Does it snow in Sydney Australia? The city’s winters are moderate and dry, and its summers are hot and muggy.
Due to that nice weather, Sydney has always been an attractive tourist destination with so much to see and explore on every trip.
But, with its stunning beaches and usually balmy climate, you might wonder, “Does it snow in Australia Sydney?
It seems unlikely, but do they get snow in Sydney, Australia?
Let’s find out now!
More about Climate in Sydney
Sydney, Australia, is home to a pleasant subtropical environment with high humidity and plenty of sunshine for locals and visitors alike.
The city has a lot of bright days throughout the year, but there is a twist: more clear skies appear in the winter.
Sydney’s coastline location means that the city typically enjoys a cool sea breeze in the late afternoon on hot, muggy summer days. On hot, still days, however, smog can be more perceptible.
An Important Consideration
With year-round warm water, Sydney’s harbor is a popular destination for a wide variety of water activities, from swimming to sailing to surfing.
Most visitors think that the weather in Sydney is pleasant all year round, with the most prevalent complaints being about the summer humidity and the sun’s intensity.
Average High and Low Temperatures
Sydney, Australia, has a mild climate with significant seasonal temperature variation.
Here is a bit about the average temperatures throughout the year:
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Avg Temp | 73°F | 73°F | 71°F | 66°F | 60°F | 56°F | 54°F | 57°F | 61°F | 65°F | 68°F | 71°F |
The Seasonal Temperature Scale
Sydney experiences a yearly average temperature range of 47°F (8°C) to 80°F (27°C) across all four seasons.
Temperatures in this region rarely fall below 42 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius) or rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).
Here is what you should know about the average high and low temperatures in Sydney:
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Avg Low | 68°F | 68°F | 65°F | 59°F | 54°F | 49°F | 47°F | 49°F | 54°F | 58°F | 62°F | 65°F |
| Avg High | 80°F | 79°F | 77°F | 72°F | 68°F | 63°F | 62°F | 65°F | 70°F | 73°F | 75°F | 78°F |
Heat Wave (November-March)
The warm season in Sydney begins on November 26 and lasts until March 22. During this time, the city regularly has daily highs above 76 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius).
January is the hottest month in Sydney, with an average temperature range of 80°F (27°C) to 68°F (20°C).
Cold Season (May-August)
The cold season, on the other hand, lasts for 2.8 months, from May 29 to August 22.
During this time of year, daytime highs rarely rise over 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius).
Fact: Temperatures in Sydney drop to 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) in July, the coldest month of the year.
Does It Snow in Sydney Australia?
Yes, it can, but it is extremely rare, and usually only happens from Jun through August.
The average temperature in Sydney is between 47.7 and 62.2 F, although in the mountains around the city, it can go close to freezing on rare occasions.
The city itself is not a place where snow often falls, but the Blue Mountains, Orange, and the Upper Hunter are just a few of the regional areas of New South Wales that are prone to snowfall.
Fact: Jindabyne, the town at the foot of the Snowy Mountains and a 6-hour trip from Sydney, is where you will find the best chance of snow.
Snowfall History in Sydney Australia
Since its colonization in 1788, Sydney has had exactly one instance of snowfall in recorded history.
In June of 1836, there was a single snowstorm that dumped up to 4 centimeters of snow on the city. The exact date of the snowfall is up for debate, but sources suggest it occurred early in the morning of June 28.
That morning, temperatures had plummeted to a very cold 3°C, allowing snow to begin to fall. According to some accounts, there was reportedly moderate snowfall in early July 1836.
While snow is extremely rare in the Sydney metropolitan area, it does occasionally occur in the Blue Mountains region to the west.
Temperatures drop low enough in the Blue Mountains’ upper elevations to produce snow. However, even in the Blue Mountains, snowfall is irregular, happening rarely more than a handful of times a year.
The Impact of Rainfall
The low snowfall is also due to the fact that most of the precipitation in the city falls in the form of rainfall.
Rainfall in Sydney follows a wide variety of patterns depending on the time of year.
The city receives its fair share of rain every month of the year, but each season has its own special charm.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Rainfall | 3.2 inches | 4.0 inches | 3.1 inches | 3.1 inches | 2.7 inches | 2.6 inches | 1.9 inches | 2.0 inches | 1.8 inches | 2.3 inches | 2.9 inches | 2.5 inches |
The dry side of Sydney’s climate is on display in September when monthly rainfall averages just 1.8 inches. Showers are less common and the city gets a break from the persistent rain that characterizes the rest of the year.
Fact: With an average of 4.0 inches, February is clearly Sydney's wettest month. Typically, the rain is heavier during this time frame.
How is Winter in Sydney, Australia?
From June to August, Sydney has its winter season, which features a diverse range of weather.
The average daily temperature during this season is around 13 or 14 degrees Celsius (55 or 57 degrees Fahrenheit). However, it also has a period of rain, especially towards the beginning of the season in June.
In contrast to many other colder places, however, Sydney residences generally lack heating and sufficient insulation, which accentuates the feeling of cold.
Sydney’s winters rarely drop below freezing and never reach extreme lows. The western suburbs, further inland, may get mild frosts on rare occasions.
Despite the odd chill, Sydney’s winters are moderate, giving locals and visitors a taste of four different seasons.
Fact: In July 1968, for example, the mercury plummeted to a record low of -4°C (25°F) at Bankstown Airport.
Where to Find Snow Near Sydney Australia
Sydney, Australia has a moderate winter season however there are neighboring sites where you may enjoy snow-related activities despite the lack of natural snowfall.
Family-friendly “Snow Time in the Gardens” in Hunter Valley features an ice skating rink, toboggan rides, and a “Snow Play Zone” made of artificial snow.
Just a three- to four-hour car ride from Sydney, it is easy to get there for some wintertime fun.
Alternately, about four hours from Sydney Corin Forest Mountain Resort, which uses snow guns to simulate a snowy alpine setting.
Snow sports, alpine slides, skiing, and other winter activities are all available, making it a great option for novices, kids, and families looking for a snowy adventure close to the city.
Best Time to Visit Sydney Australia
Spring begins in early September and lasts till October. And this is usually the best time for sightseeing in Sydney.
The pleasant spring weather, low rainfall, and plenty of sunshine make it a wonderful time to get out and about and visit the sights.
November sees a minor uptick in precipitation, although it is still nowhere near as heavy as the summer storms. Additionally, heatwaves are uncommon in November, making it an attractive option.
An Important Consideration
There is no one “bad time” to visit Sydney; rather, it depends on the individual and the season.
Even though summer is often pleasant, it can also bring unusually hot days, violent thunderstorms, and long periods of rain. Autumn is rainier.
Fact: Spring is the best time to see Sydney's lively culture, gorgeous landmarks, and outdoor attractions because of the season's temperate, dry, and sunny weather.
Takeaway
Does it snow in Sydney Australia? The climate in Sydney, Australia is mild, and snowfall is uncommon. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing during the mild winters.
Snowfall is possible in the nearby mountains, especially the Blue Mountains. There may not be any natural snow, but artificial snow is available in adjacent locations.
Most people consider spring to be the best time to visit Sydney, but it depends on what you truly like because Sydney will welcome you no matter when you decide to visit.
