Christmas in Australia is unlike anywhere else in the world. While some dream of cold snow and hot cocoa, an Aussie Xmas is synonymous with sun, sand, surf … and sunscreen-slapped swimmers donning their Santa hats to spend the day by the sea.
And now, whether you’re traveller embracing the novelty of a blue-skied Christmas on the beach, or a local who just wants to lock in plans for the big day, a new three-year study of historic Bureau of Meteorology data has revealed the exact beaches most likely to deliver sunshine, minimal clouds, and little rain this December 25th 2025.
Frameshop crunched the numbers, looking at maximum and minimum temperatures, sunshine exposure, and rainfall averages to create a definitive Christmas Day beach guide. According to Mohamad Hannaway from Frameshop, the goal is simple: help Australians capture those perfect festive moments without leaving it to chance. Clear skies, high 20s or low 30s, and calm waters? That is the Aussie Christmas everyone dreams of.
Western Australia: Shell Beach Steals the Show
Heading west is a guaranteed win for sun lovers. Shell Beach in the Shark Bay region is the crown jewel, offering 30.5 degrees and zero millimetres of rain. Plus, plenty of sunshine. Imagine a Christmas swim with sparkling sand under a cloudless sky. Cottesloe Beach and Rottnest Island’s Little Salmon Bay (main feature image) are close seconds, while Eagle Bay Beach in Naturaliste rounds out WA’s top five. If you are chasing that perfect family photo with golden light and not a drop of rain in sight, Western Australia should be your go-to.
New South Wales: Classic East Coast Christmas
East coast Aussies, rejoice. Hawks Nest’s Bennetts Beach tops NSW with a comfortable 28 degrees and minimal rain, perfect for a festive morning paddle or sandcastle competition. Sydney staples Coogee, Maroubra, and North Cronulla deliver the classic sunny Christmas everyone loves, while Garie Beach in the Royal National Park is ideal for those chasing a quieter escape. NSW combines warmth, beach-friendly breezes, and picture-perfect waves for that quintessential coastal Christmas vibe.
Queensland: Tropical Sun and Surf
Queensland’s beaches bring a touch of tropical magic to Christmas. Bundaberg’s Lady Musgrave Island Beach leads the Sunshine State with 29 degrees and only 3.6 millimetres of rain. Agnes Water Beach and Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island follow closely, offering postcard-perfect settings for swimming, snorkeling, or just basking in the sun. Up north, Magnetic Island’s Huntingfield Bay and Radical Bay deliver 31.6 degrees and sparkling waters. Queensland is ideal for anyone chasing summer warmth with a side of tropical scenery.
Victoria: Milder but Magical
Southern states offer slightly cooler but still glorious Christmas conditions. Torquay Beach at the start of the Great Ocean Road, tops Victoria’s list with 25 degrees, strong sunlight, and barely any rain. Portsea Surf Beach, Brighton Beach, St Kilda, and Portarlington Beach also deliver family-friendly options where you can relax, paddle, or sip a cold drink while soaking up the festive sun. These beaches are perfect for those who prefer a mild, comfortable Christmas by the sea.
Other States and Territories: Something for Everyone
Australia-wide, there is a beach to suit every festive mood. Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory promises 33.7 degrees and sun-drenched sands, Stumpy’s Bay in Tasmania delivers milder highs of 20 degrees, and Greenly Beach on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula offers almost rain-free sunshine. From WA to Victoria, Queensland to Tasmania, the data suggests that Christmas 2025 is shaping up to be a nation-wide beach party.
Tips for a Picture-Perfect Christmas Day on the Beach
Pack a festive hamper with cold drinks, fresh fruit, and a few treats to share. Don’t forget a sunshade or umbrella for little ones or anyone prone to sunburn. Bring beach games like frisbee, cricket, or paddleboards for extra festive fun. Of course, Santa hats are a must. They are the ultimate Aussie Christmas accessory and make for adorable family photos in the surf.
With predictions of zero to minimal rain at these top beaches, there is no reason to leave your Christmas Day plans to chance. Whether you want to swim, build sandcastles, or simply relax on the warm sand, these beaches promise classic Aussie summer vibes.
Quick Beach Picks for Christmas 2025
- Western Australia: Shell Beach, Cottesloe Beach, Little Salmon Bay, Eagle Bay Beach
- New South Wales: Bennetts Beach, Coogee, Maroubra, North Cronulla, Garie Beach
- Queensland: Lady Musgrave Island, Agnes Water, Lake McKenzie, Huntingfield Bay, Radical Bay
- Victoria: Torquay, Portsea, Brighton, St Kilda, Portarlington
- Northern Territory: Groote Eylandt beaches
- South Australia: Greenly Beach
- Tasmania: Stumpy’s Bay
From Perth to Sydney, Bundaberg to Geelong, there is a beach ready to deliver your dream Christmas. Whether chasing heat in the north, mild sunny escapes in the south, or perfect light for family photos, Australia’s beaches have it all.
So grab your sunnies, slap on the sunscreen, and head to the coast. Christmas 2025 promises warm sand, sparkling waves, and memories that will last a lifetime. Let the sun do the work while you relax, celebrate, and enjoy an Aussie Christmas the way it was meant to be.