Australia's seasonal calendar is the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere's seasons, making the Australian summer fall between December and February, autumn from March to May, winter between June and August, and spring from September to November. January's the peak of the Australian summer.
On average, January brings hot weather, says the Click for Australia website, with maximum temperatures of 97 degrees Fahrenheit in the Northern Territory, 82 degrees in Canberra, the Australian Capital Territory, and 79 degrees in the cities of Sydney and Melbourne. Temperatures can sometimes dip into the 60s and low 70s, mostly in the coastal areas around Sydney.
Southern Australia and the inland territories primarily bring dry weather in January and throughout the summer months. In the northern, more tropical regions, the high temperatures and high levels of humidity often include monsoonal rainstorms. Monsoon season in Northern Australia stretches from November to April, making January a peak month for these heavy rainstorms.
The principle weather occurrences that present threats to travelers and native Australians alike include cyclones, brush fires and drought. To control drought in the central regions, governmental water restrictions limit the amount of water Australians can use. Brush fires, often occurring in concert with prolonged periods of drought, spread uncontrollably over Australia's bush land. Although dangerous, these fires occur primarily in uninhabited areas. Cyclones occur an average of six times per year, reports the Australian Government Culture Portal website, mostly within the Northern and Western territories between November and April.
Although the weather in Australia varies significantly across the continent, January boasts mostly warm conditions, ideal for travel. January in Australia requires lightweight clothing, but with rainfall possible in most areas of the country, people often need rain gear, too. Because January means summertime in Australia, swimwear also has a place in people's wardrobes.
