Sydney weather forecast 2026, including monthly temperature averages, rainfall, humidity, and what to pack for each season, from summer heat to
Lifestyle Desk is a contributing writer covering weather and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
Sydney has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. The city experiences four distinct seasons, but the climate is moderated by its proximity to the ocean. Summer is from December to February, autumn is from March to May, winter is from June to August, and spring is from September to November. The average annual rainfall is approximately 1,200mm, with most rain falling in the first half of the year.
Sydney summers are warm and humid, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 26 degrees Celsius in December to 29 degrees Celsius in February. The average minimum temperature ranges from 18 degrees Celsius in December to 21 degrees Celsius in February. Summer is the wettest season, with an average rainfall of 100mm per month. Summer is also the season for thunderstorms, with an average of 10 thunderstorm days per year.
What to pack. Lightweight clothing, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. A light rain jacket is useful for summer thunderstorms. Beachwear is essential. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
What to expect. Long, sunny days with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius on some days. Humidity is high, particularly in January and February. The sea temperature is approximately 22 degrees Celsius in December, 23 degrees Celsius in January, and 23 degrees Celsius in February. Beaches are crowded on weekends and public holidays. Bushfires are a risk in the surrounding national parks during prolonged heatwaves.
Sydney autumns are mild and pleasant, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 25 degrees Celsius in March to 20 degrees Celsius in May. The average minimum temperature ranges from 17 degrees Celsius in March to 11 degrees Celsius in May. Autumn is the driest season, with an average rainfall of 70mm per month.
What to pack. Light layers, a jacket for cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and an umbrella. A light sweater is useful for May.
What to expect. Sunny days with mild temperatures and low humidity. The sea temperature is approximately 23 degrees Celsius in March, 22 degrees Celsius in April, and 20 degrees Celsius in May. The autumn foliage in the Blue Mountains is at its best in late April and early May. Easter and Anzac Day are public holidays in autumn.
Sydney winters are cool and dry, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 17 degrees Celsius in June to 18 degrees Celsius in August. The average minimum temperature ranges from 8 degrees Celsius in June to 9 degrees Celsius in August. Winter is the driest season, with an average rainfall of 70mm per month. Frost is rare in the Sydney metropolitan area but can occur in the outer suburbs and the Blue Mountains.
What to pack. Warm layers, a coat, a scarf, gloves, and comfortable closed shoes. A light rain jacket is useful for occasional winter rain.
What to expect. Cool, sunny days with temperatures reaching 20 degrees Celsius on some days. Nights are cold, with temperatures dropping to 5 degrees Celsius on some nights. The sea temperature is approximately 19 degrees Celsius in June, 18 degrees Celsius in July, and 18 degrees Celsius in August. Some ocean beaches are too cold for swimming, but harbour beaches and ocean pools are still swimmable. The Queen's Birthday is a public holiday in June.
Sydney springs are mild and pleasant, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 21 degrees Celsius in September to 25 degrees Celsius in November. The average minimum temperature ranges from 12 degrees Celsius in September to 16 degrees Celsius in November. Spring is a wet season, with an average rainfall of 80mm per month. Spring is also the season for thunderstorms, with an average of five thunderstorm days per year.
What to pack. Light layers, a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and an umbrella.
What to expect. Sunny days with mild temperatures and increasing humidity. The sea temperature is approximately 19 degrees Celsius in September, 20 degrees Celsius in October, and 22 degrees Celsius in November. Jacarandas are in bloom in October and November. The Sydney Royal Easter Show is in spring.
Sydney is subject to extreme weather events, including heatwaves, bushfires, and East Coast Lows.
Heatwaves. Sydney experiences heatwaves when a high-pressure system sits over the Australian continent and hot air is drawn down from the interior. Heatwaves are defined as three or more consecutive days with temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius. The NSW Government issues heatwave alerts through the Bureau of Meteorology. During a heatwave, stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable people.
Bushfires. Sydney is surrounded by bushland, and bushfires are a risk during prolonged dry periods and hot weather. The NSW Rural Fire Service issues bushfire alerts through the Fires Near Me website and app. During a bushfire, stay indoors, close windows and doors, and follow the advice of emergency services.
East Coast Lows. East Coast Lows are intense low-pressure systems that develop off the coast of NSW and can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous surf. East Coast Lows are most common in autumn and winter but can occur at any time of year. The Bureau of Meteorology issues warnings for East Coast Lows.
More information about Sydney weather is available at the Bureau of Meteorology Sydney forecast page.
(End of file)
Direct inquiries, corrections, or documentation concerning this dispatch to our editorial newsroom desk.
Flood zones in Sydney in 2026, including which suburbs are at risk, how to check if your property is in a flood zone, and insurance
Sydney heatwave safety guide 2026, including cooling centres, health risks, and what to do during extreme heat, from checking on vulnerable
Sydney bushfire season 2026 preparation guide, including high-risk suburbs, alert systems, emergency plans, and how to protect your property and