Sydney — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Sydney.
Sydney climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26°C | 18°C | 103mm | 65% |
| Feb | 26°C | 19°C | 117mm | 67% |
| Mar | 24°C | 17°C | 131mm | 67% |
| Apr | 22°C | 14°C | 127mm | 65% |
| May | 18°C | 11°C | 120mm | 63% |
| Jun | 16°C | 9°C | 131mm | 64% |
| Jul | 13°C | 8°C | 98mm | 62% |
| Aug | 15°C | 9°C | 81mm | 60% |
| Sep | 18°C | 11°C | 69mm | 59% |
| Oct | 21°C | 14°C | 77mm | 61% |
| Nov | 23°C | 15°C | 83mm | 63% |
| Dec | 25°C | 17°C | 78mm | 65% |
Climate overview
Sydney lies on Australia's southeast coast around one of the world's great natural harbours, and the Pacific Ocean keeps its climate mild all year. It is classed as humid subtropical (Cfa): warm, humid summers, mild winters and rainfall spread through every month. In the Southern Hemisphere, summer runs from December to February.
Average highs range from 26°C in January and February to 13°C in July. Annual rainfall is about 1,200 mm, with the wettest months in late summer, autumn and early winter — March and June each average around 131 mm — and the driest in late winter and spring. The western suburbs, further from the sea, are noticeably hotter in summer and cooler on winter nights than the coast.
Köppen classification: Cfa — humid subtropical
Sydney through the seasons
Summer
December – FebruarySummer is warm and humid near the coast, with highs of 25–26°C and lows around 18–19°C. Heatwaves can push the western suburbs above 40°C, while the beaches stay cooler thanks to sea breezes. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and this is peak beach season.
Autumn
March – MayMarch is often warm and humid but wet, and temperatures ease to 22°C in April and 18°C in May. Autumn days are frequently calm and sunny, with the ocean still warm enough for swimming into April.
Winter
June – AugustWinter is mild, with highs of 13–16°C and lows of 8–9°C. Days are often clear and sunny, though June can bring heavy rain from coastal low-pressure systems. Frost is rare near the coast but possible in western suburbs.
Spring
September – NovemberSpring is the driest season and often windy, warming from 18°C in September to 23°C in November. Jacarandas bloom in November. Late spring can bring the first hot, dry days and an early start to the bushfire season.
What makes Sydney's weather distinctive
The 'southerly buster' is Sydney's best-known weather event: a sudden cool change on a hot summer afternoon, when a strong southerly wind arrives and drops the temperature by 10°C or more within minutes. East Coast Lows are the other big system — intense storms off the coast that can bring torrential rain, damaging winds and large surf, mainly in autumn and winter.
Bushfire risk is also part of Sydney's climate. In hot, dry, windy conditions, fires in the surrounding national parks can spread smoke over the city, as during the 2019–20 season. The UV index is high for much of the year, so sun protection matters even on mild days.
Best time to visit Sydney
September to November and March to April are the best times to visit Sydney, when temperatures of 18–24°C suit harbour walks, coastal trails and outdoor dining. December to February is ideal for the beaches, though hotter and busier. Winter is mild and sunny enough for sightseeing, with fewer crowds.
What to pack
- Swimwear, a hat and high-SPF sunscreen — Australian UV is intense
- Light clothing for summer and a light jacket for evenings
- A warmer layer for winter, especially at night
- A compact umbrella for autumn and June rain
- Comfortable shoes for coastal walks such as Bondi to Coogee
Frequently asked questions
Does it snow in Sydney?
No. Snow in the Sydney basin is extremely rare. The nearest regular snow is in the Snowy Mountains, several hours' drive away.
What is a southerly buster?
A sudden, strong southerly wind change on a hot day that can drop temperatures by 10°C or more within minutes, often with gusty winds.
What is the warmest month in Sydney?
January and February are the warmest, averaging highs of 26°C near the coast, with much hotter days in the western suburbs.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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