Looking to escape the winter chill with a trip to hot, sunny Australia? You’re in for some unpredictable weather.
According to a long-range weather forecast from the country’s Bureau of Meteorology, Australia’s set to flip between rain and shine for the 2024 summer season. With the country’s average temperature being 1.5°C hotter than it was in 1900 and heavy rainfall expected in multiple regions, you’ll have to prepare for different weather conditions on your trip.
That’s especially true given that long-range forecasts can’t fill in the blanks for the specific dates you’ll be down under. Short-range, daily weather outlooks will be more accurate, but you won’t know what to expect until you’ve arrived in Australia itself.
To ensure you’re well-equipped for both hot and wet scenarios, pack these essentials in your suitcase.
Sunglasses
Alongside using sunscreen, you may already know that eye protection is vital for preventing sun-related damage in hot climates. However, you’ll want to be particularly careful as Australia’s weather flops between sun and rain on your trip. It can result in partially cloudy days that cause sunlight to bounce around more before hitting the ground, intensifying the strength of the UV rays you’re exposed to. That said, it’s vital to pack sunglasses that provide a good amount of UV protection. You’re better off getting a pair from brands sold in Australia itself, as the country upholds much stricter UV standards than the rest of the world. A quick look at what’s available on Sunglass Hut Australia should give you a good idea of what to look for. Here, you’ll only find sunnies from global brands that comply with AS 1067, like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Versace. The variety they provide caters to every kind of vacation, from sporty and adventurous trips to city escapes and fashion excursions, so you should be able to source a pair that best suits your preferences.
Hats
Sun hats can bolster the protection provided by sunscreen and sunglasses, especially at high noon when the sun shines directly overhead. However, wearing one is among the least popular sun protection measures used by the general public—and that won’t fly in Australia. Its government recommends you don sun hats on days when UV levels hit 3 or higher on the UV index. With the country netting an average UV level of 12 or higher, something that can be exacerbated on cloudy days, you’ll definitely need some headwear on your visit. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety, or ARPANSA, specifically recommends sun hats with a brim at least 7.5cm or 3in wide, as they’ll provide the most coverage for the head, face, and neck. For the best effect, get yours from a brand like Sunday Afternoons. It exclusively uses UPF fabric for its hats, which is the clothing equivalent of the SPF rating used for sunscreens. On top of that, models like the Ultra Adventure Hat come with an additional cape for the neck while remaining lightweight and breathable, perfect for any itinerary regardless of the weather.
Umbrellas
Umbrellas are another handy essential you’ll want to have regardless of the weather. The best ones for travel will provide the right amount of coverage from sun and rain —but still be compact enough so it’s convenient to bring with you wherever you go. For the best quality, you can get an umbrella similar to those offered by the lifestyle brand Oroton. It’s already known for its range of travel essentials, including a premium luggage collection featuring more storage, improved locks, silent wheels, and crossbody conversion. You’ll find the same high standard in its umbrellas, including the Oroton Bamboo Small. Previously featured by News.com.au as one of the best compact umbrellas available, it boasts water-resistant fabric, a durable bamboo handle, and a simple push-button for release and closure. Despite that, it’s only 7cm (2.75in) tall and wide. Oroton is also an Australian brand, which is why it’s no surprise that this umbrella also provides SPF 30+ protection—making this umbrella ideal for your adventures in the country this summer.
Jackets
An extra layer should help you transition your outfits from sun- to rain-protective, and there’s no better garment for you to do that than the jacket. Since Australia’s summer this year will double as the country’s wet season, a waterproof travel jacket can be especially useful for dressing up amid fluctuating weather conditions. You may find Wear to Fly’s FlyOn particularly appealing for its versatility. It uses Seaqual yarn that’s both sustainably produced and waterproof, making the jacket great to wear on rainy days. If you want to pack light for your journey down under, you may also like that it contains a whopping 14 compartments—and two of them leverage RFID-blocking technology, making them ideal for simultaneously keeping your devices and cards safe from both rain and digital theft.
Traveling to Australia during its summer months? You’ll come face-to-face with unpredictable weather—which, fortunately, you can prepare for by packing these essentials. Keep reading here on the In Your Pocket travel blog for more handy travel tips.
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