In its climate outlook for the coming season, the Bureau of Meteorology predicted Canberra would have an 80 per cent chance of above average median temperatures across the next three months.

Long-range forecasting manager at the bureau Dr Andrew Watkins said it was expected to be a dry winter across most of eastern Australia, including the ACT.

"There's quite high odds across the ACT and NSW of it being drier than average," Dr Watkins said. "Generally, drier and warmer days are forecast with an increased risk of frost."

The bureau has predicted a less than 30 per cent chance of above average rainfalls for Canberra this winter. The predictions came as the ACT recorded its coldest morning for the year on Friday as Canberrans woke up to a frosty minus 2.7 degrees.

While the conditions have led to a bumper snowfall, leading Perisher to open early on Friday before the start of the ski season next, Dr Watkins said early falls don't guarantee a strong season.

"Early snow doesn't correlate with the rest of the snow season generally," he said.

"The warm and dry winter conditions could mean a short season, with shallow snow depth."

Chilly conditions are expected this weekend, with a low of minus 1 forecast for Saturday and Sunday.