Best time to go to Sydney Average weather of Sydney, Australia
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Sydney?
Sydney, which is among the most attractive cities in Australia, has a favorable climate all year round. The sun shines there for more than 300 days a year with an annual sunshine rate of around 2,611 hours.
One thing is certain, you have little chance of encountering gloomy weather during your trip to Sydney.
However, the best time to visit Sydney is from November to February, when the climate is most favorable. Indeed, this is summer in Australia. Average temperatures range from 22 to 28°C (83°F) and conditions will be optimal for swimming with water temperatures around 23°C (74°F) .
The months from January to March are slightly rainier compared to the rest of the year. However, with the summer heat, the showers will be almost welcomed to cool you down. They are unlikely to spoil your stay.
Moreover, if you find yourself in Sydney in January, besides being one of the hottest months, it is also when the Sydney Festival takes place, one of the largest festivals in Australia. The mild weather will allow you to attend free outdoor performances until late at night.
The period from November to February is also the most touristy. The budget for your trip could be higher.
So, if you are looking for a slightly quieter and cheaper period, you can plan your stay during autumn or spring. For example, in April and May, the sun is abundant and the temperature is around 20-25 °C. During spring, in September-October, the climate in Sydney is also mild with a prevalent blue sky. The temperature then hovers around 20°C (68°F) .
Finally, if you are wondering when to go to Sydney, know that you can never go wrong by planning your trip. Winter can also be an excellent option. Temperatures remain pleasant, ranging from 13 to 17°C (63°F) in July-August. Moreover, in winter, the sun is still abundant in Sydney and showers are rare.
Winter is therefore the ideal time to enjoy the city without crowds of tourists and with advantageous rates. However, swimming will be reserved for the most courageous or in combination with surfing, as the water temperature is around 18°C (65°F) .
So, when is the best time to go to Sydney? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The weather is good all year round in Sydney
- On average, the warmest months are January, February, March and December
- The coldest months are July and August
- The rainiest months are February, March and June
- The best months for swimming are January, February, March, April and December
Annual weather in Sydney
Weather details in Sydney month by month
Weather and climate in Sydney
Located on the east coast of New South Wales, Australia, the city of Sydney enjoys a mild and sunny climate throughout the year. Just like its neighbor Adelaide, Sydney is characterized by a subtropical oceanic climate, typical of the region.
The weather in Sydney is marked by a warmer season from November to March and a cooler season from April to October. It is also known for light precipitation occurring all year round as well as a constant wind, making this region a paradise for surfers.
Planning a trip to Sydney for your next vacation? Here is all the information about the climate in Sydney, season by season.
Summer in Sydney
Due to its proximity to the Tasman Sea, Sydney's climate during the warm season is characterized by a slight increase in temperatures and precipitation. Indeed, summer in this region is a rainy period, but it remains favorable for tourist activities.
Precipitation usually comes in the form of thunderstorms with short showers. It is important to note that good weather is likely if you travel during this period. Summer in Sydney also corresponds to the peak tourist season.
Temperatures range between 25 and 28°C (83°F) . Thanks to the frequent winds during this season, the heat is rarely uncomfortable. However, when the wind comes from the nearby desert, temperatures can rise to over 40°C (104°F) for a few days.
Compared to the tropical climate of Cairns, which is very rainy during the peak season, Sydney's climate remains very mild.
Finally, the summer season is ideal if you want to enjoy Sydney's beaches as the water temperature is around 23°C (74°F) .
Winter in Sydney
From April to October, Sydney's climate cools down. However, winter in Sydney is far from harsh. The temperature difference between summer and winter is not very high. Thus, it averages from 13 to 17°C (63°F) in July and August in Sydney.
Like Brisbane or Melbourne, winter is a relatively dry season in Sydney. The city remains very suitable for a trip during this period. Although some precipitation may occur, the weather in Sydney in winter is conducive to all kinds of activities.
Autumn in Sydney
Autumn, from late March to late June, is a relatively warm and sunny period in the capital of New South Wales. However, some precipitation is possible, especially at the beginning of the season (March-April).
The climate remains very mild with an average temperature between 20 and 25°C (77°F) . It is therefore an ideal time to plan a trip to Sydney.
Moreover, the water temperature remains suitable for swimming for those less sensitive to cold. While it reaches around 23°C (74°F) in April, the sea temperature remains above 20°C (68°F) in May.
Spring in Sydney
Spring is a pleasant period with fairly rare rains. Some people even consider this season as the best time to plan a trip to Sydney.
Indeed, temperatures are high, and the sun is abundant. It ranges between 16 and 20°C (68°F) in September and gradually increases. In November, the mercury generally hovers between 20 and 25°C (77°F) .
In addition to enjoying pleasant weather, you can explore Sydney in a quieter atmosphere than in the peak of summer. This is why this season is highly appreciated by travelers.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Sydney
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Sydney: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Sydney
Find out when Sydney has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Sydney
- Very low season in Sydney
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: June. - Low season in Sydney
The months with low numbers of tourists are: March, April, May, July, August and September. - High season in Sydney
The number of visitors to Sydney is high in: January, February, October and November. - Peak season in Sydney
The largest number of tourists visiting Sydney is during: December.
Figure: Visitor index for Sydney month by month
Best time for low prices in Sydney
Average prices of hotels in Sydney month by month
Generally, July is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Sydney. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, February is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Sydney
A return flight between London and Sydney is generally cheaper if you go in may ($ 1069 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 461 more for your airline ticket to Sydney if you go in december.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Sydney
Average price of hiring a car in Sydney
On average, it costs $ 46 per day to hire a car in Sydney. This price varies by $ 14 depending on the month. In july, hiring a car costs an average of $ 39 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in december is $ 52.
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