Relative to the size of Australia, Canberra is not a huge distance from Sydney. Canberra’s inland location and its height above sea level (575 metres / 1886 feet) cause its climate to have a drier, more continental flavour than Sydney’s.
In summer Canberra’s higher daytime temperatures usually feel more pleasant than Sydney’s because Canberra’s summer humidity levels are lower than Sydney’s.
At night, Canberra’s temperatures fall rapidly and are much lower than Sydney’s all year round.
In winter, while frosts are rare in Sydney, they are common in Canberra. Winter fog is also common in Canberra.
Winds in Canberra are generally light. The city enjoys a very sunny climate, averaging almost 2,800 hours each year.
Canberra’s Climate Figures
| Month | Av. Daily Maximum Temp. (OC)  | Av. Daily Minimum Temp. (OC)  | Av. Days with Rainfall  | Av. After noon Humidity | Av. hours Sunshine (per day)  |
| Jan. | 28 | 13 | 7 | 34 | 9 |
| Feb. | 28 | 13 | 7 | 40 | 8 |
| Mar. | 24 | 11 | 8 | 41 | 8 |
| Apr. | 19 | 7 | 7 | 50 | 7 |
| May | 16 | 3 | 7 | 55 | 6 |
| Jun. | 12 | 1 | 10 | 65 | 5 |
| Jul. | 11 | 1 | 10 | 62 | 5 |
| Aug. | 13 | 2 | 10 | 60 | 6 |
| Sep. | 16 | 3 | 9 | 50 | 8 |
| Oct. | 20 | 6 | 10 | 45 | 8 |
| Nov. | 24 | 9 | 8 | 40 | 9 |
| Dec. | 27 | 12 | 8 | 35 | 9 |
Snow in Canberra
In addition to frosts, Canberra’s elevation and cooler winter conditions mean that snow falls in Canberra on a day or two each year. Snow in Canberra usually melts quickly and does not linger.