It's shaping up to be a warm Christmas this year, but one capital is in for storms.

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.

And this year's Christmas Day forecast is bringing a mix of sunshine, heat and — in some capitals — a whole lot of rain, according to AccuWeather (the BoM hasn't released it's forecast for Christmas yet).

From sunny, breezy conditions in Sydney to tropical downpours up north, the weather across Australia is serving up a little bit of everything for December 25, 2025.

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

2025 Christmas Day weather in the Aussie cities.

This is the forecast as of December 5. As any Australian knows, the weather can change faster than you can say "pass the prawns", so keep checking back for updates.

Sydney.

It's looking like a classic warm Sydney Christmas — sunshine, a bit of wind, and a UV rating that could fry your pavlova.

Expect partial sunshine throughout the day, with a light sea breeze and pleasantly warm temperatures.

December 25: Partial sunshine, breezy, high of 24°C, low of 20°C.

December 26: Mostly cloudy with a high of 26°C, low of 21°C. Showers and storms likely late in the evening.

With only a 20 per cent chance of rain, you won't be needing the umbrella. Sunscreen, however? Non-negotiable.

Melbourne.

Ah, Melbourne: land of four seasons in one day. Christmas 2025 is sticking to the script — starting mild and cloudy, before rolling into evening showers and late-night rain.

December 25: Cloudy with a high of 28°C, low of 18°C. Potential for evening showers.

December 26: Morning showers and a thunderstorm, high of 27°C, low of 17°C.

If you're planning a Christmas dinner outside, maybe reserve the inside table too — that 70 per cent cloud cover could turn into evening rain.

Brisbane.

Brisbane is pulling a very Brisbane move: heat, humidity and a good chance of a storm.

A morning thunderstorm may roll through before things clear up into a warm, partly sunny day.

December 25: Morning thunderstorm, then intervals of sun and cloud, high of 27°C, low of 22°C.

December 26: Sun and some clouds with a passing shower in the afternoon, high of 27°C, low of 22°C.

Queenslanders, brace yourselves — the humidity is coming.

Canberra.

Canberra is set for a warm, mild Christmas with partial sunshine during the day before things cool off nicely in the evening.

December 25: Partially sunny, warm, high of 27°C, low of 13°C.

December 26: Partially sunny, high of 27°C, low of 13°C.

A great year for outdoor Christmas lunches — just remember the UV index is extreme.

Adelaide.

Adelaide gets the "quiet achiever" award this Christmas. It'll be warm, partly sunny and classic SA summer weather… with a chance of evening rain rolling in after lunch.

December 25: Partly sunny, very warm, high of 30°C, low of 18°C.

December 26: Cloudy with a chance of rain developing at night, high of 19°C, low of 13°C.

UV levels will be extreme — slip, slop, slap and seek all the shade.

Perth.

It's a picture-perfect Christmas for Perth — blue skies, lots of sun and warm, dry air. Basically, the dream.

December 25: Sunny, breezy, high of 28°C, low of 17°C.

December 26: Sunny and warm, high of 28°C, low of 18°C.

If you're after the safest bet for outdoor festivities, Perth is it.

Hobart.

Tasmania will be keeping things cool and damp. After morning showers, more wet weather is expected during the afternoon, with thick cloud cover lingering.

December 25: Cloudy with morning and afternoon showers, high of 21°C, low of 13°C.

December 26: Cloudy with showers at times, high of 21°C, low of 13°C.

Not ideal beach weather — perfect for indoor feasts and board games.

Darwin.

Darwin wins "wettest Christmas" for 2025 by a landslide. Expect tropical showers, thunderstorms and serious humidity.

December 25: Cloudy with showers and a thunderstorm, high of 32°C, low of 24°C.

December 26: Showers and thunderstorms likely all day, high of 32°C, low of 24°C.

It's a classic Top End Christmas: hot, wet, stormy and unforgettable.

What is the weather for Boxing Day?

If you're planning post-Christmas activities, expect a mixed bag across the country — but generally warm conditions.

Sydney will be mostly cloudy with a top of 26°C and some late storms, while Melbourne stays humid with morning showers before clearing to 27°C. Brisbane and Canberra both land in the warm, mid-to-high 20s with a bit of cloud around, and Perth is the pick of the bunch with sunny skies and 28°C.

Further south, Hobart will see more cloud and showers at 21°C, and Adelaide cools right down to 19°C with rain developing in the evening. In Darwin, it's tropical storm weather: 32°C with showers and storms.

All in all, temperatures sit close to — or slightly above — Christmas Day for most cities, making it ideal for settling in with the cricket, or taking your new Christmas toys for a spin (weather permitting).

Christmas weather in Australia is famously unpredictable.

Whether you're planning a beachside barbecue, a backyard cricket match 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 perfect Christmas weather.

Feature image: Getty.