Sydney Weather and Climate: A Comprehensive Guide
Sydney has a humid subtropical climate meaning mild cool winters and hot summers. Rain and sunshine is spread out evenly throughout the year.
Summer in Sydney starts in December and lasts until the end of March. In the summer months it is hot and the maximum average temperatures are between 25°C and 27°C. In recent years heat waves and drought have become more common. July is the coldest month with an average of 17.8°C in the day and the temperature is almost always above zero at night.
The best time to go to Sydney is in spring. In the months September and October it is quite dry and it is pleasantly warm without getting to hot. Sydney has 105 days of clear days a year making it a sunny destination.
Average maximum day and minimum night temperature
In Sydney, seasonal changes bring about a moderate variation in temperatures. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 26°C in January, the warmest time of the year, to a moderate 18°C during cooler months like July.
At night, temperatures typically drop to an average of around 11°C during these months. Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.Temperature ranges by month
Precipitation and rainy days
Generally, Sydney experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 897 mm yearly. While rainfall varies throughout the year, each season offers its own charm. February brings wetter days averaging 110 mm of precipitation, spread over 12 rainy days. In contrast, September experiences a drier climate, with about 53 mm of rainfall spread across 10 rainy days.The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine over the year
While the amount of sunshine in Sydney varies throughout the year, all seasons offer their own charm. Enjoy up to 8.6 hours of daily sun in December, and experience slightly darker atmosphere in May, with about 6.0 hours of daily sunlight. Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Average water temperature
The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 16°C in August to 21°C in January.
Water temperature over the year
Average humidity
The relative humidity is moderate throughout the year in Sydney.
The city experiences its highest humidity in February, reaching 62%. In August, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 48%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Average wind speed
The average wind speed over the year ranges from 3 m/s to 4 m/s. It is lower in March, April, May, June, July, August and September and higher in October.
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
partly cloudy and chance of rain partly cloudy and rain overcast and heavy rainForecast for Sydney
8 m/s
13 m/s
15 m/s
Select a Month of Interest
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
The best time of year to visit Sydney in Australia
During the months of January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20°C and 26°C.Other facts from our historical weather data:
The hottest season / summer takes place in January, February, March and December.
January has an average maximum temperature of 26°C and is the warmest month of the year.
The coldest month is July with an average maximum temperature of 18°C.
February tops the wettest month list with 110 mm of rainfall.
September is the driest month with 53 mm of precipitation.
December is the sunniest month with an average of 257 hours of sunshine.
No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.
