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.

From sunny, slightly rainy 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 Sydney Christmas — sunshine, a bit of morning rain, and a UV rating that could fry your pavlova.

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

December 25: A little rain in the morning with a dose of afternoon sunshine, high of 23°C, low of 18°C.

December 26: Mostly cloudy with a little rain. High of 23°C, low of 18°C.

With rain in sight, it's not a bad idea to pack an umbrella. Sunscreen, however? Non-negotiable for those sunny periods.

Melbourne.

Ah, Melbourne: land of four seasons in one day. But Christmas 2025 is bucking the script — with a sunny and clear break.

December 25: Sunny but a little cloudy with a high of 21°C, low of 12°C. It won't be a clear night, with some cloud cover.

December 26: Partly sunny with a high UV, high of 24°C, low of 12°C.

If you're planning a Christmas dinner outside, go ahead!

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 31°C, low of 23°C.

December 26: Thunderstorms throughout the day, high of 29°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, sunny and classic SA summer weather.

December 25: Partly sunny, very warm, high of 25°C, low of 14°C.

December 26: Sunny and bright all day, high of 30°C, low of 18°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 26°C, low of 10°C.

December 26: Sunny and warm, high of 27°C, low of 10°C.

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

Hobart.

Tasmania will be keeping things cool and cloudy. You're in for periods of cloud and sun, but a high UV index.

December 25: Cloudy with periods of sunshine, high of 18°C, low of 11°C.

December 26: Morning showers with partial sunshine, high of 19°C, low of 10°C.

Not ideal beach weather — but certainly better than the forecast was looking earlier in December.

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 31°C, low of 24°C.

December 26: Showers and thunderstorms likely all day, high of 33°C, low of 24°C.

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

So, what's the weather looking like 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 some rain, similar to Hobart, while Melbourne and Canberra remain partly sunny and warm. Brisbane and Darwin can expect tropical storms, while Perth looks like the pick of the bunch with sunny skies and high-20s temperatures, with Adelaide not far behind.

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.