Like many Canberrans, Mr Ranicar and his wife Marguerite took time out on Sunday afternoon to celebrate the first buds of colour around the lake and the arrival of spring.

"I just the love the wattle in the garden because when it comes out, it means winter is over and spring is coming," said Marguerite.

The couple, who have lived in Yarralumla for 16 years, said hard work on their garden always paid off during these first few weeks of spring.

"Both our mothers were very keen gardeners," said Marguerite. "In the garden is a white Hellebore named after Jeremy's mother and its named Mrs Betty Ranicar."

Parking was at a premium at Kingston Foreshore and around Lake Burley Griffin on Sunday afternoon, with families taking advantage of the three consecutive days with temperatures above 17 degrees.

Weatherzone meteorologist Kim Westcott said we hit 17.6 degrees at about 2pm, with Friday and Saturday reaching 17.6 and 17.5 degrees respectively.

"Those temperatures were well above the August average of 13 degrees and higher than the September average of 16.3 degrees, so it's no surprise it felt a lot warmer than usual," she said.

But despite a balmy finish to winter, Ms Westcott said showers will return to the territory on late on Monday evening, bringing between one and five millimetres of rain by Tuesday night.

"Monday will be a nice day, although some rain will develop in the evening, with showers continuing throughout Tuesday," she said.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a top of 19 degrees for Monday, with temperatures expected to drop below the September average from Tuesday with tops of either 14 or 15 degrees until Saturday.