Australian Alps National Parks

Learn about the Alps

Learn about the climate and weather patterns of the Alps

Australian Alps Education Kit

Chapter 4 – Climate and weather patterns of the Autralian Alps

Australian Alps Liaison Committee, November 2005

The coldest place in mainland Australia

Cloudbank between Mt Wills and Mt Bogong - Alpine National Park

Cloudbank between Mt Wills
and Mt Bogong – Alpine National
Park
Photo: K.McCallum

Climate is the condition of the atmosphere near the earth's surface. In other words, it is the long-term weather of a particular place, the weather that is most likely for that area over a period of 30 years or more.

Mountain climates are usually cool to cold. The Australian Alps experiences a mid-latitude mountain climate, with no dry season and a mild summer.

Climate change due to the greenhouse effect will have significant impacts on the plants and animals of the Australian Alps.

Weather events in the Australian Alps include rain, hail, sleet, snow, frost, strong winds, low temperatures and frequent blizzards especially during winter and spring. During summer the occasional dry, sunny day can see daytime temperatures rising above 30°C but the nights are cool.

More Information

For more information about the climate and weather patterns in the Australian Alps

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