People picture Sydney as beach weather all year and pack only summer clothes. Winter nights drop to 8°C (46°F), and summer into early autumn is the wettest stretch, with 16 rain days in January. Bring a warm layer whatever the month, a rain shell for the summer storms and a plan for the long flight.
Sydney weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 22°C72°F | 19°C66°F | 17°C63°F | 17°C63°F | 19°C66°F | 22°C72°F | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F | 27°C81°F |
| Low | 19°C66°F | 19°C66°F | 18°C64°F | 14°C57°F | 11°C52°F | 8°C46°F | 8°C46°F | 9°C48°F | 11°C52°F | 13°C55°F | 16°C61°F | 18°C64°F |
| Rain days | 16 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 10 |
Season by season
Summer
December–FebruaryHighs of 26–27°C (79–81°F) and lows of 18–19°C (64–66°F). January is the wettest month with 16 rain days, often humid with afternoon storms. Pack swimwear, light clothes, a rain shell and high-SPF sunscreen, because the Australian sun burns fast.
Autumn
March–MayMarch is still summery at 26°C (79°F) but wet with 15 rain days. April cools to 22°C (72°F) and May to 19°C (66°F), with lows down to 11°C (52°F). Bring a jacket for evenings by the Opera House or on the ferries.
Winter
June–AugustMild and mostly dry. Highs of 17–19°C (63–66°F), lows of 8–9°C (46–48°F) and only 6 to 10 rain days a month. The sun feels warm at midday and the nights don't, so pack a warm jacket and a sweater. It's whale-watching season along the coast.
Spring
September–NovemberSeptember is the driest month at 5 rain days, with 22°C (72°F) highs. October reaches 24°C (75°F) and November 25°C (77°F), when the rain picks up again to 14 days. Great time for the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, so bring walking shoes and sunscreen.
What to bring to Sydney
0 of 20 packed- Sony WH-1000XM5Tech & Power
Active noise cancelling takes the engine rumble out of a flight that runs well over 12 hours, so you land less wrecked.
20 to 30 mmHg compression on the calf and ankle is what your legs want on the long haul down to Sydney.
- MZOO Sleep MaskSleep & Comfort
Raised contours keep the padding off your eyelids, so you can actually sleep through the cabin lights on an overnight flight.
The sliding AU plug fits Sydney's type I sockets, and it handles the US, UK and EU legs of the trip too.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
A wet swimsuit after Bondi goes in a sealed TPU cube with a waterproof zip, not loose in your day bag.
January brings 16 rain days of humid summer storms, and a shell that packs into its own pocket is far less hassle than an umbrella in the wind.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
A cushioned sole with a traction outsole handles the stairs and rock on the Bondi to Coogee walk, then goes in the wash after.
Clothing
- Warm sweater or fleece · 1Winter nights drop to 8°C
- Light tees and shorts · 4Summer highs of 26–27°C
- Swimwear · 2
- Long-sleeve sun shirt · 1
- Long pants · 2
Footwear
- Sandals · 1 pair
Gear
- Wide-brim sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Beach towel
Health and toiletries
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Insect repellent
Documents and money
- Passport and Australian visa or ETARequired for most visitors
- Contactless cardTap on for trains, buses and ferries
What shoes should you pack for Sydney?
Sneakers for walking and a pair of thongs (flip-flops) or sandals for the beach. The Bondi to Coogee walk and the Spit to Manly track have stairs and rock, so bring something with grip. Some smarter bars won't let you in wearing thongs.
What do people wear in Sydney?
Relaxed and beachy. Shorts, T-shirts, sundresses and swimwear by day, smart casual at night in the CBD or Surry Hills. Swimwear is for the beach, so throw something over it before you walk into a café.
What plugs does Sydney use?
Australia uses type I sockets at 230V, with two angled flat pins. Visitors from the US, UK and Europe need an adapter, and a universal one with an AU plug works. Phone and laptop chargers are fine on 230V.
Tours and things to do in Sydney
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Sydney.
What should you leave at home for Sydney?
Leave the heavy winter coat, even in July a warm jacket and layers are enough. Don't bother with a big umbrella, the summer storms come with wind. Sunscreen is sold everywhere, so you don't need to pack a full-size bottle.
Packing for Sydney: questions people ask
What should I wear in Sydney in July?
Highs are around 17°C (63°F) with lows of 8°C (46°F). Jeans, a sweater and a warm jacket for the evening, plus sunglasses for bright winter days.
When is the rainy season in Sydney?
Summer into autumn. January averages 16 rain days and March 15, while September is the driest month with 5.
Is Sydney hot in summer?
Warm rather than scorching. Highs average 26–27°C (79–81°F) from December to February, but the sun is strong and it can be humid.
What do I need for the long flight to Sydney?
Flights from Europe and North America run well over 12 hours. Pack noise-cancelling headphones, compression socks and a sleep mask in your carry-on.
Do I need a plug adapter for Sydney?
Yes, unless you're coming from Australia or New Zealand. Sydney uses type I sockets at 230V, and a universal adapter with an AU plug covers it.
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