Australia's Average Rainfall Portable [2026 Release]

Australia is the driest inhabited continent on Earth, characterized by a climate of extremes where prolonged droughts can be suddenly interrupted by catastrophic flooding. Understanding requires looking beyond a single national figure to the diverse regional patterns and powerful ocean-driven climate cycles that dictate the country’s water security. 1. The National Average: A Land of Extremes

Tasmania typically records the highest average rainfall, while South Australia is consistently the driest state. State/Territory 2021 Average Rainfall (mm) Notable Characteristics Highest annual rainfall. Northern Territory Variable Influenced by the northern monsoon. Queensland Variable High totals in northeastern mountain areas. New South Wales Variable Highly dependent on frontal systems. South Australia Lowest Driest state in Australia. Seasonal Patterns australia's average rainfall