What December feels like in Sydney
Early summer arrives in Sydney with December (Sydney is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons run opposite to Europe and North America). Warm daytime weather invites long lunches outside and evening strolls. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights stay mild and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Some humidity hangs in the air, noticeable when the sun is strong.
Rain in Sydney in December
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Each rainy day adds about 6.6 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. The yearly figure is similar, around 7.7 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 5:39 am and sunset at about 8:02 pm (local time) — 14 h 23 min of daylight. Since mid-November the day has gained 32 min. About 79% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Sydney's temperature order, December sits as the 3rd warmest month. Against November, the average high is 1.5°C (2.7°F) higher, with 13 mm less rain. Temperatures keep climbing into January. By January, typical highs are 26.1°C (79°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — good conditions for sitting outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
Tips for visiting Sydney in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Sydney in December?
It feels warm: typical highs are 24.9°C (76.8°F), with lows near 17.7°C (63.9°F).
Does it rain a lot in Sydney in December?
Quite a lot — 66 mm spread over about 10 days.
What should I wear in Sydney in December?
Based on the averages: rain protection and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Sydney?
December, clearly: it ranks #4 of 12 among Sydney's months, against #10 for the other. January is warmer and has more rainy days.