Year 1 · Geography · Geographical knowledge and understanding
Weather and seasons
Children name the four seasons used in Australia, describe typical weather in each, and learn that First Nations groups recognise their own seasons based on local signs in nature.
Awaiting educator review. This material was drafted by our content team with AI assistance and is waiting for review by a qualified educator. Please check it suits your child before using it. Created 10 October 2026.
Learning goals
Learners will
- Name the four seasons and their months in Australia.
- Describe how weather changes across the year.
- Recognise that First Nations seasonal calendars are based on local observation.
Success looks like
- I can name the four seasons in order.
- I can say which months are summer in Australia.
- I can describe the weather and what people wear in each season.
The big idea
Weather is what the sky and air are like right now: sunny, cloudy, rainy, windy, hot or cold.
A season is a part of the year with its own typical weather. Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, so our seasons are opposite to countries like England or Canada.
- Summer: December, January, February. Usually the hottest time.
- Autumn: March, April, May. Often cooler, and some trees drop their leaves.
- Winter: June, July, August. Usually the coldest time.
- Spring: September, October, November. Many plants flower and it gets warmer.
Weather is different in different parts of Australia. In the far north, many places have a hot wet season and a warm dry season rather than four clear seasons.
Many First Nations groups have their own seasonal calendars, with six or more seasons in some places. These are based on careful observation of local signs, such as when certain plants flower or animals appear. Each calendar belongs to a particular Country and community.
Worked examples
Which season is my birthday in?
A birthday is in July. Which season is it in Australia?
- Winter months are June, July and August.
- July is one of them.
Answer: Winter.
Dressing for the season
What might you wear on a typical summer day in Australia?
- Summer is usually hot and sunny.
- Choose clothes that keep you cool and protect you from the sun.
Answer: A hat, light clothes, sunscreen and sunglasses.
Practice check
Have a go, then check your answers. Each answer comes with an explanation.
Answer guide for parents
Which months are summer in Australia?
December, January, February — In the Southern Hemisphere summer is December to February.
Which season comes after autumn?
Winter — The order is summer, autumn, winter, spring.
In which season do many plants begin to flower?
Spring — Many plants flower in spring.
First Nations seasonal calendars are based on…
observing local plants, animals and weather — They are based on careful observation of Country.
Which would you most likely need in winter?
A warm jumper — Winter is usually the coldest season.
Which season is April in, in Australia?
autumn — Autumn is March, April and May.
How many seasons are in the Australian calendar used at school?
4 — Summer, autumn, winter and spring.
Which season is October in, in Australia?
spring — Spring is September, October and November.
Watch out for
- Children who see northern-hemisphere books or films may think Christmas happens in winter everywhere. In Australia, Christmas is in summer.
- Some think every part of Australia has the same weather. Darwin and Hobart have very different climates.
Tips for parents
- Keep a simple weather chart for a week using symbols.
- Find out whether a seasonal calendar has been shared publicly by the First Nations community where you live. Some are published with permission by communities and organisations; use those rather than general descriptions.
- Notice seasonal signs together: flowering plants, migrating birds or falling leaves.
Go further
- Draw one picture for each season showing weather, clothes and activities.
- Photograph the same tree once a month and see how it changes.
- Make a simple rain gauge from a clear plastic bottle and record rainfall.