Welcome to Sydney, Australia’s most populated city and a destination full of endless adventures and excursions, just waiting for you to discover. No matter how many days you plan on spending in Sydney, there’s always more to explore, from visiting the famous beaches and iconic landmarks to indulging in the local cuisine and culture.
Imagine world-class dining and harbour cruises surrounded by captivating city lights. A vibrant setting that combines art, history, and outdoor fun for travellers of all ages. Family-friendly attractions that keep the kids entertained even on the rainiest of days.
Sydney truly is the place to be, but when is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Sydney is from September to November or March to May, as this is when Sydney’s weather is warm and pleasant, it’s less crowded than peak travel seasons, and it’s easier to find cheaper prices on flights and accommodation. And — if you’re keen to explore the famous food scene — it’s also a good time to secure a restaurant reservation or two at some of Sydney’s most desirable culinary hotspots. While other months throughout the year offer plenty of perks, these are among the best, especially when planning to tick off as many items on your Sydney itinerary as possible.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best and worst times to visit to Sydney, including all you need to know about the city’s weather before you book your flights to Sydney, when to go for specific festivals and events, the cheapest and quietest time to plan your trip, and more. You’ll have all the details you need to plan accordingly, whether flying solo or taking the whole family with you.
For those who want to skip the details, here is a summary of the best times to visit Sydney for the top considerations:
- For weather: September to November or March to May
- For fewer crowds: June to August
- For cheaper prices: June to August
- For a beach holiday: December to February
- For outdoor activities: September to May
- For hiking: September to November
- For whale watching: End of May to August
- For cultural activities: June to August
- For a family holiday: December to January and June to August
- For a vibrant atmosphere: December to January
If you’re ready to explore more detailed tips for planning your trip to Sydney, read on!
There’s truly never a bad time to visit Sydney due to the city’s temperate climate and wonderful year-round weather. For the most part, you can expect lots of sunshine and clear days. As a coastal city, you’ll also enjoy a nice breeze that tends to add even more comfort to days spent outdoors exploring this urban destination. For more thorough information on Sydney’s weather, make sure to check out our guide on Sydney’s climate. However, there are some considerations depending on your preferences.
For those planning a trip to Sydney based on the most comfortable weather, the best time to visit is between September and November or from March to May, as these months offer mild temperatures and pleasant days for exploring. From September to November, spring usually brings average temperatures as low as 12°C and as high as 24° C on average, with less rainfall than the autumn months.
March to May is also a fantastic season in terms of weather but be warned—you could run into more rain during this time of the year! Temperatures in autumn can be as high as 26°C on average and as low as 12°C, and March is one of Sydney’s most humid months. It’s also worth noting that March to May has a greater chance of rainfall with Sydney experiencing the most rainy days in March.
For those wanting to experience the ultimate beach holiday in Sydney, plan a visit from December to February. The weather is often clear and sunny but it is also quite hot and humid. The temperatures usually average 18°C to 28°C during the day, but you can expect temperatures to reach the mid-to-high 30s, some days even as hot as 40°C! Because of the ideal weather during summer, December and January are popular months to visit Sydney, particularly for those looking to spend some time on the beach or outdoors, but if you’re not a fan of the heat, it’s best to wait until June when winter arrives.
June to August is one of the best times of the year to visit if you enjoy colder temperatures and the opportunity to explore Sydney’s indoor activities. Sydney’s temperatures can reach as low as 9°C on average and as high as 19°C on average. Sydney’s winters are quite mild during the day but be prepared for cold mornings and nights – and pack an umbrella if visiting in June, typically Sydney’s rainiest month. If you enjoy cooler adventures and want to take advantage of some of the excursions—such as skiing, whale watching or even a cold-water beach swim— then winter might be the best time for you to plan your trip to Sydney.
Best time to visit Sydney for crowds and prices
Now, one of the main concerns that people often have when they plan their trip to Sydney is the crowds. It’s good to know when Sydney’s peak, low, and shoulder tourist seasons are so you can plan around the crowds. Sydney’s peak season is usually December to January, while the quietest time for travellers will be between June and August. Sydney’s shoulder tourist seasons fall between March and May and September and November.
Prices will be relatively high during peak season. No matter where you stay in Sydney, the summer will bring expensive nightly rates. Sydney’s busiest season is all thanks to the appealing summer weather as well as the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
During these months, you’ll find the city to be packed with people, and you might have trouble securing the reservations you desire at the city’s most popular restaurants, including the best rooftop restaurants. Prices tend to be higher due to the demand, not only for accommodations but also for excursions that have limited spots. While there are plenty of free things to do in Sydney, crowded spaces and excursions can be a hassle. So, if you plan on travelling during the peak season in Sydney, plan ahead and do your best to get everything booked in advance.
The shoulder seasons—between March and May or September and November—will give you better prices than peak season, but you’ll still run into some crowds. Ultimately, when you book your trip is up to you, but with an idea of the typical crowds and prices, you’ll book your trip with confidence and remain on budget.
If you’re keen on avoiding the crowded museums, long queues, and endless waitlists for your must-see attractions as well as have a greater chance and getting cheaper airfares and hotel rates, then you should plan to come to the city in the winter, from June to August. It’s not only Sydney’s off-season, but you’ll also be able to plan a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, possibly even scoring a reservation for some restaurants that are often rather difficult to get into during the peak season.
Sydney is a city famous for its outdoor attractions and activities, including its stunning coast, sparkling harbour, and parks and reserves. It’s also popular for its museums, galleries and vibrant cultural scene and is even a whale watching hotspot, so if you’re planning to visit for a specific reason, it’s helpful to know the best times for certain activities.
