Bondi Beach, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW, Daniel Boud

Weather in Sydney

Q: Is it warm enough to swim during autumn and winter?

In March and April water temperature sits around 22 - 23 ° C (72 - 73 ° F) so visitors can still make the most of Sydney's beaches. Many locales continue to swim and surf (wearing wetsuits) during winter, when average water temperatures fall to 18.8 - 19.3 ° C (65.8 - 66.7 ° F).

Find information on temperature, rainfall and seasonal activities to help plan your holiday in Sydney.

What is the weather like in Sydney?

Sydney enjoys a sunny climate with mild winters and warm summers, perfect for making the most of the outdoors. Plan ahead with this information on temperature and rainfall.

Summer (December – February)
During summer, average temperatures range from 18.6 - 25.8°C (65.5 - 78.4°F), and average humidity spikes to 65%. This is a great time to enjoy Sydney’s abundant beaches when water temperatures rise to 21.9 - 23.7°C (71.4 - 74.7°F).

Autumn (March – May)
Autumn is the mildest time of year in Sydney when the humidity drops and average temperatures fall between 14.6 - 22.2°C (58.3 - 72°F). Crisp, fresh air makes autumn the season for enjoying Sydney’s coastal walks. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales, which migrate north from May to August.

Winter (June – August)
Sydney’s winter months are June to August when average temperatures drop between 8.8 - 17°C (47.8 - 62.6°F). Sydney’s rainfall is generally highest in June, with an average of 132 mm (5.2 inches), while July is the coolest month when average daytime temperatures reach about 17°C (62.6°F).

Spring (September – November)
In spring, days are warmer but the humidity is not as high as summer. Average daily temperatures range from 11 - 23°C (51.8 - 73.4°F).

Frequently Asked Questions about the weather in Sydney

Daylight saving begins at 2am, Eastern Standard Time, on the first Sunday in October and ends at 3am Eastern Daylight Saving Time on the first Sunday in April. During this time Sydney moves to Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT), UTC +11.

December experiences the longest hours of daylight with sunrise at approximately 5:30am and sunset at 8pm. June has the least hours of daylight with sunrise at approximately 7am and sunset at 5pm.

In March and April water temperature sits around 22 - 23°C (72 - 73°F) so visitors can still make the most of Sydney's beaches. Many locales continue to swim and surf (wearing wetsuits) during winter, when average water temperatures fall to 18.8 - 19.3°C (65.8 - 66.7°F).

Snow in Sydney is extremely rare. Jindabyne is the gateway to the Snowy Mountains and is a 6 hour drive south of Sydney. Snow can also fall in regional parts of New South Wales including the Blue Mountains, Orange and the Upper Hunter.

In winter temperatures rarely drop below 7°C (44.6°F). Dress in layers and make sure to have a waterproof jacket on hand, as June can be rainy. Pack a warm jacket for the evening.

Sydney's pleasant summer days and balmy nights means that light clothing is ample. Pack your swimmers - Sydney has an abundance of beautiful harbour and ocean beaches.

Visitors to Sydney should look out for the UV index in local weather reports, which describes the daily solar UV radiation intensity. Protect yourself from sunburn by using SPF30+ sunscreen, which is readily available throughout Australia at supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies, and wearing sun-smart clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.

Seasonal weather in Sydney

SUMMER

	Dec	Jan	Feb
Maximum temp ºC \| ºF	25.7 78	26.4 80	26.3 79
Minimum temp ºC \| ºF	17.5 64	18.8 66	19 66
Average hours of sunshine daily
Avg rainfall mm	74	94	113
Avg rainy days	11	11	11

AUTUMN

	Mar	Apr	May
Maximum temp ºC \| ºF	25.2 77	22.9 73	20 68
Minimum temp ºC \| ºF	17.8 64	14.1 57	10.9 52
Average hours of sunshine daily
Avg rainfall mm	115	106	101
Avg rainy days	12	11	11

WINTER

	Jun	Jul	Aug
Maximum temp ºC \| ºF	17.6 64	17 63	18.3 65
Minimum temp ºC \| ºF	8.6 47	7.1 45	8.1 47
Average hours of sunshine daily
Avg rainfall mm	120	69	77
Avg rainy days	11	9	9

SPRING

	Sep	Oct	Nov
Maximum temp ºC \| ºF	20.5 69	22.5 73	24 75
Minimum temp ºC \| ºF	10.3 51	13.1 56	15.3 60
Average hours of sunshine daily
Avg rainfall mm	61	72	81
Avg rainy days	9	11	11