Australia had its hottest winter on record, with temperatures up by 2 degrees on average and it is related to worsening climate change, a leading scientific group says.

Winter warm spells are lasting longer, occurring more often and becoming more intense, a report by not-for-profit group the Climate Council found.

Australia has posted a record warm winter - even if it didn't always feel that way. Credit:Nick Moir

In addition to the warmth, the nation experienced its second driest June on record and the driest winter since 2002, the Hot & Dry: Australia's Weird Winter report found.

Ecologist Lesley Hughes said more than 260 heat and low rainfall records were set throughout the season.