Each season provides its own unique attributes – but how do you make the most of the different seasons, especially if you are not used to the variety?

Here’s your quick guide to Canberra through the seasons.

Spring

Spring in Canberra sees the city transform as flowers bloom and the weather starts to warm. It also marks the beginning of hay fever season, so it’s worth stocking up on tissues and antihistamines. Make sure to add Floriade – Canberra’s annual flower festival—to your spring bucket list and make a special trip to the National Zoo and Aquarium. With daily temperatures fluctuating anywhere from 10 degrees Celsius to as high as 30 degrees Celsius, layering clothing is often the best way to go. Who doesn’t love a cardigan on a brisk morning?

Summer

Swimming in local rivers and pools, visiting outdoor cinemas, and consuming plenty of ice-cream—during the months of December, January and February, Canberra turns up the warm weather. And while you’ll often experience dry heat during the day, balmy nights are extremely common. This is when airflow will become your best friend (especially in university accommodations), so it’s worth investing in a little electric fan. Sunscreen is also a must, even when it’s cloudy. Go back to sun safety basics, make sure to wear a hat, and visit the Cancer Council ACT website for more information.

Autumn

A kaleidoscope of colour—autumn is one of Canberra’s most beautiful seasons. With the days turning mild and the weather beginning to cool at night, woolly jumpers and windproof jackets will become your new best friend, even if you don’t think you’ll need them when looking out the window. But with that said, it’s local lore that the heater isn’t turned on until ANZAC Day (25 April). In autumn your ‘must-do’ Canberra experiences include the beautiful Enlighten Festival and the Canberra Balloon Spectacular—make sure to get up extra early to marvel at the hot air balloons floating over the city.

Winter

With most days greeting you with a perfect blue sky, winter in Canberra is uniquely beautiful. Living this close to Australia’s ski fields has its advantages if you love to snowboard, ski, or après ski. With the average daily maximum temperature reaching a crisp 12 degrees Celsius, you can even try ice skating in the city—just remember a good jacket, beanie, and gloves. If you’d prefer to stay inside, you’ll find plenty to do. Think world-class galleries and museums, concerts, exhibitions and more!