Travellers eager to go to the beach, explore the harbour or go to the coastline for whale watching have plenty of months to choose from when planning their holiday. If you want to indulge in water activities, go on a harbour cruise, or spend a few days lounging by the beach, there is no better time than summer, from December to February. However, it will be a bit crowded, so for those looking to enjoy Sydney’s hot weather without the crowds, plan your visit for November or March when the weather is hot and sunny but outside of the peak tourist season. August and September are also excellent times for those who enjoy pleasant sunshine, minimal chance of rainfall, and even cold-water swimming.
Hiking is another fantastic outdoor activity to engage in while in Sydney, and it is best done in the autumn, from September to November. You’ll avoid the rainier months, like March and June, but you’ll also get some days of gorgeous weather that’s not too hot or humid. That’s when it’s best to conquer one of Sydney’s best walks, such as Spit Bridge to Manly Walk or a hike in Sydney Harbour National Park. If you desire an adventure further out from the city, make the journey to the Blue Mountains, which is ideal for a Sydney day trip. On a sunny, cool autumn day, you’ll have stunning views and great weather.
Whale watching is another popular activity in Sydney. The best time to whale watch is from May to August, during the winter. You can do this from the coastline, with the Bondi to Coogee walk being a popular spot to do this, ora whale watching cruise to get a closer look at the whales as they migrate.
For those who are eager to explore Sydney’s cultural attractions, like the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Art Gallery of New South Wales or Australian Museum, June to August will be the best time to book your trip due to the pleasant but cooler temperatures and the lack of crowds. A balanced itinerary of both indoor and outdoor activities is best for June to August during the coldest months. Those wanting to explore more of Sydney’s indoor experiences should plan a trip between February and June when the city is at its rainiest.
Best time to visit Sydney for festivals and events
Festivals and events are in abundance in Sydney, but when is the best time to visit for each event? Truthfully, it depends on what you want to see and how many events you wish to have access to during your trip. The below is a list of Sydney’s most popular festivals and events by month – dates will vary from year to year so make sure to check ahead before you book:
- January: Sydney Festival
- February: Chinese Lunar New Year
- March: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
- April: Royal Easter Show
- May: Sydney Writers Festival
- June: Vivid Sydney
- July: Bondi Festival
- August: City2Surf
- September: Sydney Marathon
- October: Sculpture by the Sea
- November: Sculpture by the Sea
- December: New Year’s Eve
December and January are perfect for those eager to participate in tSydney's famous Christmas and New Year festivities, as well as one of Sydney’s biggest cultural events, Sydney Festival, a three-week-long major arts celebration with various live events. However, be warned—it is extremely crowded!
If you’re not planning to visit for a specific event, it’s still a good idea to check what may be happening during your trip, as it may impact flight and accommodation availability and prices.
Worst time to visit Sydney
We’ve explored plenty of great times throughout the year for your trip to Sydney, but there are certain months to avoid going to Sydney on holiday. Unfortunately, as fun as it may sound initially due to the events and holidays of the summer, the worst time to visit Sydney is from December to January. It’s not due to the weather—as many people flock to the beaches to enjoy the warm summer sunshine—but due to how packed and expensive the city becomes. Many people simply do not want to spend as much money on hotels, excursions, flights, and the like.
December to January is not only the hottest time to visit Sydney but also coincides with school breaks. The combination of school holidays, hot weather, and Christmas and New Year celebrations mean Sydney is very busy. While this contributes to a very vibrant and buzzing atmosphere, it does make it harder (and more expensive) to book flights and accommodation. The increased crowds also mean Sydney's tourist hotspots will be busier with longer queues or limited availability, and it can lead to more road congestion - making getting around Sydney harder or more time consuming.
So, with that in mind, the worst time to visit Sydney is from December to January if your priority is to visit when it’s less crowded and it’s easier to get good deals on flights and accommodation.
Visiting Sydney FAQs
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What is the best month to visit Sydney?
The best time to visit Sydney ultimately depends on your preferences. For those who want ideal weather and a less crowded experience, the best month to visit Sydney is November. This is due to the fact that summer weather has already kicked in, and it is just before the peak travel season. That means you’ll enjoy pleasant weather without the big crowds. There are not many local events and festivals during this time, which might not satisfy every traveller, but others will enjoy the opportunity to create their own trip itinerary.
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When is the rainiest time to visit Sydney?
Sydney is not as wet as other Australian destinations, but there’s always a chance of rain all year round. June is typically Sydney's wettest month on average, so if you’re planning to visit the city, then be sure to pack your umbrella, a raincoat and some good closed shoes! The city averages 142mm of rain in June, followed by February, with averages of 132mm of rain. It's also worth noting that March tends to have the most number of rainy days during the month, with an average of 10 days of rain in the month, and a total of 118mm of rainfall.
If you're travelling to Sydney during these months - or any time between February and June - it is best to plan ahead with plenty of indoor activities, such as museums, aquariums, and galleries.
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What is the hottest month to visit Sydney?
The hottest month in Sydney is typically January, which averages maximum temperatures of 27°C, with February close behind with average maximum temperatures of 26.8°C. Combined with high humidity, the days tend to feel even hotter.
If you find yourself in Sydney during this time of the year, it’s best to not only plan ahead for your excursions but also plan lots of time along the beach or at one of Sydney’s many ocean pools. Alternatively, balancing indoor and outdoor activities will give you a taste of all Sydney offers while ensuring you don’t melt under the hot summer sun.
Flights to Sydney
Now that you know the best time to visit Sydney, it's time to book a ticket. Virgin Australia offers direct flights to Sydney from major Australian cities, including:
