-viewing weather, others face the prospect of moving celebrations indoors.
A Coastal Divide For New Year's Eve Celebrations
The forecast paints a picture of contrasting fortunes for revellers across the country's major cities. On the east coast, Sydney will see a partly cloudy but warm countdown to midnight, with temperatures between 18C and 28C. However, the BOM warns of a slight chance of a shower later and the potential for a thunderstorm. New Year's Day will be slightly cooler at 27C, with a medium chance of showers continuing under partly cloudy skies.
Further south, Melbourne residents are likely to need a raincoat or an indoor venue. The city faces a cloudy and rainy end to 2025, with a high chance of showers and possible thunderstorms and a top of just 19C. January 1 will be slightly warmer at 21C with less rain, though a morning shower is still possible amidst persistent cloud.
In contrast, Brisbane is set for a sunny and warm send-off after a wet week, with mostly sunny conditions, light winds, and a top of 33C on NYE. New Year's Day will be even hotter at 34C, with a partly cloudy sky and a slight shower chance, making a beach trip highly appealing.
Sunny Skies Out West, Showers in the North and South
Western Australia's capital, Perth, will enjoy classic summer weather to farewell 2025, with sunny, hot conditions and a maximum of 35C. The first day of 2026 will follow suit, being mostly sunny with light winds and a top of 33C.
Adelaide will see partly cloudy conditions to close out the year, with a slight chance of a shower and a top of 23C. The new year will arrive drier and slightly warmer at 26C, under similar partly cloudy skies.
In the north, Darwin may need to prepare for indoor plans, with partly cloudy conditions, a chance of showers, and the risk of thunderstorms later on NYE. New Year's Day will start much the same, with continued storm and shower chances.
Following a white Christmas with snow in parts of Tasmania, Hobart can expect a cloudy New Year's Eve with a medium chance of showers and a top of 18C. The first day of 2026 will be similar but slightly warmer at 20C.
In the nation's capital, Canberra will end the year with partly cloudy conditions, a medium chance of a shower, and the risk of thunderstorms and a high of 29C. New Year's Day will be cooler at 26C with a slight shower chance remaining.
Planning Your Festivities
This varied national forecast underscores the importance of checking local conditions before finalising celebration plans. The BOM's detailed outlook allows event organisers and party-goers to make informed decisions, whether that means securing a sheltered venue, packing an umbrella, or confidently planning an outdoor barbecue or beach trip to welcome in 2026.
