Australia Day falls this coming Monday, January 26, so here’s our summary of the likely weather conditions in the capital cities.

We’ll list the cities in order of sunrise, local time.

Brisbane: Sunrise 5:15am AEST. Forecast maximum: 38°C

Brisbane looks set for by far its hottest day of the year to date, with the previous hottest being January 17 when the maximum reached 33.4°C. It will also be humid, so it’s going to feel warm out there.

The good news is that skies will be dry, so don’t be scared to host or attend a barbie if you can find a bit of shade.

Perth: Sunrise 5:36am AWST. Forecast maximum: 25°C

Perth could be the coolest of the capitals on Monday, with a maximum around the same level as Hobart. That’s not something that happens too often during summer.

Blame the unseasonable cold front whipping through the far southwest of WA which may even bring a few showers on Sunday, though they should clear in time for BBQ lunches on Monday.

Hobart: Sunrise 6:04am AEDT. Forecast maximum: 25°C

Hobart has seen rain on 10 days so far in January, though it hasn’t amounted to much in total. Australia Day should be dry and pleasant with a high of 25°C, ahead of a much warmer 32°C on Tuesday which would be by far the hottest day of the 2025/26 summer to date.

Sydney: Sunrise 6:10am AEDT. Forecast maximum: 27°C

It should be pretty close to perfect in Sydney for those enjoying the festivities on the harbour or beaches, or even just a backyard BBQ. A few clouds will dot the sky but nothing that is likely to produce rain.

Image: Forecast maximum temperatures around Australia on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Canberra: Sunrise 6:16am AEDT. Forecast maximum: 36°C

The national capital will have a run of scorching days from Sunday through to Thursday, peaking at a sweltering 42°C on Wednesday.

While the forecast maximum of 36°C on Australia Day is still high by local standards, it could actually be the coolest day of a prolonged hot spell. Expect clear skies.

Melbourne: Sunrise 6:27am AEDT. Forecast maximum: 32°C

A lovely warm but not too hot Melbourne day is on the cards and it’s pretty good luck too, as it’s wedged in between a coolish Sunday and an absolutely scorching Tuesday when the mercury will climb into the low 40s.

Adelaide: Sunrise 6:29am ACDT. Forecast maximum: 43°C

After three hot days, Monday will be another sizzler in Adelaide with a high of 43°C – a mark the SA capital has already reached twice this month after maximums of 43.2°C and 43.3°C on January 7 and 8 respectively.

If it helps makes the heat seem a little more tolerable, Adelaide will still be cooler than northern and western parts of the state, where widespread temperatures of 47°C are likely, with the mercury potentially pushing as high as 50°C. That said, there’s still potential for furnace-like heat to push south and for Adelaide's maximum to bump up by a couple of degrees.

Darwin: Sunrise: 6:38am ACST. Forecast maximum: 32°C

Ah, good old reliable Darwin in summer. Maximum around 32°C, chance of a storm in the afternoon. Croc burgers on the BBQ for all!