Leslie Massey
Australia's climate varies across its eight states and territories, with a wide range of temperatures and rainfall patterns. The country experiences four seasons across most regions, with a wet and dry season in the tropical north. In 2021, Tasmania recorded the highest annual rainfall among all states, averaging 1378 millimetres. In contrast, South Australia experienced a drought, with significantly lower rainfall than the rest of the country. The variability in rainfall patterns can lead to unique weather phenomena, such as flooding in drought-stricken areas following heavy tropical rains.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State with the most rain in Australia | Tasmania |
| Average rainfall in Tasmania (2021) | 1378 millimeters |
| Driest state in Australia (2021) | South Australia |
| Average rainfall in South Australia (2021) | 232 millimeters |
| Wettest regions in Australia | Cairns in far north Queensland, West coast of Tasmania |
| Seasons in Australia | Summer (December-February), Autumn (March-May), Winter (June-August), Spring (September-November) |
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What You'll Learn
Tasmania received the highest annual rainfall in 2021
Tasmania received the highest annual rainfall in Australia in 2021, with an average of 1378 millimeters. This is in contrast to South Australia, which was the driest state, receiving only 232 millimeters of rainfall on average. Tasmania's west coast is the wettest part of the state, with a strong winter maximum in rainfall. Typically, January and February see one-third the rainfall of July and August, though even in the driest months, rain usually falls every second day. The number of rainy days per year is much greater than on any part of the Australian mainland.
The annual rainfall declines further east in the Lake Country to around 900 millimeters, and in the Midlands, annual rainfall is as low as 450-600 millimeters. The eastern part of Tasmania has rainfall more evenly distributed throughout the year, and the densely populated northern coast is much drier, with annual rainfall ranging from 666 millimeters in Launceston to 955 millimeters in Burnie in the northwest and 993 millimeters in the north-west. The annual average rainfall in Queenstown, one of the wettest locations in Tasmania, is 2408.2 millimeters, spread throughout the year.
The climate in Tasmania varies, with the western portion experiencing most of the rain during the winter months, while the eastern portion has relatively drier weather due to the föhn wind effect created by the Central Highlands in the Great Dividing Range. The Tasmanian highlands are much cooler, with Liawenee on the Central Plateau being one of the coldest places in Australia. The summer months of December to February see average maximum temperatures along the coast and in the lowlands ranging from 20°C to 24°C, while the hottest areas of the state, the valleys west of Hobart, regularly exceed 25°C during the summer.
In 2024, Tasmania's area-averaged rainfall total was 1269.1 millimeters, 7% below the 1961-1990 average. This was lower than in 2022 (1324 millimeters) but higher than in 2023 (1204.5 millimeters). Some sites in Tasmania had their highest daily rainfall on record in 2024, with mean maximum temperatures very much above average.
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South Australia is the driest state
The higher rainfall in South Australia occurs along the southern coasts and the north-south-trending Mount Lofty and Flinders ranges. The highest rainfall occurs near Mount Lofty, with 47 inches (1,200 mm), while the lowest occurs in the vicinity of Lake Eyre, with 6 inches (150 mm) or less. The southern coastal zone of the state has been characterised as having a "Mediterranean" climate, with mild to cool wet winters and hot, dry summers.
The low rainfall in South Australia has had a significant impact on agriculture. In 2025, all of South Australia's agricultural areas were in a severe drought, with many locations receiving record-low rainfall. This has caused worries among farmers about the next harvest. However, better farming practices that make the most of sub-soil moisture led to a 5.2-million-tonne grain harvest in 2024-25, which was 80% above what was reaped in 2006-07, another drought year.
While South Australia is typically the driest state, it has experienced record-breaking rains in the past. In January 2022, ex-tropical cyclone Tiffany delivered unprecedented rainfall to the state, causing floods and extensive property damage. This was an unusual event, as violent storms and flood hazards are rare in South Australia.
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Australia's rainfall varies across its states and territories
Australia's rainfall varies significantly across its states and territories, with a wide range of temperatures and rainfall patterns. The country experiences four distinct seasons across most regions, while the tropical north has a wet and dry season. The rainfall pattern is typically concentric around the arid core of the continent, with humidity and precipitation increasing towards the coast, especially in the east.
Tasmania, an island state, stands out for its high rainfall levels. In 2021, it recorded the highest annual rainfall in Australia, averaging 1378 millimetres. The west coast of Tasmania, specifically the area around Strahan, is recognised as one of the wettest regions in the country. Tasmania's Lake Margaret Dam recorded an impressive annual total rainfall of 4504.1 millimetres in 1948, showcasing the state's propensity for high precipitation.
