What August feels like in Sydney
Late winter arrives in Sydney with August (Sydney is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons run opposite to Europe and North America). Expect cool, jacket-on afternoons — comfortable for a long walk. After sunset it cools off noticeably — nights are cool. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Sydney in August
Rain turns up now and then — about one day in 5. Each rainy day adds about 8.4 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. The yearly figure is similar, around 7.7 mm per wet day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in August
Mid-month, Sydney gets 10 h 50 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:35 am to sunset near 5:25 pm. Days are getting longer: 44 min more daylight than in mid-July. About 85% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, skies are mostly clear.
How August compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, August comes out as the 3rd coolest month in Sydney. Afternoons run 1.3°C (2.3°F) warmer than in July, with about the same rain. Temperatures keep climbing into September. September averages a high of 20.3°C (68.5°F).
Who August suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Sydney in August
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Light Jacket
Bring a sweater or light coat for cool afternoons.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Sydney in August?
It feels cool: typical highs are 17.7°C (63.9°F), with lows near 9.2°C (48.6°F).
Does it rain a lot in Sydney in August?
Only moderately: roughly 6 wet days and 51 mm, usually moderate rain.
What should I wear in Sydney in August?
Based on the averages: versatile layers, a light jacket and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is August or September better for visiting Sydney?
September scores better on our climate ranking (#1 of 12 vs #7), rated Great against Good. September is warmer and has more rainy days.