Australia
Australia in August
Where it is warm, dry and good for swimming in Australia in August — compared across the country’s main destinations.
Quick answers
- Where is it warmest in Australia in August?
- Darwin is the warmest of the 16 destinations compared, with highs of 31°C (87°F) in August; Blue Mountains is the coolest at 11°C (52°F).
- Can you swim in the sea in Australia in August?
- Yes, in places: the warmest water is at Darwin (26°C (79°F)), and 2 of the coastal destinations have a sea of 21 °C or more.
Warmest
31°
Darwin
Coolest
11°
Blue Mountains
Driest
7 mm
Darwin
Warmest sea
26°
Darwin
August in Australia ranges from 11°C (52°F) in Blue Mountains to 31°C (87°F) in Darwin — a spread of 20 degrees across the country. On average it is about as warm as July. Some destinations see regular rain. Best bets this month: Darwin, Alice Springs, and Cairns.
Best places in Australia in August
98 
Darwin
Northern Territory · Australia
31° / 20° 7 mm Aug
99
Alice Springs
Northern Territory · Australia
23° / 7° 9 mm Aug
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96
Cairns
Queensland · Australia
27° / 18° 39 mm Aug
92
Brisbane
Queensland · Australia
22° / 9° 34 mm Aug
99
Townsville
Queensland · Australia
25° / 16° 20 mm Aug
100
Broome
Western Australia · Australia
31° / 15° 2 mm Aug
100
Port Hedland
Western Australia · Australia
29° / 15° 7 mm Aug
100
Karratha
Western Australia · Australia
30° / 14° 6 mm Aug
Weather in August by city
| Place | Day | Night | Rain | Sea | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alice Springs | 23° | 7° | 9 mm | — | 99 |
| Townsville | 25° | 16° | 20 mm | — | 99 |
| Darwin | 31° | 20° | 7 mm | 26° | 98 |
| Cairns | 27° | 18° | 39 mm | 24° | 96 |
| Brisbane | 22° | 9° | 34 mm | 20° | 92 |
| Newcastle | 18° | 9° | 58 mm | 18° | 72 |
| Sydney | 18° | 8° | 84 mm | — | 71 |
| Sydney CBD | 18° | 9° | 83 mm | — | 71 |
| Wollongong | 18° | 9° | 85 mm | — | 71 |
| Perth | 18° | 10° | 115 mm | — | 64 |
| Adelaide | 16° | 8° | 67 mm | — | 62 |
| Melbourne | 15° | 7° | 56 mm | 11° | 52 |
| Melbourne CBD | 15° | 7° | 56 mm | 11° | 52 |
| Canberra | 13° | 2° | 53 mm | — | 47 |
| Blue Mountains | 11° | 3° | 80 mm | — | 41 |
| Hobart | 13° | 4° | 63 mm | — | 35 |
Festivals in Australia in August
- Melbourne International Film Festival Annual film festival held in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Darwin Festival Annual arts festival in Darwin, Northern Territory of Australia
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Australia in August?
Average daytime highs range from 11° in Blue Mountains to 31° in Darwin.
Can you swim in Australia in August?
Yes — the sea is warmest around Darwin at about 26°.