It's looking like a hot, dry Christmas this year, except for one state.

Christmas in Australia is a unique experience. 

While the Northern Hemisphere bundles up in cosy sweaters and sips hot chocolate, we're usually sprawled under ceiling fans, debating whether to fire up the barbecue or retreat indoors to the blessed air conditioning.

But this year's Christmas Day forecast is throwing us some surprises, per Accuweather and the Bureau of Meterology.

From perfect sunny weather in Sydney to a scorching Boxing Day in Melbourne, the weather across our vast continent is set to be as diverse as our Christmas celebrations themselves.

For those planning the perfect Christmas outfit or deciding between an indoor or outdoor lunch setting, here's what Mother Nature has in store for December 25, 2024. 

2024 Christmas Day weather in the Aussie cities.

This is the forecast as of December 20. As any Australian knows, our weather has a mind of its own, and these predictions could change faster than you can say "pass the prawns".

Sydney.

The Harbour City had been looking pretty variable in the lead-up to Christmas Day according to Accuweather. 

However, a week before, it came good!

The weather is literally being described as 'pleasant' by the meterologists at AccuWeather, and the afternoon is supposed to cool down as a breeze comes through. Hallelujah!

December 25: It's supposed to be breezy with lots of sunshine, high of 25 degrees, low of 18 degrees. 

December 26: Sunny, getting much hotter, with a high of 30 degrees, low of 18 degrees. 

Rain had been scheduled for the 27th, but this has moved out to the 29th. We'd say it's always prudent to pack and umbrella with your pavlova in Sydney, but this year you won't be needing it (nor will it be blistering hot).

Canberra.

Canberrans are used to the heat and this Christmas will be no different. They'll be cracking the 30s on Christmas and Boxing Day, ending in a potential tropical thunderstorm.

December 25: Very hot, sunny, high of 31 degrees, low of 12 degrees. 

December 26: Sunny, clear and hot finishing with an afternoon thunderstorm, high of 31 degrees, low of 18 degrees. 

It's expected to cloud over on December 27, and rain is in the forecast, so you can swap your sunglasses for wellies.

Watch: When do you put up your Christmas tree? Post continues below.

Melbourne.

Melburnians are used to dealing with four seasons in a day, but Christmas is looking particularly consistent (some might say… merry and *sweltering hot*). 

In fact, nary a day in the entire week of Christmas has any sign of rain at all. However, Boxing Day is expected to be *very* hot so maybe put a call in with your friend who has a pool.

December 25: Mostly sunny, warming through the day, high of 30 degrees, low of 19 degrees.

December 26: Very hot with a late shower, high of 38 degrees, low of 17 degrees.

Looks like Santa came early? Unless you like it cold.

Brisbane.

Much like Melbourne, Brisbane can expect a lot of consistency in its Christmas weather. Mother nature is delivering the heat, like it or not.

Both days are expected to be clear and the humidity is finally low, so you can breathe easy.

December 25: Mostly sunny and nice, high of 29 degrees, low of 19 degrees.

December 26: Bright spells, gentle breeze, high of 29 degrees, low of 18 degrees.

Unfortunately, the capital will descend back into rain from December 29, so make the most of the sunshine while you can!

Adelaide.

Ahh Adelaide is a fair city, but the weather around Christmas won't reflect this.

It's going to be clear on Christmas but sweltering hot with increasing clouds throughout the day, and it will rain on Boxing Day.

December 25: Very hot, clear and full of sunshine, high of 36 degrees, low of 24 degrees.

December 26: Showers in the morning but mostly clear, high of 35 degrees, low of 16 degrees.

The UV index is predicted to be high, so don't forget your sunscreen.

Perth.

As we move further west, so does the sun shine more brightly. Western Australia's capital will enjoy a week of gorgeous sunshine and beautiful warm days in the lead-up to Christmas.

December 25: Sunny, mostly clear and breezy, high of 23 degrees, low of 14 degrees.

December 26: Windy with bright spells, high of 25 degrees, low of 12 degrees.

Perth locals will be aware of the strong winds that can blow in summer, so while the chance of rain is low, winds could catch up to 52km/h on Boxing Day.

Darwin.

True to form, Darwin is preparing for a scorcher. While Christmas week will start off with sunny weather, it is supposed to get stormier around the big day. 

December 25: Mostly clear, hot, afternoon storms, high of 34 degrees, low of 27 degrees.

December 26: Partly sunny, very hot, evening storm, high of 36 degrees, low of 26 degrees. 

Talk about a tropical Christmas!

Hobart.

Tasmania's capital is keeping it cool over the Christmas period, and at this stage the wetter weather is due to hold off until after the big day.

December 25: Partly sunny and nice, high of 23 degrees, low of 13 degrees.

December 26: Early rain, cloudy, high of 29 degrees, low of 18 degrees.

Rain and storms may roll in around December 27, but the weather will have cleared again by the new year.

What is the weather for Boxing Day?

For those planning post-Christmas activities, Boxing Day is shaping up to be a warm day. Across the board, Boxing Day will be much the same temperature, or even a little warmer than Christmas Day. 

This is great news for everyone intending to lounge on the sofa watching the cricket, or those taking their newly minted Christmas presents to the beach for a swim.

Remember, Australian weather is notoriously changeable.

Whether you're planning a beachside barbecue or an indoor feast, it's always wise to have a backup plan. After all, that's the Australian way — being prepared for anything while hoping for the perfect Christmas Day weather.

Feature image: Getty.