In contrast, South Australia has experienced a notable drought in recent years, with rainfall levels significantly below average. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, agricultural areas in South Australia faced a severe drought in 2025, impacting harvests and farming practices. This drought was not as prolonged or widespread as the millennium drought of 1997-2009, but it was nonetheless intense, with a 16-month period of exceptionally low rainfall.
The variability in rainfall across Australia has tangible impacts on the ground. For example, heavy cyclonic rains in the north can lead to flooding in drought-stricken areas in the south, demonstrating the complex interplay between climate, geography, and water management in the vast continent-country.
While Tasmania and South Australia represent extremes in rainfall patterns, each state and territory in Australia contributes to the country's diverse climate, influencing the unique character and ecology of its respective regions.
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South Australia's drought is causing worry among farmers
South Australia is currently experiencing a severe drought, with record-low rainfall over the past year. This is causing significant worry among farmers, who are concerned about the impact on their crops and livelihoods. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, southern South Australia has received much lower-than-average rainfall, with the Mid North and the upper Eyre Peninsula experiencing the lowest levels.
While farmers in the region were able to achieve a good harvest in the summer of 2024-25 due to sub-soil moisture from previous wet years, the dry weather in the subsequent autumn and spring seasons has caused concern. The lack of rain for two autumns in a row has farmers worried about the next harvest, as they have had to delay seeding or proceed despite the dry conditions.
The drought in South Australia is not as long-lasting or widespread as the millennium drought of 1997-2009, but it is quite intense. Senior climatologist Jonathan Pollock attributes the drought to the dominance of slow-moving high-pressure systems above the state, rather than cooler systems that bring rain. This has resulted in a 16-month period with extremely low rainfall, breaking records dating back to 1900.
The agricultural community in South Australia is grappling with a dire hay shortage due to the ongoing drought. Farmers are facing unsustainable prices for hay, with some spending up to $40,000 a week on fodder. The situation has led to calls for government intervention, with an extension to the Future Drought Fund Communities Program and additional funding for Rural Financial Counselling Service providers in the state.
Despite some rainfall over the weekend in parts of southern South Australia, farmers believe more rain is needed to break the drought. The dry conditions have impacted the soil moisture levels, affecting crop growth and pasture development for livestock. The drought in South Australia is a pressing issue that requires attention and support to alleviate the concerns of farmers and ensure their resilience in the face of challenging weather conditions.
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Queensland and Tasmania are the wettest regions
Australia's climate varies greatly across its eight states and territories. The country experiences a wide range of temperatures and rainfall patterns, with low average annual rainfall over most of the continent and intense seasonal falls in the tropics. The rainfall pattern is concentric around the extensive arid core of the continent, with a broken margin of more humid conditions towards the coast, especially in the east.
In 2021, Tasmania received the highest annual rainfall of any state or territory in Australia, with an average of 1378 millimetres. The west coast of Tasmania, around Strahan, is one of the wettest regions in the country. Tasmania's high rainfall is evident in the annual totals recorded at Lake Margaret Dam, which had the highest Tasmanian annual total rainfall of 4504.1 millimetres in 1948.
Queensland is also among the wettest regions in Australia, particularly around Cairns in Far North Queensland. The tropical north of Australia experiences a wet and dry season, further highlighting the variability of the country's climate.
In contrast, South Australia experiences drought conditions and has recorded much lower-than-average rainfall in recent years. Agricultural areas in the state have been severely affected by the lack of rain, impacting farming practices and harvests. The Mid North and upper Eyre Peninsula regions have been the driest, with record-low rainfall in several locations.
Overall, Queensland and Tasmania are the wettest regions in Australia, while parts of the country, such as South Australia, contend with drought and lower rainfall. These variations in climate and rainfall patterns showcase the diverse weather conditions across Australia's vast landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
Tasmania received the highest annual rainfall of any state in Australia in 2021, with an average of 1378 millimeters.
The west coast of Tasmania, around Strahan, is one of the wettest regions in Australia.
South Australia is typically the driest state in Australia. In 2021, it received 232 millimeters of rainfall on average.
Rainfall in Australia is highly variable, with low average annual rainfall over most of the continent and intense seasonal falls in the tropics. The rainfall pattern is concentric around the extensive arid core of the continent, with a broken margin of more humid conditions that increase precipitation as they near the coast, especially in the east.
Australia experiences four seasons: summer (December to February), autumn (March to May), winter (June to August), and spring (September to November). The tropical north experiences a wet and dry season instead of the four seasons.
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