When to go
Weather & climate
Any time in Sydney is a good time, but don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s eternally sunny and hot here. The city may enjoy more than 300 clear days annually, but lying around on beaches isn’t an option in the winter. That said, the months of July through September offer plenty of crisp sunny days and a slew of sporting event highlights. By October things are starting to warm up, and November and early December are usually stunning.
The absolute peak season straddles the New Year, when accommodation is at its priciest. It’s also when the temperature gets unpleasantly hot, and when bushfires around New South Wales (NSW) sometimes blanket the city in haze. These cons need to be weighed against the major pro of witnessing the eye-popping New Year’s Eve fireworks over the harbour.
February and early March is Mardi Gras time, although the sexy sizzle is sometimes tempered by heavy rain. In May and June Sydney heads indoors for fashion, film and art, braving the outdoors only for the annual clash of the titans, the rugby league State of Origin (NSW versus Queensland).
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