Australians planning their Christmas Day festivities in 2025 will need to keep a close eye on the skies, with a national forecast predicting a dramatic split in conditions across the country's capital cities. The Bureau of Meteorology is warning of everything from severe heatwaves to potential thunderstorms, setting the stage for a holiday defined by weather extremes.
A Nation Divided by Weather on Christmas Day
The forecast for Thursday, December 25, 2025, reveals a stark contrast between the eastern and western halves of the continent. Residents in the west are set to swelter, while those in the east and south face a cooler, potentially stormy celebration.
Perth is expected to bear the brunt of the heat, with a maximum temperature forecast to soar to a blistering 39 degrees Celsius. The Bureau has indicated a very high chance of this extreme heat, urging locals and visitors to prioritise sun safety and hydration if they have outdoor plans.
Adelaide will also experience significant warmth, with a predicted top of 32 degrees. While not as extreme as Perth's forecast, it will still be a hot and sunny Christmas for South Australia's capital.
Stormy Skies for the Eastern Seaboard
Moving east, the weather picture becomes more complex and unsettled. Sydney is bracing for a partly cloudy day with a high of 26 degrees. However, the forecast includes a medium chance of showers and even a thunderstorm in the afternoon or evening, which could disrupt backyard barbecues and outdoor gatherings.
In Canberra, Christmas Day will be cooler with a maximum of 22 degrees. Like Sydney, the nation's capital faces a medium chance of showers and the risk of a thunderstorm, making indoor celebrations a more reliable option.
Melbourne will see similar conditions, with a top of 23 degrees under a partly cloudy sky. Victorians are also looking at a medium chance of rain, adding an element of uncertainty to the day's events.
Cooler, Showery Conditions for the North and South
Further south, Hobart is forecast for the coolest Christmas Day among the capitals, with a maximum of just 19 degrees. A partly cloudy sky is expected, along with a medium chance of showers, typical of Tasmanian summer weather.
In the tropical north, Darwin's famous wet season will be in full swing. The forecast predicts a very high chance of showers and storms, with humid conditions and a maximum temperature of 32 degrees. Outdoor events will likely need contingency plans for heavy rain.
Brisbane rounds out the forecast with a top of 29 degrees under a partly cloudy sky. Queenslanders will also need to monitor the radar, as there is a medium chance of a shower or storm developing throughout the day.
This varied national forecast underscores the vast climatic diversity of Australia, even on a single day. The key advice from authorities is for residents and holidaymakers to stay updated with the latest Bureau of Meteorology warnings as Christmas approaches, particularly regarding heatwave advice in the west and severe thunderstorm alerts in the east. Planning for both sun and rain will be the secret to a successful and safe Christmas celebration in 2025.
