Annual and monthly potential frost days

At a glance

These frost potential maps show the average annual and monthly number of potential frost days across Australia.

What do the maps show?

Frost is a localised phenomenon; the formation of frost depends heavily on a combination of factors. These maps show the average number of days each month and annually when the minimum temperature is below a given threshold. These thresholds have been chosen to indicate days when the temperature may be suitable for frost formation. It should be noted that frost may or may not form on these days, depending on other factors.

Average annual frost potential is calculated by adding the number of days with minimum temperature below a given threshold (potential frost days) over a specified period (1976 to 2005) and dividing by the number of years in that period (30 years in this case). Similarly, average monthly frost potential is calculated by adding monthly frost potential day totals and dividing by the number of years in the specified period.

The thresholds have been chosen to indicate the severity of the frost that may form.

The annual frost potential map shows that extensive areas in northern Australia are generally frost free. Frost potential in other areas increases with elevation, and is particularly common in the alpine regions of New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Potential frost days are mainly confined to a period from late autumn to early spring.

Further information

• About the maps - metadata and related information.
• Find out how climate statistics are calculated.
• Information about the range of gridded climate data we can provide.
• Information about additional climate products and other data available from the Bureau of Meteorology.
• Learn about the influences on the Australian climate.
• Explore other topics relating to climate education.
• Have a look at the forecast frost potential for the next couple of days.