Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
Sydney in January
Sydney's warmest month brings highs averaging 78°F (25°C), lows of 68°F (20°C) and about 3.3 in (83 mm) of rain.
It scores 81/100 for comfort, 10th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 78°F (25°C)
- Avg low
- 68°F (20°C)
- Rain
- 3.3 in (83 mm)
- Humidity
- 75%
- Cloud cover
- 59%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 01 min
- Comfort score
- 81/100 · Great
What January feels like
Days are warm, averaging 78°F (25°C).
After dark, temperatures fall to about 68°F (20°C).
With 75% average humidity, it feels muggy.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.3 in (83 mm).
Plan around January
January is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (April & May and July – October).
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (January – March), which brings about 12.6 in (321 mm) in total.
- Humidity season begins: 75% on average, up from 73% in December.
- Comfort slips from 84/100 in December to 81/100.
- Our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends May – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Light, breathable clothes78°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Quick-dry fabrics75% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Sydney in January
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
6 km clifftop path past ocean pools, Tamarama and Bronte beaches and Waverley Cemetery.
Why now January scores 81/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Manly Ferry
30-minute public ferry across the harbour from Circular Quay to Manly's surf beach.
Why now Highs near 78°F and 3.3 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
BridgeClimb Sydney
Guided climb over the arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, 134 m above the water.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Sydney Opera House
Jørn Utzon's sail-roofed performing arts center, with daily tours and a full program of shows.
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Harbourside gardens leading to Mrs Macquarie's Chair and its Opera House view.
Nearby in January
- Blue Mountains in January~53 mi · highs 81°F, 3.2 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Sydney in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Sydney?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 81/100 against a best of 94 in April & May and July – October. Expect highs of 78°F (25°C) and 3.3 in (83 mm) of rain. Our Sydney, Blue Mountains & the Reef route recommends May – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Sydney in January?
Average highs are 78°F (25°C) and average lows 68°F (20°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Sydney in January?
Some: about 3.3 in (83 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 35.0 in (888 mm).
What should I pack for Sydney in January?
Bring light, breathable clothes (78°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), quick-dry fabrics (75% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Sydney in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.