Australians planning their Christmas Day celebrations can finally lock in their plans, with the Bureau of Meteorology releasing its official nationwide forecast for December 25. The outlook paints a picture of a truly varied Australian summer, with conditions ranging from scorching heat in the west to cool, showery weather in the south-east.
A Nation Divided by Weather
The weather map for Christmas Day 2025 will be sharply divided. Perth is bracing for a sweltering day with a top of 39 degrees Celsius, while much of the south-east, including Melbourne and Hobart, can expect unseasonably cool conditions. The Bureau noted it will be "relatively cool to mild across the far south-east," with showers likely for western Tasmania.
In contrast, large parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory are forecast to have a cloudy, stormy Christmas. Showers and storms are expected across central, northern, and south-eastern Queensland, while Darwin faces a possible storm with a maximum of 32C. For those in New South Wales, the day looks generally dry and sunny, though the east coast may see a shower or two.
Capital City Christmas Forecast
Here’s what residents in Australia’s capital cities can expect when they wake up on Christmas morning:
Brisbane: A shower or two. Min 23C, Max 32C.
Sydney: A shower or two. Min 19C, Max 28C.
Canberra: Mostly sunny. Min 10C, Max 28C.
Melbourne: Mild and partly cloudy. Min 13C, Max 19C.
Hobart: Cloudy. Min 9C, Max 17C.
Adelaide: Cloud clearing. Min 13C, Max 26C.
Perth: Mostly sunny. Min 25C, Max 39C.
Darwin: Shower or two. Possible storm. Min 25C, Max 32C.
Planning Your Festive Day
This mixed forecast means preparation is key. Those in Western Australia's inland areas could experience temperatures nearing 40C, making indoor celebrations or plenty of shade essential. Meanwhile, Victorians and Tasmanians hosting outdoor lunches might need a backup plan or a warm jacket.
The Bureau's forecast allows families to stop second-guessing whether to set up the BBQ or move the feast indoors. With a week to go until the big day, Australians across the country can now plan their Christmas gatherings with confidence, armed with the official outlook from the nation's weather experts.
