Festive forecast: The weather on Christmas Day

Christmas Day is fast approaching, with many headed outdoors and to the coast with family and friends. And with barbecues and beach time being eagerly anticipated, everyone is keen to know what the weather has in store for the big day.

Well, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has given us the breakdown, and it looks as though Australia has some wonderful weather on the way for Friday, December 25, with minimal rain, sunny skies and – in some parts – fairly warm temperatures.

Here’s what you can expect in Australia’s main cities.

New South Wales

Sydneysiders have had a rough time this past week with the recent outbreak of coronavirus in the Northern Beaches, but on Christmas Day they will be happy to know there’s a maximum of 24C forecast and it’ll be partly cloudy. There’s a 50 per cent chance of showers in the morning and afternoon, but there’s not much in it, so don’t pass up the opportunity to enjoy your meal outside on the deck.

Newcastle has similar conditions on the way, with a maximum of 25C forecast. It’s predicted to be partly cloudy, with a 50 per cent chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon. There’s only one to two millimetres of rain forecast, so really not enough to stop you from enjoying a fun Christmas Day at the beach.

Victoria

Melbourne residents are used to cooler conditions throughout the year, and Christmas Day will be no exception. But, fear not, it won’t be cold enough to pull out the woollen jumpers. The forecast maximum is 21C and it’ll be partly cloudy, with a 0 per cent chance of showers.

Meanwhile, Geelong is also predicted to reach 21C, with light winds during the morning and partly cloudy conditions. Thankfully though, there’s 0 per cent chance of rain, so there’s no need to cancel any outdoor plans.

Queensland

Brisbane is blessed with warm, sunny weather for most of the year, and the same can be expected for Christmas Day. BoM has forecast a beautiful 27C for December 25. It is expected to be cloudy, with a medium (50 per cent) chance of showers and light winds, but at least it won’t be revoltingly hot.

Further north in Cairns, it will likely be a warmer day, with a maximum temperature of 33C forecast. Like Brisbane, it is expected to be slightly cloudy, and there’s a 60 per cent chance of showers, but nothing that will put a dampener on the day.

Tasmania

In Tasmania’s capital of Hobart, residents can expect a cooler day for Christmas, with a maximum temperature of only 19C. But while it will likely be fairly cloudy, there’s only a 5 per cent chance of rain.

Launceston, on the other hand, will be slightly warmer, with a forecast maximum of 21 and a 0 per cent chance of rain. It’s the ideal weather for a family meal on the patio!

Western Australia

Those in Perth will have to pack the sunscreen if they’re planning on spending time outdoors on Christmas Day, with very hot and mostly sunny conditions expected. BoM predicts a maximum temperature of 35C and no rain in sight. The UV is forecast as extreme, so remember the hat and reapply that sunscreen during the day.

In the north of the state, Broome residents can expect a hot day as well, with a maximum temperature of 33C on the way. But, unlike Perth, there is a 40 per cent chance of showers in the afternoon and evening and perhaps even a thunderstorm.

Australian Capital Territory

Canberra residents are in for some perfect conditions on Christmas Day, with a forecast of 24C and just a 30 per cent chance of a shower. The UV index is predicted to reach 13 though, so if you’re planning on spending some time outdoors soaking up the sunshine, make sure to slap on that sunscreen.

South Australia

If you have a pool in Adelaide or live near the beach, you might want to take a dip on Christmas Day, with a maximum temperature of 29C. It will be sunny, with no chance of rain and only a slight wind throughout the day.

Mount Gambier, on the other hand, in the state’s south-east is expected to reach 23C and be partly cloudy. But, with 0 per cent chance of rain on the cards, it could be the perfect temperature for a stroll outdoors after a big festive feast with the family.