For many Kiwis, better weather is one of the perks of making the move across the Tasman. But Australia is a big place, and the weather you can expect depends heavily on where you choose to live.
Brisbane’s subtropical climate is very different from Melbourne’s cooler winters, while Perth is known for hot, dry summers and Sydney offers a relatively mild climate year-round.
If you’re planning a move from New Zealand to Australia, understanding the local climate can help you know what to expect, what to pack and what life might look like once you arrive.
Brisbane: Warm and Subtropical
If warmer weather is high on your list, Brisbane is an obvious choice.
Brisbane has a subtropical climate, with warm to hot summers and mild winters. According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, average maximum temperatures are around 29°C in January and 21°C in July.
Summer also tends to be the wetter part of the year, with January and February receiving considerably more rainfall than the winter months.
What to expect:
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Hot, humid summers
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Mild and relatively dry winters
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Plenty of warm weather for an outdoor lifestyle
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Higher rainfall during summer
For Kiwis used to cooler winters, Brisbane’s winter temperatures can be one of the biggest differences.
Sydney: Warm Summers and Mild Winters
Sydney offers a relatively moderate climate, making it a comfortable middle ground for Kiwis who want warmer weather without heading too far into the heat.
Average maximum temperatures sit at around 27°C in January and 17°C in July.
Rainfall occurs throughout the year rather than being concentrated into one particular season, so while Sydney gets plenty of sunshine, wet days are still part of the picture.
What to expect:
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Warm summers
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Mild winters
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Rain throughout the year
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Plenty of opportunities to enjoy beaches and the outdoors
If you’re moving from Auckland, Sydney’s climate may feel relatively familiar, but generally warmer.
Melbourne: Four Seasons and Cooler Winters
Melbourne is the Australian city on this list where Kiwis may feel most at home weather-wise.
It experiences more distinct seasonal changes, with average maximum temperatures of around 26°C in January and 13°C in July.
Summers can still get hot, but winters are noticeably cooler than Sydney, Brisbane or Perth.
What to expect:
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Warm summers
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Cooler winters
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More noticeable seasonal changes
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Weather that can change quickly
You probably won’t be throwing away all your winter clothes if Melbourne is your destination.
Perth: Hot, Dry Summers
Perth is known for sunshine and hot, dry summers.
Average maximum temperatures are around 31°C in January, while July averages around 19°C.
Unlike Brisbane, Perth’s rain is concentrated mainly in winter. January averages just 18 mm of rainfall, compared with around 148 mm in July.
What to expect:
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Hot, dry summers
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Mild winters
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Wetter winter months
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Plenty of sunshine and outdoor living
For Kiwi families dreaming of weekends at the beach and long, dry summers, Perth’s climate can be a major attraction.
Adelaide: Hot Summers and Cooler Winters
Adelaide also offers hot, relatively dry summers, with cooler and wetter conditions arriving during winter.
Average maximum temperatures are around 29°C in January and 15°C in July.
Like Perth, much of Adelaide’s rainfall arrives during the cooler months, while summers tend to be dry.
What to expect:
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Hot, dry summers
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Cooler winters
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Most rainfall during winter
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Distinct seasonal changes
Adelaide can be a good fit if you like plenty of summer heat but still want a noticeable change between the seasons.
Australian Weather at a Glance
| City | January Average High | July Average High | Climate Snapshot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane | 29.2°C | 20.7°C | Warm, subtropical and wetter in summer |
| Sydney | 27.0°C | 17.1°C | Warm summers and mild winters |
| Melbourne | 26.3°C | 13.0°C | Cooler winters and distinct seasons |
| Perth | 31.2°C | 18.5°C | Hot, dry summers and wetter winters |
| Adelaide | 29.2°C | 15.3°C | Hot, dry summers and cooler winters |
Temperature averages are based on Australian Bureau of Meteorology climate data.
What Does the Weather Mean for Your Move?
The climate might not determine everything about your move, but it’s worth thinking about when deciding what comes with you.
If you’re moving to Brisbane, you may find you have less need for heavy winter clothing and heating equipment. If Melbourne is home, keeping those jackets and winter bedding could still make plenty of sense.
It’s also worth considering:
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Outdoor furniture and equipment
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Winter clothing and bedding
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Heaters and fans
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Sports and recreational gear
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Gardening equipment
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Items that may be easier to replace once you arrive
The goal isn’t necessarily to leave half your belongings behind. It’s simply an opportunity to think about what will actually suit your new home and lifestyle before paying to move it across the Tasman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Australian city has the warmest weather?
Of the major destinations covered here, Brisbane generally stays warmer throughout the year, particularly during winter. Perth experiences hotter average summer daytime temperatures but cooler winter nights.
Which Australian city has weather most similar to New Zealand?
Melbourne is likely to feel the most familiar to many Kiwis because it has cooler winters and more noticeable seasonal changes. However, the climate will depend on where in New Zealand you are moving from.
Does it get cold in Australia?
Absolutely. Australia isn’t warm everywhere, all year round. Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart and many inland and elevated areas experience cold winters, while even warmer cities such as Perth can have cool winter mornings and evenings.
When is summer in Australia?
Like New Zealand, Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere. Summer runs from December to February, autumn from March to May, winter from June to August and spring from September to November.
Should I get rid of winter clothes before moving to Australia?
Not necessarily. Even warmer Australian cities experience cooler winter weather, and air conditioning can make indoor environments surprisingly cool. What you take will depend on your destination, lifestyle and how much space you have available in your move.
Making the Move from New Zealand
Wherever you’re heading, knowing a little more about your destination can make planning your move easier.
At Ausmove, we specialise in helping Kiwis relocate across the Tasman, with professional packing, international shipping and door-to-door moving services to destinations throughout Australia.
Whether you’re chasing the Brisbane sunshine, settling into Sydney, starting a new life in Melbourne or heading west to Perth, our team can help get your belongings there safely.
Moving to Australia? Talk to us
Ausmove has helped thousands of Kiwis make the move to Australia. From packing up your home in New Zealand to getting your belongings safely to your new address, we can help make the process as straightforward as possible.
Get in touch with Ausmove today for a free, no-obligation moving quote and start planning your move across the Tasman.
Ready to make the move?
Contact us today and find out why we are Auckland’s best moving solution for moving to Australia.
Call us on (09) 360 4777 or request a free quote online.
