Canberra Weather in December

December: warm summer days

Canberra feels properly summery in December, with highs around 26°C and cooler nights near 12°C. Long daylight gives you time to visit the National Gallery of Australia, stroll around Lake Burley Griffin or picnic by the water. The weather's comfortable for outdoor plans, but rain falls on about 11 days, so a shower may interrupt a walk.

If you hate crowds, visit the galleries on weekdays before school holidays begin.

Christmas in the capital

December brings Christmas and Boxing Day, and the end of the month leads into New Year's Eve. The city's national attractions make a good plan for a warm or rainy day, but some places may have reduced hours or close over the holidays. Check the National Museum of Australia's opening times before you head over.

For a local evening, walk the lake shore near Commonwealth Bridge as the sun sets. It's a pleasant way to enjoy the long summer evenings without needing a big itinerary.

Holiday crowds and costs

The first part of December can feel calmer than the weeks around Christmas. Once school holidays begin, families arrive, and popular sights and accommodation get busier. Prices are often higher than in quieter months such as April or October, especially around the holidays.

Travelling with kids? The wide paths around Lake Burley Griffin make an easy outing, but keep a rainy-day option like Questacon in mind. A Canberra-specific tip: use the free loop bus to connect central sights, then walk the lakeside stretch between the National Library and the National Gallery.