Australian Climate
The Australian climate is, by in large, without unbearable extremes. Generally, there are two climatic zones. The area in the north, above the Tropic of Capricorn, constitutes approximately 40% of the continent’s mass and is considered to be “in the tropics.” The remaining 60% of the continent, south of the Tropic of Capricorn, is considered to be in a “temperate” zone. Nevertheless, given the vastness of the continent, it must be realized that micro climates exist that produce non conforming weather patterns. E.g., much of the Northern Territory falls in the so-called tropics. This territory contains some of the most arid areas (desert) to be found anywhere.
Climatic zones that have only two (2) distinct seasons are considered tropical. In Australia’s case, a “wet” or summer season and a “dry” or winter season. Climatic zones that experience four distinct (4) seasons; spring, summer, winter and fall are considered temperate areas. You should remember that Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere and that it’s seasons are opposite of those experienced in most of the Northern Hemisphere.
Spring: September - November
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